After Olivia Coleman, the Marvel star Tatiana Maslany has joined the chorus against the self-taped audition process. The practice, alongside issues such as streaming residuals and artificial intelligence, became a focal point in the collective bargaining negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP in 2023. Originating during the 2019 global pandemic, it has since become a widespread practice in the industry.
While some perceive it as convenient, others criticize it as disrespectful and costly, pointing out its lack of feedback for actors. Maslany, who openly criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger during the 2023 strikes, has also voiced concerns about the process in a recent interview with The Independent.
Tatiana Maslany Shared Her Criticism Against Self-Taped Auditions
In a recent conversation with The Independent, actress Tatiana Maslany expressed her frustration with the self-taped audition process, particularly how it has impacted jobbing actors. She shared that the process often takes significant time.
Maslany also highlighted that despite putting in so much work to film and edit these tapes themselves, the actors frequently don’t secure any paid job and even fail to get significant feedback on their auditions.
She said,
“You send these tapes into the void, you never get responses, you never get any feedback and you’re working! You’re filming yourself and having to edit yourself, which is also the stuff that makes you so self-conscious.”
Maslany echoes Olivia Colman’s sentiment, who recently spoke out against the audition process. “It’s very disrespectful,” she told Interview Magazine. The Secret Invasion actress also highlighted how the process deprived the actors of getting feedback and the opportunity to win over casting directors.
Following the strikes, new regulations were set in place to ensure fairness and respect in the audition process. It required the scripts and materials be provided at least 48 hours before the submission deadline. Actors are limited to reading eight pages for initial auditions and 12 pages for callbacks. Additionally, actors were not compelled to memorize lines, do stunts, and wear revealing attire for the auditions.
Tatiana Maslany on Calling Out Bob Iger During SAG-AFTRA Strike
During her interview, Tatiana Maslany also opened up about what led her to criticize Disney CEO Bob Iger during the 2023 strikes. The criticism was followed by Iger’s comments calling the actors’ demand for fair pay unrealistic.
Reacting to his comments, Maslany told The Hollywood Reporter that the studio head is “completely out of touch with the workers who make these shows happen.” She reflected on her remarks in her recent interview, saying,
“In those moments, you’re so heated up. It’s hard to articulate yourself in a way that you want when you’re on the picket line with everybody.”
The actress calling out Iger was significantly highlighted due to her starring in the Disney+ series She-Hulk. While there have been no significant updates regarding her future appearances in the MCU, speculation has arisen about the impact of her 2023 statement on her potential return to the franchise.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is available to stream on Disney+.
