9) DELIVERING YOUR PERFORMANCE

Test your camera first for sound and lighting and make sure everything is working before you start your performance. Do a test recording and playback to check for technical problems.

If possible, have your reader start and stop the camera for you.  This will help you stay relaxed and you can concentrate on your work as an actor.

Do not start speaking until you take a breath and you are ready.  It is better to wait at least 10 seconds after the camera starts recording.

It is important that you move naturally while you speak.  Stand (don’t sit on a chair) even if your character is sitting in the scene.

Test how much you can move before you start recording (you will be surprised even with a close up shot how much you can move your head naturally and still stay in frame).

Let your arms hang down naturally and free at your sides.

Memorization is hard but not impossible. If you make a mistake in your words keep on going.  It is better to make some small mistakes and have a good performance than to try again and again to make the words perfect.

When you are finished your scene stay in character for another 10 seconds before the camera stops.  Emotion should stay on your face after you stop speaking.  These moments can help tell your story.

Generally your best performance will be the 1st, 2nd or 3rd recording you make.  If you record more takes than this your performance may become boring and lose its authenticity.

Replay the scene with your reader watching your performance with you after each recording (each take). You will both have ideas on how to improve your performance.

When you are finished recording, look at all the scenes again together with your reader and decide which is the best one you want to keep and use as your demo scene on Casting Workbook.

Be kind to yourself - no recording will ever be perfect. Do the best you can, be honest and be authentic.  A performance that is not perfect “to you” may be perfect in the eyes of the person who is watching (the prospective agent or Casting Director). The agent or Casting Director is looking for your talent - not scene perfection.  On the day, when you are working on a Film or TV project, the director will help you find the perfect performance.

GOOD LUCK!