Auditions - "on tape" v. in person

I was reading a friend's book and she talked about the benefits of submitting via tape/video/YouTube.

As a Director, I attend all of the casting sessions for my films and, depending on the turnout, I hate or love casting.  But I prefer that you show up.  Now, I understand that if you are trying to book Army Wives or the Next Joss Whedon film you may need to "go on tape" to submit.  However, WHENEVER POSSIBLE you should show up. 

I have done a dozen or so castings, in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers and Clearwater.  We have had probably three dozen video submissions.  We booked four.  Three of which were for people that we had already worked with.  Only one was booked straight from the tape - and she just blew us away.

When I'm casting, there are usually 4-5 people in the room, at least 2.  I am told every time that I spend too much time with each person.  But for me, I like to know the type of person that I am considering.  I would much rather have someone that is likeable and will not be complaining ever minute of the day and is a 7 (acting-wise) than have a perfect 10 (talent-wise) and be an @$$.

The only cast/crew members that didn't work out were the ones that I felt forced to use, because I needed a "body".  This is the main reason that I like to use the same actors and crew members over again; I know their pros and cons.

During a 5-10 minute casting session with me you can try to fool me into getting the job, but unlikely.  Many actors have told me that their resumes are barely skimmed over during auditions; I read and ask questions, if I have internet access I'll IMDb/Facebook/Google you.  May have questions from there as-well.  And, if you have listed accents or a special talents on your resume - you had better be able to perform them.  At one interview, one actor had nearly two dozen accents/dialects listed - he performed at least a dozen before he left. 

If you show up at the audition, you will make an impression on me.  You have the choice whether to make it a bad impression or not. 

Be polite/courteous/nice.
Be passionate - about acting/role/film
Be memorable - see above, an anectdote that is pertinate to the film, a unique talent.

And last, but most definitely NOT least - you show me how you take direction.  Usually, we will give the 1st cold read with little info.  After that read we will talk and critique and we will ask if you want to do it again.  If you say yes, you will be given more direction and back story. (HINT: ASK.  Many people don't ask any questions and we say the same things over and over again, sometimes we may forget a sentance and that may have been the one piece of info you needed to make the character yours.  So, when in doubt, ASK.)  This is the MAIN difference as a taped audition will not get feedback

Make me remember you and even if it doesn't work out now, we may give you a call down the road and ask if you would like to be part of a project.

Donald E. Reynolds
Writer-Director-Producer
http://www.imdb.me/donaldereynolds
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RnD-Entertainment-Studios/104013786299363