Self+Tape

A short comedy written and directed by James Cleave and starring Boo Jackson, Pippa Moss and Cheska Hill-Wood.

Recruitment is taking place for a lead role in a major British romantic comedy and three ambitious actresses have applied and they are now home, where they need to do their audition online, via webcam. These women are Jessica (Jackson), Grace (Moss) and Isabelle (Hill-Wood) and they are determined to get the part. However, their supposedly serious efforts turn out to be childish, resulting in awkward moments.

Shot in one day, on a £1,000 budget and with only one week preparation, this short is viewed through the perspective of three webcams, one for each of the candidate's computer and the narrative alternates between the three of them, with the camera being constantly stationary. Since the technical issues are the current subject, this would be an opportunity to acknowledge the work of Christopher Dean, for the creative use of editing, particularly the split screen techniques. And praise also goes to the creativity during the closing credits.

So the three actresses begin their audition and, although they apprently had little time to prepare, their performances come across as far from professional and it does not help that they are auditioning from their home, as they get distracted and seem too relaxed, too at ease. The result is three auditions that might be more suitable for a slapstick comedy than a romantic comedy.

The biggest strength of this film is the performances of the three leads. Jackson, Moss and Hill-Wood are quite entertaining in portraying actresses who are pursuing a role and a screenplay that they do not entirely comprehend and they end up delivering auditions that are, well...unsuitable, filled with their complaints and frustations and there are interruptions too.

This humorous story involves the world of acting and auditions and generally filmmaking. It is about aspirations, self-reflection and self-esteem and utilises clumsiness and naivety as a means of entertainment. The film also appears to be questioning whether attempting to achieve something from the convenience of one's own home is as effective as being out there instead.

A short story about three actresses behaving childishly. Ten minutes of fun.