No, but the points made are on the right track…
Recently, I was doing some voice over work and when I turned on my phone during a break, a commercial casting had come through for a couple days time, the same day I was due to be back in the studio for another session. So I rearranged the work and went to the casting, and was excited to hear I got a recall. At the audition you had to ‘tick’ that you were free for the recall the following Monday, one week from the casting. But now the recall had changed…it was now on Sunday. (A day I was working my day job, because, ya know, weekends are safe to work a shift right?!) I got my shift covered and figured I may as well make preliminary plans for if I booked the job. 5 days after the callback was the flight to a different continent to shoot, for 5 days. The recall message said it was a “very small group” so I was actually in with a chance! I arranged potential work cover and pet sitting and made sure all my travel documents were up to date. It came to the end of the week, Friday (callback on Sunday) and my agent messaged me to share that the client had changed their mind and they were going in a different direction. My invitation to the recall was rescinded.
I felt that was disrespectful. But, then again, I could tell you 10 more stories like this of my 10+ years in the industry. Olivia is not wrong for using the word ‘disrespectful’ to describe facets of being an actor in a recent interview. But I cannot say that, ultimately, an actor being invited to audition for a project and the first round of auditions are for actors to put themselves on tape, is disrespectful. However, there are certainly facets of self taping that could be considered so, and in that sense I think our attention can be a little more focussed…
Below, in italics, is the short indiewire article entitled “Olivia Colman: Asking Actors to Self-Tape Auditions Is ‘Disrespectful’”. My thoughts then follow each segment…
Olivia Colman has joined the chorus of Hollywood stars expressing their distaste for self-taped auditions.
This is, already, proving the point that any sweeping generalisation about something like auditions is not helpful. ‘Hollywood Stars’ make up 0.1% of actors. If only 2% earn their main source of income from acting work in the first place, the ones that are mainstream famous make up an even fewer percentage. If I was Olivia Colman (one can only bloody wish 🙏🙌) I would probably feel the way she goes on to explain and want to say something about it too. The thing is, I’m not, and neither are the other tens of thousands of actors on Spotlight.
In a new conversation with Andrew Scott published in Interview Magazine, Colman explained why she feels like the entertainment industry’s increased reliance on audition tapes ultimately hurts actors.
For some, it absolutely does. For others, it absolutely does not.
The practice, which was a sticking point in collective bargaining negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP in 2023, gained widespread popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic before becoming a permanent fixture of the industry. While its supporters cite increased convenience and expanded talent pools as evidence that it’s a beneficial practice, Colman said that self-taped auditions deprive actors of the opportunity to receive feedback and form in-person connections with casting directors.
This is true. It’s one of, what could be, many drawbacks about self taping. But there are many other positives about self taping and ultimately, they aren’t going anywhere. They are too convenient for too many people (not just talking about actors here) to be rid of them. So instead of demonizing them, we should be figuring out how to use them efficiently, respectfully, and beneficially for all.
Also, to clarify, the part about SAF-AFTRA and the AMPTP implies that SAG were fighting to go back in the room completely, which is not the case. The article that is linked on this point cites a lead negotiator from the union who says “We’re not looking to go back to a world where self-tapes don’t exist, to the contrary, self-tapes, when done correctly, can be a real advantage to our members in terms of access, accessibility, and opportunities for underrepresented groups.” (Bingo!)
It’s very disrespectful. It’s basically a memory test, isn’t it? Because they give it to you really late,” Colman said of self-taped auditions, which often require extensive memorization. “It’s really rude. I can see how it’s easier for them not to have to do things in the flesh, but I wouldn’t have gotten where I am if I’d had to do self-tapes, because I used to go to auditions knowing that they didn’t want me, but it was so much fun to win them over.”
These points are interesting because, again, they do need to be talked about. Receiving a self tape with a short turnaround can be described as rude because it’s assuming the actor doesn’t have anything else to do but sit by their computer, self tape setup ready to go, refreshing their email until a self tape request pops up. But, generally, that is not the fault of the casting director. If you are getting information late, it’s probably because they got it late too. Also, Casting Directors are on actors sides! CD’s invite actors to audition because they believe they may be right for the part (contrary to what Olivia says, although I’m sure she experienced that in some cases!) You’re there to prove Casting Directors right, who are also trying to look good for the production in providing excellent options of actors for their projects! If there is rudeness and disrespect, it’s from those higher up who know they can engage in whatever practice they like because if the actor doesn’t like it, there are 100s of others who will do it. It’s also, a lot of the time, not up to the CD whether or not it’s self tape or in person audition. They might not have their own studio and not be given a budget to rent a space. (A studio in London to rent can be thousands of pounds a month.)
The want for feedback, direction and face to face contact is a totally valid point. And it is one of the reasons I, personally, prefer in the room auditions. However, I can name far more auditions I’ve had where I wasn’t given any feedback or back and forth at all, than I can name those in which I did.
