In the big world of the entertainement business, everyone is an individual. Everyone in unique. Therefore, everyone must always “label” the file name of their documents with any and all submissions, whether for representation, submission on an audition or even for a callback/shortlist situation.
Let’s start with a resume. Every resume should at least be labeled: Yourfirstname Yourlastname, Resume,
Example: Cindy Young Resume This file for resumes should ideally be created in MSWord if you have a PC, and once it’s set you then change the format to PDF and save it, until you need to add more bookings. You add more bookings to this resume in word format then again save in PDF format to update any place that you are on file including acting databases, agents and managers, sometimes adjusting the format, naming or other to the individual businesses requirements.
Now let’s discuss NDA’s
NDA’s are NonDisclosure agreements, these document provide details to the privacy of the job along with possible usage, exclusivity, legal disclosure and many other items that can appear to be dry reading but are very important for you to comprehend as a talent. If anyone requests for you to sign an NDA, read it carefully, ask questions if anything is unclear or confusing, then sign (preferably digitally) and send off to the requested party after relabeling the file name to whatever may be requested. Even if said NDA arrives to you labeled: NDA 4949tut, that does not mean you can send this NDA back with the same naming. Why? First, nothing in the file name states that you, the talent have signed this and nothing in the file name identifies who you are. If there is no request to relabel the file, then label the file something you can remember it by. Example: George Tufty, Home Depot NDA. Then save the NDA in a safe place on your computer so you can access this NDA if you are ever hired for this project. If you receive an NDA with a return labeling request, make sure to Copy and Paste the actual labeling into your computer to label it as requested and don’t forget to type your name where it has a generic name listed as an example. Then save ideally as a PDF format.
Good example: Julie Spark, NDA
Bad example: 33NDA Poly 43
On Camera Auditions
When submitting yourself for on camera auditions, standing in front of your 6 x 9 foot blue screen that you step on so nothing else is visible, you want to make sure your label is as appropriat as possible for the project. If a file name is requested for naming your audio files, here’s the best way to handle this. Ideally you should be able to put all of your video auditions together. If they are too large, then you can submit one at a time, but label them consistently, example: Tina Walker, The Forge video 1, Tina Walker, The Forge video 2, etc. These videos should always be in either .mov or .mp4 format. If the requester has a naming requirement for you, always copy said naming requirement and paste it in to your device, and then put your name where it should be listed. Do NOT send your files named: First Last Doritos. This is a great way to get your audition trashed. You must take the time to present your file as a professional and take the time to make it exactly as requested.
Audio Files
With audio files, it is expected that you should already be very familiar with a computer and it’s workings to be submitting for an audio audition.
Checklist for audio files:
- Make sure your audio is in a presentable sound format without going over -4 – -6 db or being too quiet such as -18 or so
- Remove those breaths, unless your audition is for a video game or action project that requires heavy breathing.
- Make sure your audio is always in Mono format and never in Stereo format
- Do not slate on your audio unless the requester asks for it.
- Copy the required labeling from the naming in the job and paste it into the audio editing software that you use. Now make sure to change the Yourname or Firstname etc.. to your actual name and only label what they request.
- Export your audio file to your preferred location on your computer. Only send audio file auditions in mp3 format. Never send auditions in wav format.
Thanks for reading these options. They will make the end CD, Production house or client very happy.