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Stop stressing about your virtual auditions, rock your self-tapes, and book more work with simple, repeatable techniques and unshakable support.

Does this sound familiar?

You’ve started filming dozens of self-tapes only to miss your submission deadlines because you can never get the perfect take.

You’ve been passing on killer parts because self-tapes aren’t your thing and you’ve been waiting for this “phase” in auditioning to pass. (Psst...it’s not gonna!)

You’re struggling to make your self tapes look more professional without spending a fortune on equipment you don’t know how to use anyway.

OR MAYBE…

You’re pretty sure you've been rockin’ your self tapes but yet you’re not getting callbacks.

You’re overwhelmed navigating virtual auditions or taking direction on the fly via Zoom. You feel rushed, frustrated, and uncertain.

You’re confused about what you need to tweak in your tapes or your setup and could use some expert, personalized feedback.

Whatever the case, don’t worry! You’re not alone. Even seasoned actors have been struggling with the virtual audition process.

But I’ve got you. You’re not in this by yourself anymore. 🙌

Don’t Take It from Me

Upcoming Sessions

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Quit passing on potentially INCREDIBLE roles because you don’t know where to begin with self-tapes.

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Stop obsessively reshooting your self tapes and be truly excited with the look, sound, and results of your efforts (even if they’re not “perfect”).

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Rest easy knowing you’re not going to lose your representation because you’re afraid of the self tape world.

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Feel confident and clear taking direction via Zoom and show casting directors how amazing you are to work with.

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Be a part of a community of fellow actors who get what you’re going through and who will be in your life for years to come.

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Actually HAVE FUN with the audition process again and book those roles you desperately want (and need)!

I discovered Mel Mack on “Backstage” in a live & free session. I was impressed and asked for guidance on how to proceed. Mel responded almost immediately and the journey began. Over the past month, I also took advantage of other live on-line classes. It was amazing the depth of information that Mel was providing versus what I was receiving with others. She answered questions, she offered so many personal suggestions for improving my home setup, my performances, how and what to submit … all with a smile and professionalism. If anyone wants to take the “next step” and become more proficient in self-taping or just improve your on-screen performance, Melonie Mack is the perfect choice … and it’s all about making choices! Thank you, Mel, for all you have done!
Rick Voight

Introducing Nailed It! Master Your Virtual Auditions

As a working casting director, an acting coach, and an actor with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in the Industry, but this pandemic has shaken us all in completely new ways.

And my class, Nailed It! Master Your Virtual Auditions, is the answer you’ve been searching for to go from confusion to clarity in navigating this new world of acting.

With my signature steps-to-success, you’ll be able to…

Nail your self tape

Up-level your Zoom audition skills

And ROCK the entire virtual audition process

Also, you’ll have an incredible community of actors in your corner along the way!

This is what Allison Kirschner of Gayle Keller Casting says about graduates of our class:

“I was very impressed by the level of professionalism in Mel Mack’s virtual class. All the students were prepared, engaging, and supportive of one another. I was especially impressed by their self-tape setups! I would have thought all of them were in a professional recording studio rather than at home!”

Hi! I’m Mel

Casting Director, Acting Coach, and Actor with 25 Years of Experience in the Entertainment Industry. I’m also the Founder & Lead Instructor at the Mel Mack Acting Studio.
Before I took this class, I hated doing self tapes. I never got enough practice to feel comfortable with the technical aspects, and then after all that you have to turn in a good performance. This class sets you up to succeed by covering all the bases. Now when I get a request to self tape, I don’t scream. I actually have fun.
Mark Lanham

The Course

In this 8-week course, you will join a small group of Actors for two hours each week to learn all the foundations you need to feel more confident with your self-tapes, nail your Zoom auditions, and book more work than ever before.

Your success is so important to me. And because of that, I’m keeping this class super small.

The reason? I want to make sure you’re getting tons of screen time with me and taking action on the feedback I give you.

Here are the details of what we’re covering…

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Week 1

The Equipment Guru

We kick off class with a deep dive into:

  • The best professional equipment you need to invest in
  • How to set up & tear down quickly and efficiently so you stop stressing over your set-up and start focusing 100% on your auditions.

By the end of week 1, you’ll know what you need, get it, and learn how to use it.

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Week 2

Tackle The Tech

Learn all about locking focus, shooting in the right format for downloads, and get super comfortable with using your devices.

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Week 3

The Selector 

But…how do you choose your best take? This week breaks down all the aspects of how to judge your best-take without wasting time for you (or the time of your Reader).

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Week 4

Slate like an A-Lister & Send It

Demystify Casting directions. Learn how to meld your slate + sending platform as Casting prefers. Learn why certain platforms are easier for Casting to navigate while discovering the right way to shoot your full body slate without the stress (even if casting didn’t tell you what they want).

