One Take or Multiple Takes?

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008, 20:21 (GMT) Post subject: One Take or Multiple Takes?

Just curious... when it comes to submitting custom auditions, do you include several takes of lines or try to just give one solid take? I've heard it both ways on some of your auditions on L & R and both seem to find success... what are your thoughts?

I guess this falls into the same category as "Slate or No Slate", and there are probably good reasons on either side... let's hear 'em...

Michael J. Schoen · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008, 20:25 (GMT) Post subject:

I almost always do one good take (and never slate)....
Unless there is a compelling reason to do multiples -- as where the seeker suggests it.
I figure the seeker is listening to many people -- doesn't need an extra take from me...even though I know there's more than one way I could do it.
One disadvantage of sending it over the internet is you get no feedback until it's too late.

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008, 21:31 (GMT) Post subject:

I've gotten away from slates but I do include a few different versions most of the time. Sometimes I'll do just one take all the way through but a lot of times I'll vary up maybe the first few sentences or other key phrases. I'd like to offer as much of a choice as possible as quickly as possible. I rarely do the entire audition script--I figure they get an idea right off the bat.

Cheers-CHEERZZZ!-Cheeeeeerz,
Cameron

Bob Bergen

Seth Adam Sher · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 01:44 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for this. It's interesting to note, tho, when I slate here on auditions, someone from v123 always emails me to say a) thanks for my audition, and b) slating is NOT needed, I should just concern myself with the audition script and nothing else.

SmartCast must not be based in LA then... Wink

Bob Bergen · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 01:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 02:43 (GMT) Post subject:

On the slate arm of this conversation... slate it yourself, have someone of the opposite gender slate for you, or doesn't matter?

Bob Bergen · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 03:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Lisa Foster · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 16:35 (GMT) Post subject:

Seth, that is interesting! I have ALWAYS slated every audition and never has v123 slapped my hand for it. (I don't slate the auditions that specifically say not to though.) Wonder why they haven't said anything to me? I agree with Bob, slating is good because if for some reason your file is mis-named, your name is still present in the recording. Still not sure why slating is a no-no - can someone explain that to me please?

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 16:47 (GMT) Post subject:

It's not that I heard it was a no-no but if the seeker is looking for a 100+ auditions, I've normally opted to just get to the script and let my voice make their decision as I can imagine they're going through them as quick as possible. If they like it, my name will be readily available on the file.

But if they're only going for a small batch, I'll take my time with slating and different takes. It just depends. But with Bob's advice, I'll probably include them more--after all, it takes, what, a second or two to slate.

Cheers,
Cameron

Michael J. Schoen · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 17:42 (GMT) Post subject: slating revisited

It's funny how things change.

If you hang around in any business long enough, things you learned get turned around. I was in L-A during the 90s -- when things were NOT slated. (no internet auditions then.)
Now I hear its a union standard to slate...
The argument against is that it's a redundancy -- and becomes the first thing the seeker hears when he or she opens your file.
Some of these people are going through 100 auditions!!!

But if a vast number of top pros are slating, I would have to reconsider.
I would love to hear more opinions about this.
I know how picky people can be in this industry. So now if they are going to say -- "well he didn't slate, he must not be that good" I would certainly slate everything!

Diane Havens · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 18:28 (GMT) Post subject:

If you're around here long enough, same questions are raised as new people come in.
Here's an old thread on slating -- enjoy!

http://voiceoversavvy.com/ftopic4314.html&highlight=slate

Louis Tristan · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 18:36 (GMT) Post subject: hummm

It depends. If am not sure will give them what they want but change the text.. One or two words still keeping context in flow...

Also if am feeling creative will do 1st take and send it, if they call, they call if not oh well...

(but) if its a script I like will go all out....

Michael J. Schoen · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 19:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Diane... interesting reading for sure...though not totally conclusive.
Thinking about what I said earlier about not slating in L-A during the 90s -- there were some times when I was asked to slate -- or when the agent slated... I heard dozens of demos and none I can remember had slates back then.
So, I may have slated on occasion -- but never on demos during that time.
I have always been a union talent.

Seth Adam Sher · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008, 19:29 (GMT) Post subject: