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Self Tape Basics for Actors

Take Fountain

Release Date: 05/05/2025

Inside Take Fountain: Jess Answers the Bernard Pivot Questionnaire show art Inside Take Fountain: Jess Answers the Bernard Pivot Questionnaire

Take Fountain

In this special episode of Take Fountain, Jess Canty takes on the legendary "10 Questions" made famous by Inside the Actors Studio. From her favorite word (and least favorite one we all agree on) to the sound that inspires her, Jess gives an unfiltered, honest, and deeply personal look at what drives her as a rep, creative, and human being. Whether you're a working actor, a filmmaker, or someone who grew up dreaming of sitting across from James Lipton, this episode is a love letter to the craft — and to the questions that bring us closer to ourselves. This is more than just a fun...

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Inside Take Fountain: Anthony Answers the Bernard Pivot Questionnaire show art Inside Take Fountain: Anthony Answers the Bernard Pivot Questionnaire

Take Fountain

In this episode of Take Fountain, we pay tribute to the iconic '90s interview series Inside the Actors Studio, hosted by the legendary James Lipton. With reverence and humor, we dive into the show's famous 10-question Bernard Pivot questionnaire, answering candidly, off the cuff, and from the heart. Whether you're a working actor, a theater nerd, or just love deep, reflective conversations about art and creativity, this is your invitation to lean in. We explore what creatively turns us on, what shuts us down, and what sound always sparks joy. This episode is a celebration of the artistic...

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What you NEED to know about Booking VoiceOver Jobs show art What you NEED to know about Booking VoiceOver Jobs

Take Fountain

Thinking about getting into voiceover acting? In this episode of Take Fountain, talent agent Anthony Boyer and talent manager Jess Canty walk you through everything actors need to know about the voiceover audition process. From how to submit MP3 files instead of self-tapes, to why your closet might be the best place to record when you're just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips for beginners. You’ll learn what a VO slate sounds like, when to submit multiple takes, and what terms like "wild takes" and "button lines" actually mean in a commercial voiceover script. Whether...

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Actors: You've Been SLATING All Wrong! show art Actors: You've Been SLATING All Wrong!

Take Fountain

If you're new to acting or just getting started with self-tapes, there's one piece of the process you cannot afford to get wrong: the slate. In this episode of Take Fountain, talent agent Anthony Boyer and talent manager Jess Canty break down everything you need to know about slating: What it is, why casting directors ask for it, and exactly how to deliver a professional slate whether you're auditioning in person, via Zoom, or from your living room with a tripod and a phone. We also dive into the difference between a front slate and a tail slate, and when it's smart to use each one. We'll also...

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Do General Meetings REALLY Help Actors Book Roles? show art Do General Meetings REALLY Help Actors Book Roles?

Take Fountain

What is a general meeting, and how should you prepare when your agent or manager gets you one? In this episode of Take Fountain, veteran talent agent Anthony Boyer and talent manager Jess Canty break down what a general meeting actually is (and isn’t), how it differs from an audition, and why it can be a powerful step in building lasting industry relationships. Whether it’s a meeting with a casting director, producer, or director, we’ll walk you through how to do your research, show up professionally, and make a lasting impression. For new actors in Hollywood or anywhere in the early...

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What Actors Need to Know about Zooms and Ecocast Live show art What Actors Need to Know about Zooms and Ecocast Live

Take Fountain

Navigating virtual auditions can be confusing, especially for new actors just starting their careers in the entertainment industry. In this episode of Take Fountain, talent agent Anthony Boyer and talent manager Jess Canty walk you through everything you need to know about Eco Cast Live, Zoom auditions, and how to handle yourself in a virtual waiting room. If you're getting callbacks but aren't sure how to prepare for this new hybrid model of auditioning, this video will give you practical, real-world advice to help you show up like a professional and make the most of every opportunity. You'll...

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What a Publicist Really Does for Actors | PR, Branding & Buzz show art What a Publicist Really Does for Actors | PR, Branding & Buzz

Take Fountain

In this episode of Take Fountain, talent manager Jess Canty sits down with seasoned publicist Melissa Berger to demystify the world of publicity for actors. What is a publicist, really? When do you need one? And how do they actually help build your career? We cover: ✔️ What a publicist does (and doesn’t do) ✔️ How publicists build buzz for actors, films, and brands ✔️ The difference between PR and marketing ✔️ When in your career to consider hiring a publicist ✔️ How branding and narrative impact casting and visibility Whether you're new to the industry, looking to hire...

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What a Working Actor NEEDS to Know About Callbacks show art What a Working Actor NEEDS to Know About Callbacks

Take Fountain

Are you confused about what a callback actually means or overwhelmed by all the different audition terms thrown around in the entertainment industry? In this episode of Take Fountain, talent reps Anthony Boyer and Jess Canty break down essential audition terminology that every new actor should know, including callbacks, Zoom auditions, producer sessions, pins, holds, avails, and more. Whether you're just starting to book self-tapes or you've been called back for an in-person session, this video will help you understand how each step works and how to navigate it like a pro. We’ll also cover...

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Why EVERYTHING Changes When You Get A Good Agent show art Why EVERYTHING Changes When You Get A Good Agent

Take Fountain

Getting a good agent isn’t the end of the journey—it’s the beginning of a whole new chapter. In this episode, veteran talent agent Anthony Boyer breaks down why everything shifts once you’re represented by someone who truly gets it. We talk about what a great agent actually does behind the scenes, how they multiply your efforts (not replace them), and the mindset changes actors need to make to fully benefit from next-level representation. Whether you’re wondering if you’re ready for an agent or looking to maximize the relationship you already have, this episode is packed with...

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THE FAST LANE: Audition Sides - What Every Actor Needs to Know in 2025 show art THE FAST LANE: Audition Sides - What Every Actor Needs to Know in 2025

Take Fountain

If you're confused about audition sides, you're not alone. In this episode of Take Fountain, veteran talent agent Anthony Boyer and manager Jess Canty explain what sides are, how to use them effectively, and common mistakes actors make when preparing for auditions. From whether or not to memorize your lines, to whether holding your script hurts (or helps) your performance, they break down everything actors need to know. You'll also learn why posting sides online is a huge no-no, and how to navigate tricky systems like self-destructing scripts. This is essential advice for actors who want to...

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More Episodes

In this episode, talent agent Anthony Boyer and manager Jess Canty dive into essential audition terminology for aspiring actors, focusing on the most important tips and lingo every beginner needs to know.

Learn how to set up your self-tape audition with simple tools like your smartphone and natural lighting, understand key terms, and know the difference between sites like Breakdown Services and Casting Networks.

We also highlight why you should never post your self-tapes publicly, the importance of following instructions, and how to keep your self-tapes organized for future opportunities with agents and managers.

This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the audition process and avoid common mistakes in your early acting career. This is a bite-sized version of our longer episode on audition techniques, part of our Take Fountain: Fast Lane series—made for actors who want fast, focused insights on the business of acting. 

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