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Week 5

Don’t Blow it on Zoom

Now that you’ve got your self-tape set-up locked in, Week 5 will help you understand how to transition smoothly into the live Zoom room without feeling awkward.

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Week 6

Lighting Q+A with Industry expert

Master your lighting LIVE with an industry guest expert. Never wonder if you’re well lit again.

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Week 7

Let’s Werk It – Mock Auditions

Put your skills to the test with this live mock audition class and get real-time feedback on your progress.

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Week 8

Put a Bow on It

Our last week is with a guest TV Casting Director. You’ll have the opportunity to audition, submit your self-tape, and get feedback from both of us.

  • Hand-pick sides just for you
  • Give you a quick turnaround deadline to prep and deliver
  • Get real-time critique on your self-tape audition in class

Don’t Take It from Me

Meet Mel

Mel Mack is a Casting Director with over 25 years of experience in L.A. and New York. Currently, at House Casting, Mel also is the Founder and Lead Instructor at the Mel Mack Acting Studio, the only acting studio run by a working Casting Director in New York.

As a former Actor, Mel knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the table, and how important it is to be now teaching all the cutting-edge techniques for rocking auditions. When she was acting full-time, she either felt like her auditions sucked (but she booked it) or they rocked (and she didn’t).

It wasn’t until she became a Casting Director that she figured out what was wrong. Now, over 500,000 auditions later, she can pinpoint those problems, unique to every Actor, and uses the Studio as her platform to teach what she wished she knew then.

Mel’s goal is to help Actors feel more confident throughout the audition process, teaching techniques that are simple- yet fast and effective- for making unique and memorable choices in the audition room.

The Mel Mack Acting Studio focuses on comedy and comedy’s influence on drama to help Actors create dynamic choices with the script. On a deeper level, she teaches how to do this in “T.V. Time,” which helps Actors feel comfortable making adjustments on the fly that are specific to the Actor’s unique take on the Character.

Mel has been a featured expert writer/contributor for Backstage, a guest teacher at NYU Stone Street, Binghamton University, Kathy Wickline Casting, and Actors Connection, as well as a CSA panelist. She has also been a featured interview on podcasts such as Nothing Shines Like Dirt, The Boss Life Balance, and Lady Geek.

Hey Mel. I hope you can feel it. Because I am sending a lot of love your way!! I just got back from a week in New York where I had two commercial bookings. TWO!!! The reason I booked both of these was absolutely because of your KILLER self tape course. What a game changer! Each of these castings came with some complex instructions because they wanted different looks and settings. But because of you and your amazing course, the logistics and technology were no problem! I now have so much more confidence in what I am doing that I can relax and focus on what really matters – the substance of my auditions. Thank you!!! And LOTS of love!!!
Pam Holden

KSTC was a great jump-start for my self-tape skills! I started the month-long course only knowing what I could pull from YouTube, and I finished feeling confident I can film, light, edit and submit the best self tapes possible!
Kimi Nikaidoh

Upcoming Sessions

Not Quite Ready to Invest in Nailed It?

My Killer Self-Tape Crash Course is the PERFECT option for self-motivated actors who are on a slighter tighter budget, but who still need to start self-taping like a pro now.

You might not be able to invest in one-on-one coaching or a small group course like Nailed It at the moment, but you can still snag my carefully laid out, actionable instructions on all things self-tapes in this course!

Take advantage of my DECADES of experience in this industry and all of my first-hand knowledge of the mistakes actors make again and again. Plus, discover the simplest ways for you to fix them ASAP.

Even if you grabbed tons of self-tape freebies or “mini-courses” in the past, believe me when I say that The Killer Self-Tape Course is different and has the step-by-step details you need to start booking more work even if you’re not tech-savvy and can’t afford high-end equipment!

You can check it out and get in here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: What color backdrop is best?

Mel’s Tip: Blue or gray is best, but ultimately it comes down to your lighting situation. It also depends on your skin tone and hair color. That’s why we do our Industry Lighting workshop during the live course because it’s different for everyone.

Q: Is there a good way to minimize background noise?

Mel’s Tip: This is where a lav mic comes into play. It helps cut down on background noise. Or if you have a filter on your mic, it will cancel out any ambient noise.

Q: When a slate asks for a close up then a full-body, is it okay to send in a still shot for full-body?

Mel’s Tip: Maybe. I’m not crazy about it. I recommend starting with a tight shot and then moving out to Full Body.

Q: If your audition calls for a lot of physical action, what type of framing is best?

Mel’s Tip: Rib cage up. That way Casting can still see what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling but they see enough of your body to believe the actions.

Q: When you are asked to stand from a seated position, what is the most efficient way to transfer the height of your camera when using a tripod?

Mel’s Tip: Always start standing. That way if you’re asked to sit, it’s an easier transition. But if you’re sitting during your audition, turn your camera off as you adjust your tripod so you don’t make Casting dizzy!

