Shelley’s On Camera Lab

Where are you located?
For in person sessions, Shelley's On Camera Lab is located in Northern Westchester, one hour north of Manhattan by Metro North to the Katonah stop. Exact address will be provided after booking. 

What are your hours?
For in person sessions, the lab is open Monday – Friday from 9:00AM- 4:00PM. Zoom sessions are more flexible and can be offered during evening hours. 

How do I book a session?
Click on the Bookings page and select the service you need. After you complete your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with all of the details.

Do you offer self-tapes for beginners who just want to practice material?
Yes, the lab is offered for actors who need to tape auditions as well as actors who want to put scenes on tape for either rehearsal or to showcase their work on websites or casing platforms like Actors Access. The lab is open to all levels. 

Do you offer self-tapes for commercial and theater auditions in addition to TV/Film?
Yes! The industry these days utilizes self tapes for theater and commercials as well as film and television. If you are doing a musical theater audition please bring sheet music as well as a recording of the music to be played. There is a piano in the lab, but you would have to bring in your own accompanist to film with live music. 

My audition requires some improvisation as well as an introductory slate video. Can you help with that?
Yes! Many commercials offer actors to do at least one take that is improvised or in the actor's own words. We can work together to create an improvised take. Slates can be done in any way casting requires, whether it be full body, close up, hands, profiles, medium shot as well as any other information requested (name, height, intro story, etc.)

What are your rates for regular Self Tape Sessions?
30 mins – $50
60 mins – $80
90 mins – $125
30 mins is the minimum session. 

How much time should I book?
Thirty minutes is the minimum booking session. For scenes longer than 2-3 pages or for multiple scenes, an hour is recommended. Session time includes rehearsal, taping, adjustments, required slate, as well as playback to select which scenes to be sent over via wetransfer.  

Is editing included?
Basic editing is included for one take of each scene, including background noise reduction, optional fade in/out, plus any necessary trimming or cropping. Additional takes with basic editing will incur a fee of $5 per scene. 

Casting is requesting the file a certain size and a full body slate. Can you do that?
Yes. Please provide any specifications casting requires in the notes session when you book and have that information available during the session if needed for reference.

What is included the session?
A professional female reader (myself),  a run through of the scene(s) and/or song(s), taping scenes and slate with state of the art equipment, minor adjustments, playback on an HD TV, selection of scenes, plus uploading and emailing selected files via We Transfer with basic editing included. 

Do you offer coaching?
Yes. Minor coaching and adjustments are offered for a basic session and in depth coaching is available for additional purchase. The sides and breakdown must be emailed prior to the session.

Do you help actors with scene selections?
Yes! For showcase clips, actors can book a consultation prior to coming into the lab, and a selection of suggested material can be emailed prior to working together. When you return to the lab, we will shoot the scenes in as much time as it takes to deliver you polished, quality clips. These can be used on websites or casting sites like Actors Access and Casting Networks.

When will I receive the tape?
Tapes are delivered within half an hour of the session for single scene selections and basic editing. Any additional takes and editing may take up to an hour.

What if I need additional takes?
One to two takes of each scene or song is included in the price. Additional takes with basic editing are $5 each scene/edit.

Do you upload to other platforms?
Yes. If requested, tapes can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, EcoCast, DropBox etc. Tapes can also be sent directly to your representation.

What is your set up?
Auditions are shot on a CanonXA60 Camcorder. Sound is recorded with a Rode Shotgun mic. Lighting is done with two softbox Raleno lights, One Newer Ring Light, as well as a Ubeesize Backlight/Hairlight. Backdrop provided is a Botero Collapsible in either Gray or Royal Blue. A music stand for sides and stool are provided as well. Actors can watch playback on a large HD monitor connected to the camera. 

Do you have a table and chair?
Yes.

Do you have a place to change clothes?
Yes, there is a bathroom available.

What if I need to cancel my session?
24 hours notice is required to cancel a session. If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home, and effort will be made to accommodate you another time. 

What types of payment do you accept?
Venmo or Zelle or cash are accepted as well as online payments with a CC through Wix.

How long do you keep the files?
Files are kept for 7 days. Once you receive your WeTransfer file with your audition takes, please download it to your hard drive as the link will expire in 7 days