This week I’ve been exploring the different positions on slating auditions. I’ve shared 5 Reasons To Slate Your Audition and 5 Reasons Not To Slate Your Audition. It’s an interesting topic and opinions on the practice definitely vary.
Now that you’ve had a chance to consider the different sides of the coin perhaps you’ll have an easier time choosing your position on the topic. That said, if you do decide to slate your auditions, here are some tips to consider.
1) Use a voice of the opposite sex: I’ve heard of talent who have lost jobs because the client ended up liking the voice they used for their slate better than their own voice. The easiest way to avoid this… use a voice of the opposite sex. If you’re not going to voice your own slate, get a friend or colleague (of the opposite sex) to do it for you. Maybe trade services.
2) Slate in character: What I mean by this is, if you’re doing your own slate, slate the audition with the same voice, tone and delivery as the audition you’re about to give.
3) Keep it short and sweet: The client could be listening to a lot of auditions. The last thing they need is something adding even more time to that process. “Hi, my name is Marc Scott. I’m giving you three reads to consider.” Done. Short, sweet and to the point.
4) Don’t over produce it: You want the best part of your audition to be your actual audition… the script you’re reading for the client. Not your slate. On an audition, I’d even suggest no production at all.
5) Don’t say you’re sick: If your voice isn’t 100% or you have a cold or you’re hoarse, why are you even auditioning? You can’t give your best service. Do you really want to offer any less than your best? Mentioning your voice issues in the slate isn’t going to make the audition sound any better. It’ll likely just get it tossed.
Whether you decide to slate or not, now you’re armed with some information to make a better decision.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. What’s your experience? Do you slate? Do you skip it? Do you have any other tips to add to make it better?
Share your ideas, thoughts, comments and suggestions below.
