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VideoSlate - FAQs
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Q. How do I get a VideoSlate?
A. To schedule a VideoSlate, please call (212) 290-0700.
All videotaping sessions are done at our studio at 526 W26 Street (west of 10 Ave), Room 508.
We accomodate both regular and evening hours and will usually schedule your videotaping session in 1-2 weeks so that you have enough time to prepare.
Q. What are your prices and payment options?
A. There is a one-time videotaping fee which includes studio time, camera person and reader, videotaping, editing and color/audio correction, digitizing and compressing for the web, uploading to your reelact website and unlimited hosting.
- First VideoSlate: $285
- Additional VideoSlates: $75 (must be scheduled at the same time)
Payment options:
- Credit card.
- Personal check. Please allow an additional week for check processing.
A full non-refundable payment is required in order to reserve studio and camera time.
Q. Can I pay in person at the time of my appointment?
A. The biggest portion of your payment goes towards studio and camera time. Unfortunately, we cannot recover these costs once
a reservation is made so we require a full, non-refundable payment in order to schedule a time.
Q. What material do I need to prepare?
A. You will need to prepare a 1-minute scene. We have a selection of sample scenes
that you can choose from, or you can do a scene of your own.
If you choose your own scene, please make sure that it is under 1 minute, and don't forget to bring a copy for the reader.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Wear colors that are flattering but avoid all white or all black, and pick rich colors over pastels. We start with a full body shot from the knees up, so do not worry about your shoes. If you get hot under studio lights, bring something to blot shine from your face.
Q. Will there be someone to read with me?
A. We always provide a reader at the audition, however if it's important to you that the reader be a certain gender or age, please bring your own reader. The reader will read the scene with you but stay off-camera at all times.
Q. Anything else I should keep in mind before I come in?
A. Yes. Here are some recommendations based on feedback we receive from casting directors and producers.
- Casting directors prefer scenes. They feel that monologues are often over-rehearsed and over-coached, and want to see you interact with others.
- Do your scene standing and avoid props. Casting directors feel that sitting in a chair or using props such as a cell phone may be due to lack of comfort with the camera.
- Avoid scenes that require pacing, jumping or walking around. Move normally but keep in mind that the camera will accomodate a limited range of motion so keep it simple.
- Make sure you are comfortable with the subject and the language of the scene. If you do not understand what your character is saying, choose another scene.
- If you can afford it, make 2 VideoSlates: one comedic and one dramatic. This will help to show your range and avoid being typecast.
Q. What happens during the videotaping?
A. First, you will introduce yourself to the camera and say something short about yourself. For example, you can say, "Hi! My name is Kate and my favorite color is yellow".
Next, we do your scene. We do several takes and try slightly different interpretations if you feel like it. It's a friendly process - you can start and stop as you like.
After we are satisfied that we have a couple good takes and enough full-body shots and close-ups, you are done. We will choose the best takes and do the editing, color correction and sound adjustments, as well as web-encode your video and upload it to your website.
Q. How long before my VideoSlate is online?
A. It takes 1 week to process your VideoSlate. When the video is uploaded, you will receive an automatic email so you know your video is up.
If you have an urgent need, please request expedited processing and we will accommodate you at no additional charge (if possible).
Q. How do I publish the VideoSlate to my own website?
A. There is a $25/processing fee per video. To request a video for personal use, please email us the link to the video and the requested format such as quicktime, flash or windows media.
We will email you the converted video along with simple instructions on how to embed the video in your page (for iActor and similar services, you will simply need to upload the video using online video edit tool).
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