In this warm and insightful conversation, Aislinn Aungier (Head of Casting at Fishpond) sits down with Ali Coffey, the founder of Fishpond and a leading Irish casting director, to discuss the standout self-tapes from Fishpond’s Spring Showcase and broader casting insights. Ali shares detailed feedback on performance, emotional connection, accent work, and industry expectations. She speaks candidly about what makes a tape memorable and the common pitfalls actors should avoid, while encouraging actors to prepare deeply, trust their instincts, and stay present. The conversation is a valuable resource for any actor looking to improve their self-taping craft and stand out in a competitive landscape.
Date Wednesday 28th May 2025
FP Host Aislinn Aungier
Guest Ali Coffey, Casting Director & Fishpond Founder
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Emotional Connection Over Performance
• Believability trumps polish: A tape is memorable when the actor is truly connected to the material, not just delivering lines.
• The essential casting question: “Do I believe you?”
• Avoid over-performance; subtle emotional shifts are more compelling than dramatic displays.
2. Craft the Arc of the Scene
• Casting directors look for emotional transitions, how a character changes during the scene.
• Even short scenes should show a clear emotional journey.
• Don’t just “hit beats”; let shifts happen authentically and gradually.
3. Texture and Grounding in Performance
• Texture = depth and layers: humor, contrast, contradiction.
• Grounded = present, confident, not telegraphing emotion.
• Actors should avoid “playing the lie” – make us believe the character believes what they’re saying.
4. Accents: Flawless or Not at All
• If using an accent (especially American), it must be flawless and consistent.
• An accent that slips takes the viewer out of the moment – better to use your own accent if unsure.
• Actors in Ireland should invest in coaching to master general American, RP, and UK accents due to international productions filming locally.
5. Feedback Patterns in Casting
Most common notes Ali gives:
• Pick up the pace – scenes are often too slow.
• Adjust stakes – sometimes they’re too high or too low for the moment.
• Shape the scene more – show a clearer start-to-finish shift in the character.
• Connect to the material – engage more deeply, make it yours.
6. Pet Peeves in Self-Tapes
• Too much stillness or silence at the start/end – 3 beats is plenty.
• Overlong or rambling idents (intro videos).
• Dragging pace – keep scenes moving, especially for TV and film.
7. Timing Matters: Submit Early
• Don’t wait until the deadline – submit early to allow for feedback or redirects.
• Early submissions increase chances of being seen and re-taped if needed.
• Build in buffer time for technical glitches or performance refinement.
8. Make the Scene Yours
• Focus on presence, not impressiveness.
• Leave space around words, emotionally commit, and let the character affect you.
• Experiment with different speeds or angles to unlock fresh interpretations.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
“Do I believe you? That’s always the question.”
– Ali on the single most important casting criterion.
“It’s not about being impressive, it’s about being present.”
– Advice for self-tapes and acting in general.
“Texture is when something feels layered. Not just good—compelling.”
“The tension comes from what’s being concealed, not from showing us it’s a lie.”
– On playing deception truthfully.
“If your accent isn’t flawless, use your own. A slipping accent breaks the truth.”
“Give yourself space—not just to film a few takes, but to work, play, and discover.”
“Sometimes the smallest truths are the most compelling ones.”
“Three beats is always enough silence. Anything more? You’re losing us.”
“Trust the moment. That’s where groundedness lives.”