ACXU Presents: Audiobook Audition Techniques and Critiques

Summary

The transcript captures a discussion on the importance of auditioning for audiobook narrations, emphasizing the need to submit auditions regularly and to diversify submissions across various publishers. It advises on the preparation process, including reading the entire audition material, researching character backgrounds, and understanding the story arc. The speaker also highlights the usefulness of Amazon's 'Look Inside' feature for gaining insight into the book and its characters, and stresses the importance of correct pronunciation to avoid missteps that could affect the chances of securing the job.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The discussion is about auditions for audiobook narrators and the importance of submitting auditions to various publishers.
• 🗓️ Narrators are encouraged to submit a significant number of auditions monthly, with an example of 2010 auditions mentioned.
• 📚 Narrators should read the entire audition script and familiarize themselves with the book's content before auditioning.
• 🔍 Utilizing Amazon's 'Look Inside' feature is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the book, including character details and story arcs.
• 📖 Reviewing the Amazon product description and reading reviews can provide insights into the book's reception and character resonance.
• 🎭 Narrators should identify and understand the characters in the audition script as they would for a full audiobook recording.
• 📝 It's crucial to research pronunciations thoroughly to avoid mispronunciations, which can negatively impact the impression on producers.
• 👂 Producers and rights holders are looking for auditions that reflect the quality they expect for the entire book.
• 🤔 The script suggests that narrators should be proactive in sending out audition reels to other publishers for more work opportunities.
• 📋 The transcript highlights the importance of preparation and homework in the audition process to ensure a good fit for the book's requirements.
• 🗣️ There is an emphasis on the need for careful reading and understanding of the text, including any clues about accents or foreign origins of characters.

Q & A

How many auditions are the speakers submitting on average per month?

The exact number is not stated, but the response '2010 four' suggests a significant number, indicating that they are very active in submitting auditions.

What is the recommended approach for actors in terms of sending out auditions to various publishers?

The speakers encourage actors to send out auditions to other publishers as well, implying that it is a common and beneficial practice.

What is the first step an actor should take when preparing for an audition?

The first step is to find a book that resonates with the actor and has a suitable due date.

Why is it important for an actor to read the whole audition script before preparing for an audition?

Reading the whole audition script helps the actor understand the context, main characters, and story arc, which is essential for delivering a convincing audition.

What is the 'Look Inside' feature on Amazon, and how can it be useful for actors preparing for auditions?

The 'Look Inside' feature allows actors to view parts of the book, search for specific terms like accents, and get a fuller picture of the book, which can be very handy in preparing for an audition.

Why should actors check the Amazon product description page when preparing for an audition?

The Amazon product description page provides insights into the book's content, main characters, and story arc, which can help actors better understand and prepare for their audition.

What role do reviews play in an actor's audition preparation?

Reviews can provide insights into what readers liked about the book and which characters resonated with them, which can help actors focus on delivering a performance that aligns with audience expectations.

Why is it crucial for actors to research pronunciations before an audition?

Mispronunciation of common words can leave a negative impression on producers, who may question the actor's preparedness for the full book recording.

What should actors do if they find clues in the text about accents or characters of foreign origin?

Actors should research and practice the appropriate accents and mannerisms to accurately portray these characters in their audition.

What is the significance of doing a careful reading of the text during audition preparation?

A careful reading allows actors to identify any specific details about characters, such as accents or foreign origins, ensuring they can deliver an authentic performance.

Why is it important for actors to give the audition due to the expectations of producers and rights holders?

Producers and rights holders use the audition as an indicator of the quality and style they can expect for the entire book, so it's crucial for actors to deliver their best performance.