SECRETS TO A SUPERB SELF-TAPE with BRETTE GOLDSTEIN and KATE VANDEVENDER

Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 3pm ET / 12pm PT

This event is in the past.

Event Description:

Self-tapes were fast becoming the trend, even prior to the pandemic. Your chances of booking a role go up exponentially when you deliver a strong, well-produced, professional self-tape.

Casting director Brette Goldstein (NY) and executive producer and content creator Kate VanDevender (LA) will teach you the tricks of the trade for nailing self-tape auditions.
 
They will be covering the following topics and more:

- How to create and set up your self-tape area (and put it away to save space)

- What equipment to purchase (and keep costs low)

- How to best utilize the space and your frame

- Tips and tricks for good sound and lighting

- How to deliver a great performance on a self-tape

- What to do if you don’t have a reader living at home with you right now

- Taping on different devices

- Following directions: How to make your casting director’s life much easier

- How to upload and send your files
 
Brette loves to be in the room with actors, but clearly she can’t right now. She cast a union commercial very recently and found that 90% of the self tapes she received were barely presentable, despite very clear direction. She realized there’s a huge need for a self-tape technique workshop. She called her friend Kate VanDevender in LA, who is a brilliant EP, writer and content creator, and is well-versed in the technical aspects of self-taping. They came up with a workshop for you.

Together, they will help you get your self-tape S*%T together!
 
"Brette and Kate's seminar was awesome! Got a lot of helpful info about equipment and editing." -Portia Badham

What to Prepare:

For this intensive, please update your headshot/resume in your AC account. 

Please follow the procedures listed below:

  • Please update your headshot and fill out the MY INFO section of your AC account upon registration.

  • Arrive at least 10 MINUTES before your event is slated to start. Your host will give important information about the event at this time.

  • Instructions and the ZOOM link for access to this online event will be emailed to you in advance. If you have not received the link by 12pm (EST) the day-of the event, please reach out to registration@actorsconnection.com at least one hour PRIOR to the start of class.

**No recording of any kind is permitted by participants during class.**

**Please keep in mind that all programs at Actors Connection are for educational and professional development purposes. Participating in any class or event is not a promise of employment.**

Kate Vandevender

Kate VanDevender is a TV writer and executive producer who has written on shows for FOX and CBS.

After graduating from Northwestern University’s acting program, she worked as an actor in NYC for several years before making a web series called The Actor Diaries, which she sold to the production company behind American Idol which pivoted her into a writing career. After staff writing for half-hour network comedies, Kate became the head writer and executive producer for the YouTube series Part Timers. In addition to developing multiple TV projects during quarantine in Los Angeles, she also runs Sand Mirror Studio (sandmirror.com), a creative sanctuary where writers and performers come to develop scripts.

Brette Goldstein

Brette has cast six television series (HBO, USA, LMN, Lifetime, History Channel, Investigation Discovery), over 50 independent films, 300 commercials, 100 plays, seven pilot presentations (including “Odd Mom Out” for Bravo) and various new media projects, and was the resident casting director at Washington, DC’s Folger Elizabethan Theatre for ten seasons.

Her recent projects include Season 2 of HBO's THE JINX and a movie for HULU.

Films Brette has cast have won awards and been official selections at most of the major film festivals, including Sundance, Tribeca and Cannes. Brette is the former Co-Producing Director of Washington Jewish Theatre, Production Manager at Washington Shakespeare Co., and Associate Producer of the Washington Theatre Festival.

She is currently working on four indie films in development and some commercials.

Testimonials

Brette Goldstein's workshop was a tremendous experience. She takes all her industry, casting and acting knowledge and and generously presents it to her class in an energetic, caring, smart, funny, and thoughtful way that is uniquely Brette. Her honest critique is given with such love, support, and guidance that you have no choice but to walk away a better on-camera actor no matter where you started. Oh, yes, and she is LOL funny, too!

Catherine Ryan

Brette's fantastic at typing actors and helping them to key into who they are and how they are perceived. I loved that I got full scripts not just scenes, so I really felt that it was more like the actual audition process. She's also excellent at coaching and fine tuning your scene to perfect the audition. Her down to earth, no-nonsense description of the indie film business was immensely helpful and I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in indies!

Kristen Riley

I just wanted to thank you for your class. I learned SOOOOO much. I am very green when it comes to film and I'm glad I was able to see myself on camera and I picked up so much watching you direct others and having you direct me. Also, I want to thank you for being so human and open with your thoughts on the business. I've recommended you to all my friends.

Salvador Chevez

I can't tell you enough how much I've enjoyed your classes. The feedback and adjustments that you've given, not only to me but to everyone, are sooooo insightful. You have helped me to get to another level.... thank you! My wife who has seen or read most of my scenes from your classes as well as past classes that I've taken at AC said 'SHE GETS YOU!.' She knows the scenes that you have given me are the kinds of scenes and characters that I want to play. So, thank you for 'GETTING ME!'

Ted Oyama

I think your class ROCKS and I am so glad I took it. You have such a positive way of saying things and you are so good at talking to actors. You never belittle, only encourage. Believe me, that is rare. Extremely. Thank you.

Larry Daggett

Brette is a breath of fresh air. She is a force of nature and full of the most valuable and straight up advice about the business. She knows character and helps you to shine and considers your character analysis.

Jana Stella Sintschnig

Brette is unflinchingly honest in her feedback while maintaining a safe and fun atmosphere.

Synnove Eriksen

Brette is amazing at getting to know you as a person and casting you. She sees your potential and range then challenges you. She is honest and blunt about the casting world and let's you in on great secrets to succeed in your career.

Christophe Morabito

Mrs. Goldstein workshop was the first class that I've taken at Actors Connection. I'm very please with the training. Her advice is golden. She gives you tools that's they don't teach in college. This is definitely the class to take if you need improve help.

Darlene Dues

Loved Brette's class - she's really great, intelligent, funny, has great insights into the business that she shares!

Kenan Wei

Brette Goldstein bluntly tells you how it is. She lets you know how this business works and what's expected of you. I learned some great audition tips. She is awesome! I love her honesty and sense of humor.

Nicole Dos Santos

Brette is truly an actor's advocate. I learned so much about auditioning with improv - the traps we can fall in and also how to prepare. She gave us tremendous insight about both the indie film and network TV casting process.

Mark Andrew Garner

I would absolutely recommend Brette's class and already have to all my friends. She's freaking hilarious. She somehow balances being tactful while being honest and funny! I really feel she's a great teacher and her insight was phenomenal. Thank you so much!

Zulla Berhe

Meets

Tuesday, August 18, 20203:00 pm

The following disclaimer is provided specifically at the request of and in accordance with SAG/AFTRA: Seminars or classes are for educational purposes only and will not secure or provide opportunity for employment in the field or representation by an agent or casting director.