Scott echoed Colman’s sentiments, recalling his early days of submitting audition tapes and how fruitless the practice felt compared to in-person auditions. “I used to go into the post office on Denmark Street and buy myself a zippy bag or whatever, put my videotape in and send it off to America for some fucking thing I was never going to get,” the “Ripley” star said. “It’s horrific. And then you wouldn’t hear anything.”
Conflating the experience of self taping in 2024 to a time where they had to be sent as videotape in a ziplock bag is not very helpful or relevant. However, the ‘not hearing anything’ point IS what we need to be talking about!! Which ISN’T a self tape thing…it’s an audition thing!! Instead of fusing the frustration of no feedback with self tapes in general, let’s just talk about the no feedback situation in itself! We know Casting Directors are very busy people, but the phenomenon of hearing a yes or no still only being a conversation and it still being that you’re more likely to never hear anything until you see a cast announcement on twitter or in Variety, is pointing towards that “disrespectful” end of the spectrum. (Just a simple button on Spotlight or a blanket email to agents will suffice!!) But hey, in the UK industry it’s ACTUALLY a conversation at least. In North America there isn’t even a peep. (Equity’s guidelines are something to familiar to any actor too!)
End of article.
I am sure the interview this article references is more nuanced than the quotes pulled for this short piece, but you can understand why this has rattled some cages. Some, on twitter, are saying they “wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for self tapes” much echoing Olivia’s own words about being in the room. I think the issue here is the generalisation, and how the people so far outside of 98% life are the ones having the microphone on these things. Their experienece of auditioning, whether in self tape or in person, will be so vastly different to the majority of us. Andrew Scott might be annoyed he never hears back from self tapes because he’s so used to communication from people in normal auditions…but most of us don’t even have that!
We know the reasons why self tapes are unsavoury to some actors, but there are many who celebrate them. I could go into the pros and cons, accessibility and equity being huge pros, but I’m already waffling on and most are probably already aware. In my opinion, there should be a choice. One actor may want to have the full experience of auditioning in the room and give their best performance with their one shot. Another actor may come alive in a self tape instead because of the freedom it offers. There’s also the matter of how it makes auditions accessible in that people can tape from anywhere in the world. It means that actors don’t have to move to, and live in, certain cities just to have a chance. Or they don’t have to spend upwards of 200 pounds for a train ticket to go to an audition. But then, those who do move and live in a certain city, because they want to be where it happens - want to be able to have it worth their while. You see, there really are two sides to this self tape coin.
I’ve seen it happen where casting have offered a studio for actors to tape in…but casting will not be present. Only the equipment and a reader. That makes me wonder, why not offer the choice of being in the room if you have one anyway? Or, if remote auditions are acceptable - how about a zoom audition? The way I see it going is self taping for first round, in person for future rounds. But then - what about when Andrew Scott performs in the West End, but his LA agent gets him an audition for the next Greta Gerwig film filming in New York? (I mean, Andrew Scott might not even have to audition anymore but, you get my drift…) I’m sure Andrew would be thankful for the choice of self taping then…So if it’s ok for A-Listers in some cases, why can’t it be seen as ok for everyone else too? After all, self tapes were introduced in the first place for actors working on jobs out of town but who casting still wanted to see. I believe the feelings around self tapes are very circumstantial, which is why this somewhat click-baity headline has ruffled feathers - it isn’t very representative.
A casting director wanting to consider actors from all over the country and so does first round self tape auditions to find regional actors for certain regional roles…respectful!
A filmmaker asking for self tape auditions with 10 pages of lines to learn with a deadline in two days who denies an actor asking for an extension because of childcare issues…disrespectful.
A casting office emailing an actor who submitted a self tape after they saw a twitter call-out thanking them for their tape but letting them know it won’t go further, but that they’ll keep them in mind in future…respectful!
The recipient of a self tape never acknowledging the receiving of it, never downloading the link, and never getting back to the actor…disrespectful.
A casting director sending audition notices to agents and offering the choice of self taping for those who prefer it, because they want to see the best from the actor in however they choose to audition…respectful!
A casting director saying they’re going to give a yes or no/update tagmin…but then they never actually do…disrespectful.
Olivia Colman has been vocal recently about the pay gap in the industry, something she has experienced that trickles down to all sectors of the industry and within actors. That’s a generalisation that is warranted, welcomed, and needed. (Despite it being 2024, how are we still having to discuss this?!) But something like self tapes is so nuanced, and there are so many facets, that I wish the points made above could be singled out and discussed on their own…
Late audition notices
No respect for actors time
No follow up
When actors are sent multiple scenes and sides, knowing that the viewer of the tape could watch the first 30 seconds, make a decision, and not watch the rest
Those who give no consideration of giving a choice of self tape vs in the room
Those from the other side of the table having no desire to go back in the room
Lack of understanding from those on the other side about just how much effort self taping takes
If Olivia and Andrew experience this in self taping, but not when they’re in the room, you can see where their frustrations are coming from. I sorely, sorely, miss being in the room. I like “booking the room”. Joking with people, being alive in the moment. I want to make a mark and be remembered. I want to flex my audition skills as well as my performance skills. But I also have representation elsewhere who I self tape for to be considered for roles, despite me not being based there a lot of the time. I came to a city alive with TV and film opportunity to be able to go to auditions. But it’s been self tapes for 4 years now. In that time I’ve sent over 100 self tapes into the ether with radio silence in return. (Which also points to the fact that in casting seeing more people, an actors audition-to-booking ratio gets lower.) But If I am priced out of this city one day, (which is the way it’s going), it feels comforting to know I could move somewhere I can live a nice life, and still have the chance to audition, with self tapes. Especially if only just for first round (I remember going to an in person audition for a big BBC show years ago and they said that were auditioning over 300 people for that one role…!!)
