I had two self-tapes due one right after the other, an in-person audition to prep for, lines to learn for my character on BOSCH… oh, and I had to board a plane the same day bound for NYC where I was presenting the proof of concept short film I directed at a film festival.
Yeah… #actorslife, right?
Wrong.
My first thought when those 3 auditions came through was… DAMN.
How am I going to make this all work!?
The idea of turning down an opportunity that could be life-changing made me sick to my stomach — I mean, all of our auditions could be “the one.”
But I knew I couldn’t make the in-person audition, so I asked to self-tape… because I knew I had a process that was quick, easy, and tested. Especially under the wire like this.
I got all three of those self-tapes in and made it to the film festival that weekend in NYC.
One of the self-tapes booked the room. How do I know? Because I was asked to do another self-tape shortly thereafter.
The second, I booked. It was for Grey’s Anatomy. Yup, the performance that ABC backed for an Emmy Campaign.
This can be your story as well.
But you first need to put your very own GPS system in place so you have the structure that will make it possible.
Hey, I’m DaJuan Johnson. I am a consistently working actor, certified life coach, and the Founder of Think Bigger Coaching where I Helps Actors Book off Self-Tapes and get to their dreams faster by developing a Booker’s Mindset. Currently, you can catch me recurring as Detective Rondell Pierce on Amazon’s hit show BOSCH, which just completed its seven season run. My credits include an ABC-backed Emmy-campaigned performance on Grey’s Anatomy — which I booked off a self-tape — and a lead role in the Emmy-nominated YouTube series The New 30. Other credits include NCIS (booked off self-tape), Narcos, Suits, Agent Carter, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, Private Practice, 24, and Bones. All this is to say — I’ve worked and I’ve been there and am DOING IT. STILL DOING. And THRIVING.
My mission is simple: to help you #SKIPTHELINE and #SeeYouOnSet
Success leaves clues. I'm sharing Booking The Room with Self-Tapes and Virtual Auditions. In this bonus you will see actual self-tapes of mine. That auditions have gotten me called back into the room with the same casting directors over and over again. You will also see auditions I've been pinned for! Success leaves clues and breaking down the consistent work and incorporating it into your process will help create the environment to book in! Plus, I'm sharing for the first time outside of my Self Tapes That Book program. The Demystifier. YOU CAN be a fly on the wall and watch my Emmy campaigned, backed by ABC, Self-tape THAT BOOKED. And I've brought along a Self Tape That Book Alum to pull back the curtain and share her self tape that booked her role on Fox's The Cleaning Lady.
Technique made simple. I sat down with a self-tape studio owner, who has clients come in all day long and got tips on technique dos and don’t so that you can practice these and start to add them to your own toolbox. It’s always valuable to get outside insight from people who see auditions all day long.
Recorded Casting director Q & A sessions.