Memo

To: NTA Family

From: The Entire NTA Staff

Date: Monday, 08/31/2020

RE: Self-Tape Auditions

Dear Beloved NTA Family, 

First and foremost, we want to thank everyone for being so accommodating during these uncertain times. In addition, we hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, wearing masks when out and about, and practicing social distancing. 

That being said, we wanted to touch base with you and provide some information about changes in the industry going forward. It appears as though self-taped auditions are the new normal for the foreseeable future. While auditioning in the room for casting has always been preferred, self-taping can be viewed positively. It is an opportunity to save time, gas, and money, the ability to audition wherever you are in the world, and gives you the chance to tape as many takes as you like, filming an audition you can feel confident in. 

Additionally, casting directors are only seeing about a third of the people they were able to see pre-virus, so we want to stress how great of an opportunity it is to be sent a self-tape request at this time. Though not required, this could also be a good time to invest in a ring light and blank backdrop if you have the available funds to do so (see below).

We have heard from multiple casting directors around the industry who have mentioned that those who get their self-tapes in quicker have a higher likelihood of getting avails, callbacks, and bookings. Please keep this in mind going forward.

Because of the limited amount of self-tapes that casting is requesting, it is more apparent to their office when you continuously pass on taping. Please note that these cancellations could impact your future relations with the casting office. Casting will remember these cancellations, even with the eventual opening up of in-person auditions when the time comes. 

And of course, lastly, now is a great time to make sure your casting profiles are up to date. This includes your skills, measurements, and contact information. If you have new photos, send them over to us to give them a look!

As always, if you have any questions regarding self-tapes or self-tape equipment, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Self-Taping Logistics

It is understandable that some of you may be discouraged by the technical challenges that self-tapes may present. We don’t want these difficulties to get in the way of you submitting an audition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Adam at adam@ntatalent.com with any questions you may have and he will do his best to assist you. 

Please also see below for some recommendations on gear that is affordable and can step up your self-tape production. *Please note these are not required, but recommended.