Q: I find handling all the tech stresses me out while I’m waiting to do my audition, and it’s hard to just be in the moment with my audition. Any tips on how to let that go and focus on doing a great audition?

Mel’s Tip: You have to practice. Repetition makes all the difference in your confidence level. You’ll learn how to navigate the tech and not stress about that, allowing you to focus on your acting.

Q: Which is better for a Zoom audition: computer/laptop or phone?

Mel’s Tip: Honestly, the computer is better for a Zoom audition because you can see everyone in the room. When you’re on your phone, you’re limited on who you can see and you get distracted. If you have a 2nd device, always use your computer. Whatever you’re most comfortable with - go with that.

Q: Is a white wall okay on Zoom or should I figure out a better backdrop situation?

Mel’s Tip: A white wall is great as long as it’s lit well and not cluttered.

Q: I notice when watching playbacks that there's a delay when doing scenes with someone. It's like you almost need to wait a beat to respond. Is this something you should consider in an audition?

Mel’s Tip: If you’re running into a delay on Zoom, you need to update your software. It’s a tech glitch and running an update will fix it!

Q: Sitting is more comfortable. Standing is more energized. If the scene doesn't dictate one or the other, what do you find works better?

Mel’s Tip: Stand. Definitely - it gives you more energy and grounds you.

Q: Why are some directors in the Zoom room and some not?

Mel’s Tip: They’re multitasking, looking through papers and reviewing wardrobe, and they shut their cameras off so they’re not distracting you during your audition.

Q: Is it appropriate to immediately ask the CD/Director if they can see and hear me or should I wait til they say something? Thanks!

Mel’s Tip: Yes! Use your voice. If you don’t ask, how are you going to know? How are you going to be empowered during your audition. Always ask!

Q: What Is the best framing for a zoom audition? Shoulders up? Is it important for them to see your whole body?

Mel’s Tip: Chest up is best. If anything, you can widen out and be waist up but no, it’s not important for them to see your whole body.

Q: What's the proper etiquette for following up after a zoom audition with casting?

Mel’s Tip: Send the Casting Office an email and thank them for the audition is a great way to stay in touch and show your commitment.

Q: Is it a good idea to get the opinion of the CD about my chosen site lines as well as how is my sound and lighting before you begin?

Mel’s Tip: Absolutely! Ask, “Can everyone see/hear me okay? How is this framing? Where would you like my eyelines?” Don’t be afraid to ask.

Q: Is the preference for us to look into the camera on the computer, put the ‘reader/other character’ somewhere in the environment, or look at the computer screen as if we’re interacting with the reader...?

Mel’s Tip: Eyelines can be very confusing for actors and on the Casting side if you don’t set your eyelines properly. Just ask before you start so you know where to look. Rule of thumb: Look directly into camera for Commercial Auditions. Look off to the side for TV roles.

Q: In this weird Zoom era, would it be appropriate to ask the CD if there are any distractions in the setup they would like us to eliminate? For example to say something like "are you seeing my wall, and if so is that too distracting?" or "this is the primary eyeline I chose to work with, does that work for you?"

Mel’s Tip: Absolutely! You can eliminate the clutter if you have a popup backdrop or a sheet behind you.

Q: Is there a difference in the format on a laptop vs phone and if so is it a distraction one way or the other?

Mel’s Tip: It’s so much easier on your laptop and you’re not having to scroll on your phone. But ultimately, whatever you’re most comfortable with.

BONUS TIP: There is an app you can download to use your phone as your webcam and sync with your laptop so you have a solid setup. Check it out! https://reincubate.com/camo/

Q: If casting asks for a full-body slate, but then a medium closeup for the audition, is it okay to turn the video off for a few seconds (letting them know first of course) while we adjust? For me it would be a matter of removing a riser/lowering a tripod, or should we keep it on?

Mel’s Tip: If you need to turn the camera off, just let Casting know. Ideally, start far enough away for FB slate then walk forward so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your tripod.

Q: Are full-body shots common on Zoom Auditions?

Mel’s Tip: Commercially, YES. It gives Casting a better idea of your type.

Q: Should I treat my Zoom Audition like a self tape in that I’m in the same space with my backdrop and full lighting or can I just use my ring light?

Mel’s Tip: Yes, be in the same space and use the equipment that you’re most comfortable using.

Q: How does an actor perform physical actions in a scene without doing too much or getting out of frame?

Mel’s Tip: This is all about the 3 E’s. Environment. Energy. Eyelines. It’s all about how you can bring physicality to the scene without props!

Q: How do I make sure that my sound is at a good level over zoom prior to the audition?

Mel’s Tip: I recommend doing a sound/audio test on Zoom before you join the room. But feel free to ask when you’re in the room.