Here’s One Weird Slating Trick That Will Help You Pace Your Performances

Hey there, hero!

When we audition, we also slate our work.

And often, we slate, then go right on and perform our audition.

That procedure can have a harmful unintentional effect on our performance.

Here’s what you can avoid that particular effect.

Hope this helps!

David

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  1. This is funny. Many times I’ve done it this way, either because I forgot to slate, or was so into the role that I wanted to get it ‘in the can’ before it left me. Then I’d go back and record the slate and prepend it to the audition. Or, often I’ll remember to slate, but not like the first take, and then when re-taking the audition, only record the script, not the slate, then edit them together. Either way, I end up with a good slate, and a read on the script that’s not unduly influenced by it. Maybe now I’ll just make a habit of forgetting about the slate until I have a take I’m happy with. Interesting. ?

  2. Well said David. Most don’t realize the little messages we send and what they say or how we aren’t setting ourselves up for the best success. Little adjustments can have big effects.

  3. David, for VO, I’ve recorded a number of slates in different colorations and have them saved to a file. After I record and audition, I select a slate that best matches the tone of the audition and pre-pend it to the audio file (pre-pending is what I’m most often asked to do). This has worked out pretty well.

  4. Hi David,
    As usual, more superb advice. I’m always amazed at the amount of “free” professional advice and information you provide to us actors out there. I really like this idea and while it will not work if I’m going up for a live commercial audition in LA, I think it’s a great idea for self tapes, etc. I feel it would allow me to “get out of my head” by going right into the audition first and then do a “relaxed” slate at the end. Greatly appreciated