You’ve got a highly under-utilized commercial audition secret weapon in your pocket: your cell phone camera! Here are my tips on what to snap!
CALLBACK AND BOOKING DETAILS
Generally, the callback and booking dates for the job you’re auditioning for are posted near the sign-out sheet. Snap a photo so you can plan to be available after you crush it in the room.
THE STORYBOARD
Many times, I’ll arrive at an audition to find a few pages of storyboards posted on the wall with a hoard of actors crowded around, trying to figure out what’s what. I politely shove my arm through the crowd and grab a photo. Then I go sit down and review at my leisure. So breezy!
THE BOARD IN THE ROOM
You know when those storyboards have half-lines sprinkled across three pages and it’s hard to memorize or get the rhythm of the whole spot? When I go in the room for the explanation, they’ll have the lines all on one sheet right next to the camera, and I grab that photo. I use this as my script when waiting for my turn in the room! Bonus points, you now have the script in your phone when you get that callback. Booyah.
THE SIGN-IN SHEET
If you sign out (and you should be signing out), you’ll definitely want to grab a photo of the sign-in sheet so you have proof if anyone tampers with it or you don’t get paid for the overtime. This will rarely come into play, but hey, this is a business!
I hope this was helpful! Go crush those auditions!