What do you do when you're in an audition situation, and the casting director asks you something like "Please, slate your name" -- and you don't know what they want you to do!?
Well, if you ever find yourself in that scenario, probably the best advice we've heard is to ask what the casting director means. That way, the least amount of time is spent on this and more time can be devoted to your actual audition.
But, to avoid the embarrassment, you may wish to do a little research as to what to expect at a film audition... before you go. (And if you're reading this blog post, then it looks like you're doing exactly that!)
Let's go back to the "slate your name" example. So, what's a slate? It's that board that is held in front of the camera to identify the scene and the take number -- you know, when they yell out "Scene 17, take 52!" and then slam the clapper down? (If you still don't know what we're talking about, have a look at the photo!)
We're assuming you don't have one of those slates (or clapper boards as they are also called) hiding in your backpack. So, to make things go quickly, you are asked to "slate your name" -- which basically means to say your name aloud for the camera. (Sometimes you'll also be asked to slate your telephone number, or the character you are reading for. But wait for them to give you those instructions if they want you to do so.)
The purpose of slating? So the casting people know who you are and don't get you mixed up with some other actor!
(Oh, and by the way, if you do happen to have one of those clapper boards in your backpack... please leave it there. The casting folks really don't need to see an actual slate when they want you to slate your name. If they did, they'd provide one for you!)
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