Last May GCM's Bridget Wong did the "Self-Tape Challenge".  The challenge was to film 16 self-tapes in the month of May. But it doesn't have to be a challenge for JUST that month. This is something you can do any month of the year! We talk to Wong about her experience.

What inspired you to take part in this in challenge? Why?

I was inspired through listening to Audrey Helps Actors podcast. She started the #selftapemay challenge about 4 years ago, and I’ve only just discovered this last year. I thought it would be a good challenge for myself especially since it’s so quiet now for all of us.

What is the challenge?

The challenge is to complete 16 self-tapes in the month of May. It can be a short scene, monologue, ads, voiceover etc. There are no restrictions. This year’s rule is to include a paperclip/binder in every self-tape so we all know that you’re not taping till May. Upload your tapes onto your ig page. You can create a new account just for these tapes to keep yourself accountable. The best thing is that it’s FREE. So do it! (more info at selftapemay.net)

 It’ll be good practice for next year’s selftapemay or just practice in general!

What was your favourite part about this process?

My favourite part is that it gives me a reason to try out and experiment with characters that I’ve always wanted to play. Treat it as practice selftapes for auditions you want to get.

What was your least favourite part about the challenge?

It can be tricky looking for scenes, finding the time to learn them, get a reader and then shooting all 16 tapes but fortunately for me I roped my fiancé to help me out! Audrey also provides lots of resources on her ig page where you can find quick original sides for your tapes.

What would you recommend or suggest for other people thinking about partaking?

It can be daunting at first as 16 sounds like a big number. So maybe play with shorter scenes and experiment with different kinds of delivery. That way you can do several tapes with just that one scene. My intention going into this was to have fun and sticking with it till the end. I’ve also used a few sides from Castability as they were quick and short. It really helped with getting through the 16.

What were your key learnings?

The biggest takeaway for me while doing this challenge was being reminded that this business is about longevity. It is up to us to keep the practice going so we are ready when the opportunity comes. It’s good to keep the joy, fun and passion alive. Doing practice selftapes helps me to exercise that acting muscle in some way and get the creative juice flowing a bit. It can be disheartening when we are in a dry spell and there aren’t many auditions but being proactive in this small way helps to empower us. I can experiment with all kinds of characters that are outside of my ‘casting’ through these tapes because its fun.

Another takeaway is learning to experiment with my set up! Lighting, hair and outfit can really change the way you are perceived so I am looking forward to collecting more outfits and play around with the lighting as well.

Most importantly, it is FREE! There are plenty of sides out there and resources from Audrey’s ig page as well as super informative episodes on her podcast that makes us feel less alone in this profession. Please have a listen! 

Audrey watches a lot of the tapes posted on ig. I recently completed the challenge and she reposted one of my tapes on her page! I spend a lot of time listening to her episodes while driving to work so I was super happy and totally fangirled! She is so generous with her knowledge and time.

Give this challenge a try!! You won’t regret it. 

Bridget Wongis an alluring and unique actor with extensive training with local and international tutors including: Laura Interval and Latham Gaines (US/NZ), award-winning actor Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, High Country), Tiffany Mak (Canada), Railtown Actor’s Studio (Canada), and McSweeney Newman Casting (AUS). Her screen credits include New Zealand’s number one prime-time drama series, Shortland Street, and short films Let’s Settle This, Never Can Say, and My Mother Told Me directed by up-and-coming director Nahyeon Lee (Kainga).

In addition to her acting, Bridget is a gifted musician, excelling in violin, piano, and singing. She is also skilled at a high level in badminton and martial arts, and has advanced proficiency in Mandarin. She is of Chinese and Malaysian descent.