Audition Tapes

[PukkaPukka]

Hey there!

I just kinda wanted to know how everyone that has been trying has fared with audition tapes for the JHC. What did you go about doing, and how do you all think your tapes turned out? I personally have a question about filming. Maybe it's just me, but I have the actual mouth-control deal down with the puppet, and I can enunciate properly (a, e, i , o, u, etc. & phonetically), but my issue is with keeping the puppet in-shot properly (stupid me, I lack a tripod). I've managed to work a specific angle for the shot of the 30-seconds, but there's still the matter of left-is-right, right-is-left stuff, and getting used to the feel of the camera with the puppet. I almost wish that I had a monitor at my feet to help me, but oh well...any tips for better recording anyone? Thanks!

>Adam

 

[FISH'N'WOLFE]

Well, I personally feel my audition tape was pretty bad, but I guess it couldn't have been THAT bad since I, like Ryan have been asked to come for an audition and training with the JHC. As for the filming I strongly suggest that you get a tripod, it will make a huge difference. Also get a monitor! Learning to work with a monitor is an essential in my book. When my friend and I made the tape we had already fully learned the monitor method, in fact we won't puppeteer without one now, unless we absolutely have to. Once you learn it, it becomes second nature. You can use a regular TV also if you can't get an actual monitor. But as for content, short skits are fine, and also make sure you throw in a song lip-synch as well.

Kevin

 

[PukkaPukka]

Well, I personally feel my audition tape was pretty bad, but I guess it couldn't have been THAT bad since I, like Ryan have been asked to come for an audition and training with the JHC. As for the filming I strongly suggest that you get a tripod, it will make a huge difference. Also get a monitor! Learning to work with a monitor is an essential in my book. When my friend and I made the tape we had already fully learned the monitor method, in fact we won't puppeteer without one now, unless we absolutely have to. Once you learn it, it becomes second nature. You can use a regular TV also if you can't get an actual monitor. But as for content, short skits are fine, and also make sure you throw in a song lip-synch as well.

Kevin

That sounds great, Kevin! I'll just go ahead and pick a tripod up then and use my telly downstairs then. Would you recommend a capella for the song, or is this kind of a given? Hmm...just curious. Also, when did you send your tape in and actually get responses? This is cool news to hear because even though they aren't apparently hiring at the moment, I would love to just send mine in anyway so they can at least have a copy for perusal. Any more info would be much appreciated there man...thanks so much!

>Adam

 

[FISH'N'WOLFE]

Well the song I used was Do You Love Me by the Dave Clark 5. It was a lot of fun! I love 50's and 60's rock'n'roll so that's what worked for me. Yes I did actually get a response, though I had to wait for 5 months to get the letter. And I got it just before the Henson family bought back the company, and now have been waiting for roughly 6 months for them to notify me about when they will hold the next audition/training. And I am sure it will still be quite a while before I hear anything, due to the fact that they aren't hiring currently. But here's the letter word for word that I received:

Dear Mr. Provost,

We recently received your demo tape regarding your interest in becoming a puppeteer with the Jim Henson Company.

Kevin Clash has reviewed your tape and was very impressed with your work. Though we would like to invite you to our next workshop for an audition and training, we have no set date at present. Therefore, we will keep your details on file and contact you accordingly.

In the meantime, I am returning your tape as I thought you might like it back. We know how much work goes into creating one. Thanks so much for your interest and keep up the great work.

Sincerely,
Joe Roddy (signed)

But to answer your question, it's been roughly 11 months since I sent the tape.

P.S. Are you on AIM?

Kevin

 

[jediX]

Yup, he is. Goes by haaq4671.

 

[PukkaPukka]

Yup, he is. Goes by haaq4671.

Thanks man for doing my dirty work (LOL)!

Yeah, I'm on AIM as 'haaq4671', and I'm also on Yahoo! Messenger as 'adamharwood.' I'm kinda on both services at the same time, but my Yahoo! is usually priority. Either way, I'm pretty much here a lot of the time when I'm not on MC. Thanks! We could possibly chat more through the services then Kev? What are you listed as?

>Adam

 

[jediX]

fishnwolfeprod

 

[FISH'N'WOLFE]

Thanks Matt for Doing MY dirty work also!

 

[jediX]

No problem.

 

[Rugby]

About the a,e,i,o,u thing. If you watch the actual muppeteer's work and even of the big man himself, Jim Henson, they don't seem to really be that uptight about that kind of stuff. A lot of times I am shocked at some of the puppeteering and lip syncing the pros have performed. I know my puppeteering skills would have to be good enough for them. Plus, I have good improv skills, good sense of humor and love to perform in front of others. All this and no schooling for it. I can't tell you how many times people have told me I should be in the entertainment industry either in radio or tv. I just can't afford to be a starving artist with a family and a house payment.