How To Make A Casting Tape For A Reality Competition Show
Winning the job, the guy or the pot of cash on a reality competition show begins with making a great audition tape. Here's how to make one.
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You Will Need
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Step 1:
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Pick Your Show
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Watch the show for which you're trying out carefully to make sure you fit with the type of contestants who have been chosen in the past. If you're over 40, you're probably not going to get far on an MTV show. Likewise, if you're a young whippersnapper, you may not even qualify for a survival show.
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Step 2:
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Ask a Friend to Help
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Find a good friend to help you feel comfortable on camera. Pick someone who will tell you if you're veering toward uncastable.
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Step 3:
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Prepare Your "Character"
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According to reality show producers, casting departments will use this tape to see how engaging and watchable you are. But they're also looking for "characters": people with a great story, who audiences can root for - or against. Do you play hockey on the weekend? Then you're "a jock." Like to go dancing? You're "a party animal." Basically, you'll want to project an extreme version of yourself.
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Step 4:
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Prepare Your "Goal"
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Chances are, the show's casting tape instructions ask you to tell them why you want to be on the show. Think of the first 5 reasons you want to try out for this show - and cross them out. Your reason should be unique, personal, and tied to your character. For example, Party Girl might see this as her chance to grow up and be taken seriously. Having a great story for how you'll use the prize money is a plus, too.
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Step 5:
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Set Up the Camera
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Now that you're prepared, get ready to shoot. Pick a room in your home with plenty of light, and set up on a tripod or stable shelf as close to eye level as you can get.
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Step 6:
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And… Action
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Hit record and give a short introduction including your name, age, and occupation. Keep your energy and charm on high, and speak directly to the camera.
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Step 7:
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Don't Be "The Wacky One"
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But avoid going into overdrive. Casting directors have been known to laugh at tapes from would-be contestants that envision themselves to be the "Wacky One."
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Step 8:
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Check Your Tape
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When you're done, remember to check your tape. It doesn't have to be high art, but you must be visible and the sound must be clear.
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Step 9:
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Good Luck
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Send it in, and you're done. If the producers like what they see, you'll be in for a long, laborious, and backbiting experience - and that's just the casting process. VideoJug wishes you luck.