For aspiring models and actors, getting a handle on the basics takes a bit of time. You want to be professional and ask for clarity, but you also don’t want to ask questions that make you look like a total newbie either. If you’re new to the biz, you’ll learn quickly that bookers and agents are busy people (sometimes borderline frantic when dealing with emergency castings or client firebombs), and won’t have a ton of time to explain some of the finer points of the process.
Here are some terms that get thrown about quite a bit in go-sees and auditions. I’m working on a ginormous glossary right now, so this is just a sneak peek at a few audition terms you need ASAP.
Slate: Slating is your on-camera introduction to the client or casting agent. You usually just say your name and height, but sometimes you’ll be asked other questions to see how you look on camera and to give a sense of your overall energy. Slates in Japan are slightly different than in the States– here’s a little video on how it’s done.
