The performance area in an on camera audition is dictated by
how the shot is framed. In most cases that’s going to be a medium shot or a
medium close-up.
In a medium the bottom of the frame is likely to be just
below your elbows and the top will be slightly above your head. You can gesture
freely with your arms in this framing but you want to avoid either rocking or
stepping side-to-side. This will carry you out of frame in a medium shot.
In a medium close-up the bottom of the frame will be at
mid-chest and will likely crop the very top of your head. In this framing avoid
arm gestures above mid- chest. You can still move your arms but avoid having
them cross into frame. The head and neck can move freely but there is even less
room for side-to-side movement in this frame so try to avoid it altogether.
In a close-up the bottom of the frame will be just below
your chin and crop the top of your head to the hairline. Plant your feet and
leave them there throughout the take. This will insure that your body will be
immobile below the neck. Don’t freeze the body. Let the physical stillness be
relaxed rather than held, or static. In a close-up limit neck movement or
changes in the attitude of your head. For instance, if you tilt your head down,
the top of your head will invade the shot and you lose face time with the
camera. Anyone who views the take will also feel that they’ve lost access to
you while your head is down.
Very important… if you are not sure what the framing is ask
the casting director before the first take. If you’re unclear about framing you
run the risk of screwing up the shot. Having to do a second take for purely
technical reasons waists the casting director’s time.
Next… Who cares about the body if it’s not in the shot?