Self Tapes with Michael Testa

Casting Access

Virtual

Self Tapes with Michael Testa

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Read Program Rules

Wednesday, June 28, 2023



Got questions? Email us at castingaccess@sagaftra.foundation.

SYNOPSIS

This online class will provide written feedback from an experienced casting professional. 

Michael will host an online Q&A via Zoom on Thursday, June 29th at 11AM PST / 2PM EST. Participants will receive a Zoom invitation the morning of the class. 

After the Q&A, your Casting Access profile headshot will be sent to Michael for assigned scenes. Instructions below if you need to update your headshot. Scenes will be assigned based on your Casting Access profile headshot. 

Participants will have until Wednesday, July 5th 9:00AM PST / 12:00PM EST to rehearse, record, and upload their self tape video. You will upload the video using your YouTube account and email the unlisted YouTube video link to castingaccess@sagaftra.foundation, with the subject Casting Access - Michael Testa. The casting professional will review your self-tape video and casting access profile headshot and provide written notes. 

Please read ALL self-tape requirements below.


CASTING DIRECTOR BIO

Michael Testa has cast over 70 films and television shows.

He was casting director for TV shows such as ROSWELL, COLD CASE, MAKE IT OR BREAK IT, RINGER, LOVE & SEX, STITCHERS, the LIVING BIBLICALLY pilot and many more.

Feature films include LOVE & SEX, BUDDY BOY, A DEADKY ADOPTION starring Will Ferrell & Kristen Wiig and the recent Lionsgate film INVITATION TO A MURDER. The Netflix films, LOVE IN THE VILLA, ONLY MINE and FALLING INN LOVE, and the Christmas movies DASHING IN DECEMBER and  A NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS for Paramount.


CASTING ACCESS PROFILE HEADSHOTS UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Sign in to your account at https://sagaftra.foundation. Click SIGN IN in the top right corner.
  • In the top right corner, click on MY ACCOUNT
  • On the left side, click on CASTING ACCESS PROFILE
  • Click CASTING ACCESS - ONLINE


Your video will not be accepted IF:

  • Your video is shot vertically instead of horizontally. If you need to shoot on an iPhone or tablet, turn it sideways.
  • It is not appropriately framed. Standard framing is top of the head to mid chest.
  • The video has poor sound, clarity, or lighting. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it cannot take away from your performance.
  • You have a distracting background. If you cannot provide a solid background, a minimal background is best.
  • Your video has title cards or subtitles. They are unnecessary.
  • Your video settings are not Unlisted. Videos that are Private or Public will not be accepted.
  • You “share” the video through YouTube. You must email the video URL to the specified email address.
  • You mark your video as Listed for Kids. Videos are unable to be sent to the instructor with this setting. (ie Listed for Kids means content for children.)  Click here to watch a video tutorial.


REQUIREMENTS

You must have completed a Casting Access Online application prior to registering for this class.

Please note that the 30-day frequency restriction applies to this workshop. Your last frequency-restricted workshop must have taken place no less than 30 (ninety) days prior to this event to be eligible to register.

If you RSVP for this class you must attend the Q&A on June 29th and be able to upload your video by 9:00AM PDT/12:00PM EST on July 5th.