Self tapes are a great option. They have been for years, for many circumstances. And not just for actors. A casting director might want to actively seek newer talent and self taping means they can open the pool wider. They might be on maternity leave and self tapes are better for them right now. Self tapes are here to stay, in some form. So just as I got confident with my audition skills, now my self tape skills are something I’m proud of and excited to showcase. It can completely open you up to how you play with a scene for an audition. You’re the director. But self tapes can also be a complete pain in the arse. And when they come through at the worst time, you can’t find a reader, your internet is dodgy, your dog won’t stop barking and you’re trying not to wake your neighbours, your tapes may not represent your best work in the way going in the room would. There is no one way to describe self tapes. In a positive or negative light. To do so eradicates all sorts of details about the process. But considering they’re here to stay, we should be listening to all those involved in this process in how to find a middle ground that suits everyone.
There are many ways we may encounter disrespect while partaking in self taping. As you can with any audition. Self tapes are freeing, helpful, annoying, stressful, exciting, intimidating, an opportunity, a faff…They’re a lot of things. But I’m not sure if ‘disrespectful’ is one of them.
Some disrespectful facets of being an actor I’d love to be discussed at a higher level:
-Fake self tapes and deceitful agents
-The rife sexual harassment/racism/misconduct in UK theatres
-Obscenely expensive workshops and 1-1 sessions with industry pros
-Being pencilled for commercials until you’re no longer of use to them then they release you, but expect you to be totally free for all filming dates until they do
-The ways actors working front of house at theatres are disrespected
-Cattle call auditions/open calls
…I could go on.
In dissecting the complexities of self-taped auditions and their implications for actors, it's clear that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. As demonstrated by Olivia Colman and Andrew Scott’s remarks and the subsequent discourse, the conversation surrounding self-taping is multifaceted.
It's important to recognise that the issues raised here extend beyond the mere logistics of auditioning; they touch upon broader themes of respect, communication, and equity within the industry. From the frustration of late audition notices to the systemic challenges of receiving no follow-up or feedback, actors grapple with a myriad of practices that warrant further examination and discussion.
While self-tapes may remain a staple of the auditioning process, let's not lose sight of the larger conversation at hand. Let's continue to challenge the status quo, amplify marginalized voices, and work together to create a more respectful and supportive environment for actors at every stage of their careers.
In the end, it's not just about self-tapes—it's about fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and fairness that benefits us all.
-By Alexa Morden
Below is a quote from Annelie Powell CDG, sharing her thoughts about this article on instagram. She will be doing a Q&A about this sometime soon, so go follow her so you don’t miss it! @powellcasting
“With the greatest of respect to Olivia, what’s happening here is one actor is taking their situation, from like 20 years ago, and conflating it with today. The article is also taking her take and applying it to a huge amount of other people, as if it’s the general industry consensus. I’ve been watching with interest the huge amount of actors disagreeing amongst themselves over this. Some love self tapes. Some love being in the room. Some feel thetlve really lost something, Other think they’ve gained something by the ability to self tape. That’s because processes are bespoke to you. Just in the same way they are when rehearsing. The reality is self tapes are here to stay. A mis of in the room meetings (and for theatre always) happen, but the majority will be self tapes. And of course you can complain about it! We all love an industry moan, but that’s not my real point. My post is that when these articles come out, it really pits casting against actors. I’m far more concerned that actors think we DON’T want them to win (referencing Colman’s comment about not being wanted) What would be the point in inviting you to tape/to come in if that was our hot take. It’s a sham because this full article was insightful, and useful about acting in some ways, and fame in many. But then there always has to be a villain in the story doesn’t there. Also, Andew complained too and they didn’t pick him out as poster complaining boy, so apologies to Olivia for hanging this solely around her neck at the beginning. But yes. Casting doesn’t need to be won over, we are looking for you to solve our puzzle. When we ask you to tape or meet we aren’t thinking “you’ll never get this”. We are hoping that you do.”
Alexa is an actor, coach, writer, animal/nature lover, crafter, and all round creative. As founder, producer and co-host of The 98% she has released 100+ episodes of the podcast over the past 6 years, providing a first of its kind look at the realities of being an actor. Featuring industry professionals from all corners of the industry, Alexa has gained valuable insight into the many facets of working in the entertainment industry and is excited to be using this, and her 10+ years of professional experience, to work with fellow actors sharing realistic, relatable and tangible advice and acting coaching. You can find her at @alexamorden on twitter or @alexa_morden on instagram. You can follow the podcast everywhere at @the98percentpod for more relatable #actorslife content!