Send Your Best Performance
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AUDITION TAPING in Los Angeles
Work the Audition. Then Tape It.
A good self-tape isn't just a matter of having a camera and pressing record.
You need to know what you're doing with the material, make choices that work on camera, and then capture the performance clearly and professionally.
At Braden Lynch Studio, audition taping combines acting coaching, professional taping, and immediate feedback in one session.
We'll work on the audition, make the adjustments it needs, and then tape it until we've got what we need.
What's Included in Audition Tape Sessions
All on a neutral blue backdrop that flatters all skin tones
Every audition taping session can include:
• Acting coaching and direction from Braden
• Braden as your reader
• Script analysis and character work
• Performance and emotional adjustments
• On-camera physicality
• Eyelines and framing
• Accent work when needed
• Professional camera, microphones, and lighting
• Unlimited takes
• Coloring and Editing
• Digital delivery
You don't have to use the coaching portion if you already have your performance where you want it. We can simply focus on getting the tape.
But if something isn't working, we're not going to keep filming the same performance.
We'll work on it.
The Goal Is the Performance
The technical side of a self-tape matters.
Your lighting should be right. Your sound should be clean. Your framing should work. Your eyeline should make sense.
But none of that fixes a performance that isn't working.
That's why audition taping at BLS starts with the actor.
We can investigate the material, personalize the character, make specific choices, adjust physicality for the camera, and figure out what needs to change before we worry about getting the final take.
The equipment is there to capture the work.
Professional Self-Tape Equipment
In-person taping takes place at the BLS studio in Reseda using:
• Sony A7II camera
• Zeiss 55mm auto-focus lens
• Two RØDE microphones
• Professional front-facing lighting
• Hair light
• Neutral blue backdrop
• Professional editing and digital delivery
The goal is a clean, professional image that doesn't distract from your performance.
Unlimited Takes
There isn't an arbitrary limit on how many times we can shoot the scene.
If something needs another take, we'll do another take.
Sometimes the first take tells us something useful.
Sometimes the fourth take is the one.
The point isn't to produce as many takes as possible. It's to keep working until we've captured a performance you're comfortable submitting.
At the same time, Braden will let you know if he thinks doing more takes is a waste of your time and money.
What We Can Work On
Script Analysis
Every audition is different, but coaching may include:
Movement for the audition camera can be its own discipline. What you do may need to be quite different from what it would be on set.
We'll adjust posture, gestures, behavior, and movement to fit the frame and the character.
Character Choices
Accents and Dialects
Emotional Work
Physicality
Eyelines and Framing
What is happening in the scene? What does the character want? What are the circumstances? What information does the script actually give you and what can we extrapolate from that information?
We'll make choices that are specific to this character and this material rather than relying on generic ideas about how the scene should be played.
If the audition requires emotional preparation, we'll figure out what gets you where you need to go without forcing the result.
Where you look and how you position yourself affect what the camera sees.
We'll make those choices based on the material rather than using the same setup for every audition.
If the role requires an accent, we can work on it as part of the audition rather than treating it as a separate exercise.
Film, Television, Theatre, and Other Auditions
Audition taping isn't limited to television and film.
The way you approach an audition depends on the medium.
A television audition, film audition, theatre audition, commercial audition, motion capture audition, and college audition can all require different choices.
We'll adjust the coaching and taping process to the specific audition you're preparing.
Already Made Your Tape?
If you've already filmed your audition yourself, you don't necessarily need to tape it again.
You can send me your sides and your tape for a professional review. We'll go through what's working, what isn't, and what you may want to change before you submit.
Pricing
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Transparent, Competitive Rates
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*During the regular hours of M-F 10a-5p Pacific Time. Coachings outside of these hours are subject to a 1.5x overtime rate.
°Typically, tapings are booked in two-hour increments, as that usually leaves enough time for coaching, taping, editing, and delivery. More time may be booked when scheduling, and in the event that the scheduled time runs out and more time is desired, it also be possible to add more time at the regular rate if Braden's schedule permits. If two hours are booked and only one hour is used, only one hour will be charged (plus taping fee if applicable**). Editing and delivery times (typically 5-15 minutes) are considered part of a taping.
**The taping fee helps cover the cost of all the equipment being used to make your tape professional. If you'd like to tape over zoom, or not make use of BLS equipment, a taping fee will not be charged.
$300 / 2 hours*º
+$50 taping fee**
Or start with an Intro Eval if you're not sure whether this is right for you.
What is an audition taping session?
An audition taping session combines acting coaching with professional audition taping. We work on the material, make choices, refine the performance, and then record the audition using professional equipment.
If you already have the performance where you want it and don't need coaching, we can focus on the taping.
Do I get acting coaching during audition taping?
Yes, unless you specifically don't want it.
We can work on script analysis, character choices, emotional work, physicality, eyelines, framing, pacing, accents, and whatever else the audition needs.
Do you act as my reader?
Yes. Braden can read opposite you while also directing the audition.
Do I get unlimited takes?
Yes. There is no arbitrary limit on the number of takes. We'll keep working within the time you've booked until we've captured what we need.
Can I tape multiple auditions in one session?
Yes. You can work on multiple auditions during the same session. How many you can get through depends on the material and how much work each audition requires.
Can you help me memorize my audition?
Yes. Memorization can be part of the session if necessary, although the more prepared you are beforehand, the more time we can spend refining the performance.
Can you help me make choices for the audition?
Yes. We can work through the material, identify what the character wants, understand the circumstances, and develop specific choices that make sense for the scene.
Can you help with physicality?
Yes. Physical choices need to work within the camera frame. We'll look at how the character moves and behaves while making sure those choices actually read on camera.
Can you help with eyelines and framing?
Yes. We'll determine the appropriate eyeline, framing, positioning, and amount of physicality for the specific audition.
Can you help with an accent?
Yes. Accent work can be incorporated into the audition session when the role requires it.
[Learn about Accent & Dialect Coaching →]
Do you edit the audition tape?
Yes. Editing and digital delivery are included in the taping service.
How quickly will I get my tape?
Turnaround is typically 15 minutes or less after we're finished shooting.
What equipment do you use?
In-person taping uses a Sony A7II camera, RØDE microphones, professional lighting including a hair light, and a neutral blue backdrop.
Can I do audition taping online?
You can do audition coaching online, but professional BLS taping with the studio's camera, lighting, and microphone is available in person.
How much does audition taping cost?
The coaching rate is $150 per hour, or $75 for 30 minutes, plus a $50 taping fee for in-studio taping.
Do I have to book two hours?
Two hours is the typical booking because it gives us enough time to coach, tape, edit, and deliver the audition. You are charged only for the time actually used, plus the taping fee.
What if I don't need coaching?
That's fine. We can focus on getting the audition taped. If you do need coaching once we start working, we can use the session accordingly.
Do you have a separate rate for taping only?
No. Everyone pays for Braden's time equally, regardless of what that time is spent doing.
