How to Film a Professional Actor Slate in Cleveland (What Casting Directors Expect Now)
Things are different in the Northeast Ohio acting world than they were just a few years ago. Thanks to the success of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) and their campaign to bring feature films and network television shows to our state, Cleveland actors are booking jobs left and right.
But with the influx of bigger production companies come higher expectations for how Cleveland casting auditions are handled.
Submitting a self-tape is now the standard process for first-round auditions. Saying hello and picking up your sides in-person are few and far between. Your digital audition tape is your new handshake. And the very first thing casting sees on your tape? Your slate.
Need to know actor slate tips to help you look like a pro?
Whether you want to learn how to slate for auditions like a seasoned pro or how to match your slate energy to your Actor Access headshot, we break down everything you need to know step-by-step below:
The Self-Tape Workflow: Why Your Slate Really MATTERS
Think of your slate as the introduction to who you are as an artist. Sure, it “just” includes your name, your height, and where you are from. But that’s all hiring managers and casting directors see before they click “play” on your acting scene!
THE ATTITUDE YOU SET IN YOUR SLATE SETS THE EXPECTATION FOR YOUR AUDITION
If you are rocking logo tees and camo shorts in your slate, but then show up dressed like Don Draper in your acting scene, you’re going to seem wishy-washy. Hire me? But wait… I have to audition more?
Actor Slate Tips: Step-by-Step Breakdown
#1: What to Say (Keep it Simple)
Alright, you got it. Simple. Straight to the point. Casting did not ask you to list every movie you’ve ever auditioned for. Here’s exactly what you SHOULD say for your slate:
Your Name
Your Height (ex: “I am five foot nine.”)
IMPORTANT: Your Location/Local Hire - Always indicate if you’re available for local hire in Cleveland!
Your Agency (only if you are exclusively represented)
If casting didn’t specify how they want you to slate for the audition, that’s your exact formula.
PRO-TIP: If you ever feel yourself getting stuck or stumbling over your words, it’s OK to take a deep breath, smile, and pause for a second. Spluttering sounds awful on tape.
#2: How to Say it (Don’t Leave Your Personality in Your Dresser)
The number one actor slate tip is energy. You want to look like you’re happy the casting director has the privilege of reviewing your audition. Walk into your slate with confidence and enthusiasm.
Look INTO THE CAMERA lens. Casting will know if you’re secretly watching yourself on the iPhone flip screen, and it’s gross.
Many casting directors actually prefer what is called a “character slate,” where you try to match your energy to the vibe of the scene you’re about to read. This is common for darker drama scenes, or auditioning for a particularly likable character.
But a good rule of thumb is to be you, but your BEST you. Smile, take a breath, enunciate, pause once you’re done, and dive into the scene.
#3: Framing and Set Up
Typically, your slate is filmed in a medium close-up shot. (AKA from your chest up.) Same as your regular actor headshot.
If casting asks for a “full body slate”, simply do your slate information from your chest up, get the camera to either pan down and then back up, or step back to reveal your full body in frame, and THEN say your slate information.
Remember to film your slate horizontally, and NEVER upwards or downwards at the camera. Your camera should be set right at eye level.
Self-Taping at Home vs. Studio Setups in Cleveland
At home? In a studio? Here’s the breakdown on locations in Cleveland:
Actors Taping at Home
My number one rule when actors ask me how to film self-tapes in their apartment is this: Designate a spot. You need to pick a corner of your house that will be your “audition station.” Everything from here on out is about consistency. Casting likes to see it.
The Backdrop: Solid, neutral-colored backdrop. All white? Great. Blank wall with gray/blue tones? Perfect. Please do NOT do your slate in front of your bed with piles of laundry and closet doors hanging off of you.
The Lighting: Buy a ring light. It doesn’t have to be professional quality, but do yourself a favor and don’t slate in poor lighting. If you want to get really technical, position your light in front of you and slightly to the side so your face has dimension and you’ve got that coveted sparkle in your eyes.
The Audio: Unless you want to hear a wild echo in your audio, make sure there are no noisy fans/blenders/A/C units behind you.
And strongly consider buying a lavalier mic that plugs into your phone.
Actors Booking Studio Time
Believe it or not, many Cleveland actors actually prefer to book studio spaces to self tape their big auditions. Major networks, high-paying commercial jobs, and anything of that caliber almost always gets booked at a studio.
You’ll have access to professional lighting, soundproof booths, pristine backdrops, and sometimes even a live reader!
If you absolutely cannot film a clean slate at home, this is a great alternative. Just make sure to schedule around your actor's availability so you’re not spending $75 to sit in the waiting room while someone else auditions for your role.
The Golden Rule: Wardrobe and Headshot Consistency
Here is the secret that will get you bookings left and right: Consistency.
Think about it: when casting gets your self-tape submission through their portal, the first thing they see is your headshot. They like what they see. They click on your profile. They request your self-tape.
Then they open up your video file and watch… your slate. You are supposed to look like your headshot when you slate!
If you auditioned with a crisp, clean headshot, and show up on tape with wild hair, a stained tee, and harsh lighting… I PROMISE casting feels that. They spent time looking at your nice headshot, and now you’re giving them CVSBD (Casting Director Voluntary Self-Budgeting) DUDE IN A SUIT? MORE LIKE HOUSE PUNK.
Match your slate wardrobe to the vibe of your headshot. If you used your “commercial acting headshot” to submit your audition, be sure to throw on a nice, bright, flattering t-shirt with your slate. Edgy “theater headshot”? Throw a jacket on and keep your colors more muted.
As a Cleveland actor headshot photographer, it pains me when I see actors with inconsistent marketing materials. You spent time and money on that headshot, so let’s make sure it represents YOU when you get the audition. Match that wardrobe.
If you want to kick butt on Cleveland casting calls, your marketing materials need to match. Both your audition slate and your headshot need to portray who you are NOW.
At Capture Style, we pride ourselves on providing authentic, flattering, and CASTABLE actor headshots that truly match the energy you bring to your auditions. Schedule a session with our friendly staff and learn how a professional headshot can boost your casting success today!
