By Chad Mosher
We're in the 21st century and, believe it or not, a lot of game shows are finally starting to enter it, too. Many new game shows are starting to employ video auditioning as part of the process to get on their show. A video audition consists of the potential contestant talking about himself and answering any provided questions into a video camera. Sometimes you'll be required to send this in on DVD with a paper application in the mail or, as with the recent example of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, some shows will open up video submissions for a limited time, and allow you to upload them online. This is probably the easiest way to get onto the show so it's important to do everything right the first time.
The first thing is to follow all standard audition procedures, as well as the show's rules for the tape. Follow all of the ideas and guidelines I've mentioned in previous blogs, like The Three Bes (Be You... Just Turned Up; Be Familiar with the Show; Be Calm, Controlled and Breathe!) and to chose your outfit as if you were going to a nice Sunday brunch. Since you're taping this in your own home, you've got the advantage. There's no reason to be nervous, because as long as you have enough discs or hard drive space, you can make as many takes as you want until you get it right. That leads us right into the next point.
Make it look good! Since you've got "all the time in the world" to make a good impression, you should really take the time to make it as good as you can get it. Try to make it as professional as you can: Use multiple angles, get good lighting, try to shoot in multiple places, etc. Afterward, edit it all together and make it impressive. Making it look as professional as possible shows the casting producers that you're serious and dedicated in trying to get on their show and it will give them a more favorable opinion of you.
In addition to professionalism, they're looking for creativity. Don't just sit on your couch staring into the camera, reading your list of accomplishments from a piece of paper. Have someone help you and move around, film in different areas that help you show who exactly you are. As long as you meet their requirements, you've got the artistic freedom to show yourself however you want. Use that to its fullest extent - coordinators are looking for someone who will take the risk to be different, not someone who fits the cookie cutter mold.
Video auditions are the best way to let the people in charge see how you'll react in your comfort zone, giving them a look into the real you. This is a special opportunity, so do the best you can to make the most of it.
Related Reading:
General Game Show Application Tips
Application and Video Tips from Deal or No Deal's Casting Producer
Game Show Casting Calls
Chad Mosher is a past game show contestant, and has experience in many aspects of the game show industry. He contributes a weekly column here at About.com Game Shows, answering your questions and tackling all facets of the game show genre. If you have questions for Chad, you can post them here in the comments, or contact him directly through the link in his bio.
We're in the 21st century and, believe it or not, a lot of game shows are finally starting to enter it, too. Many new game shows are starting to employ video auditioning as part of the process to get on their show. A video audition consists of the potential contestant talking about himself and answering any provided questions into a video camera. Sometimes you'll be required to send this in on DVD with a paper application in the mail or, as with the recent example of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, some shows will open up video submissions for a limited time, and allow you to upload them online. This is probably the easiest way to get onto the show so it's important to do everything right the first time.
The first thing is to follow all standard audition procedures, as well as the show's rules for the tape. Follow all of the ideas and guidelines I've mentioned in previous blogs, like The Three Bes (Be You... Just Turned Up; Be Familiar with the Show; Be Calm, Controlled and Breathe!) and to chose your outfit as if you were going to a nice Sunday brunch. Since you're taping this in your own home, you've got the advantage. There's no reason to be nervous, because as long as you have enough discs or hard drive space, you can make as many takes as you want until you get it right. That leads us right into the next point.
Make it look good! Since you've got "all the time in the world" to make a good impression, you should really take the time to make it as good as you can get it. Try to make it as professional as you can: Use multiple angles, get good lighting, try to shoot in multiple places, etc. Afterward, edit it all together and make it impressive. Making it look as professional as possible shows the casting producers that you're serious and dedicated in trying to get on their show and it will give them a more favorable opinion of you.
In addition to professionalism, they're looking for creativity. Don't just sit on your couch staring into the camera, reading your list of accomplishments from a piece of paper. Have someone help you and move around, film in different areas that help you show who exactly you are. As long as you meet their requirements, you've got the artistic freedom to show yourself however you want. Use that to its fullest extent - coordinators are looking for someone who will take the risk to be different, not someone who fits the cookie cutter mold.
Video auditions are the best way to let the people in charge see how you'll react in your comfort zone, giving them a look into the real you. This is a special opportunity, so do the best you can to make the most of it.
Related Reading:
General Game Show Application Tips
Application and Video Tips from Deal or No Deal's Casting Producer
Game Show Casting Calls
Chad Mosher is a past game show contestant, and has experience in many aspects of the game show industry. He contributes a weekly column here at About.com Game Shows, answering your questions and tackling all facets of the game show genre. If you have questions for Chad, you can post them here in the comments, or contact him directly through the link in his bio.
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