12 Rules for Filming the best possible Audition.

As so many commercial & digital auditions are self-filmed and we recommend that you pay particular attention to the casting instructions and you can use a few techniques and tools for your set up to record the best possible sound and capture both close-up reactions and full-frame scenes and achieve the best results and .

1: Use a tripod or stabilizer to maintain stability and avoid shaky footage. This way, you can keep the smartphone steady and focus on capturing the performance without any distracting movements and always ensure the microphone is facing you to capture your voice clearly.

2: Choose a suitable well-lit location with a plain background where you can film the audition. A neutral, non-distracting background helps to keep the focus on your performance and eliminate any unnecessary distractions and always use a quiet space with minimal background noise to record your audition. Check lighting: Ensure that your face is well-lit and clearly visible. Natural light or soft lighting from lamps is ideal. Close windows and doors to reduce external sounds.

3: Test your audio levels: Before recording, do a test to check the audio levels. Adjust the microphone sensitivity to avoid clipping or distortion. Consider using external microphones: For optimal audio quality. You can connect compatible microphones directly to your smartphone through the headphone jack or via Bluetooth, depending on your device model.

4: For voiceovers you should use a dedicated recording app: Both iPhones and Android phones have built-in voice recording apps. Alternatively, you can download a third-party app for more control over settings and use headphones with a built-in microphone for better sound quality and to minimize external noise for voice overs and longer monologues.

5: Most smartphones have front and back cameras, allowing you to film scenes from different angles. Use the back camera for capturing full-frame scenes and the front camera for close-up reactions. Some smartphone apps also allow you to switch between the two cameras conveniently.

6: Always film in landscape mode (horizontally) rather than portrait mode (vertically). Landscape mode provides a wider field of view and is more suitable for auditions, as it closely resembles the aspect ratio of professional cameras. Adjust camera settings of your smartphone to enhance the video quality. You can typically adjust exposure, white balance, and resolution to achieve better results. Depending on the available options, you might need to experiment to find the settings that work best for your situation.

7: Zooming and framing: While filming a full-frame scene, avoid using digital zoom. Instead, try to position yourself at an appropriate distance to capture the desired frame. For close-up reactions, use the front camera or physically move closer to the subject while using the back camera.

8: Test lighting conditions: Lighting plays a crucial role in any video production. Test the lighting conditions in your chosen location beforehand. If natural lighting is insufficient, consider using additional lighting sources, such as lamps or LED panels, to ensure proper visibility and clarity.

9: Record multiple takes: Filming auditions often involves multiple takes to capture the best performance. Be ready to record multiple versions and angles, allowing you to assess and select the most compelling ones during the editing process.

10:Edit your footage: After filming, you can use various editing apps available for both iPhone and Android phones or computer to refine your footage. Trim unnecessary parts, adjust color balance or brightness if needed, and compile the best clips together for a polished audition video.

11: Familiarize yourself with the script and rehearse your lines so you can deliver a convincing performance. Record multiple takes and choose the best ones for your audition submission.

12: Remember to always respect any guidelines or specifications provided by the casting or audition process. If there are any specific instructions regarding video format, length, or content, make sure to follow them closely and do not add extra graphics, music or special effects as they detract from the performance and add size to the finished tape/files.

We hope these tips will help filming an audition with your mobile phone, capturing sound close-up reactions and full-frame scenes effectively. Good luck with your audition!