What does Hands Slate mean?
Hands Slate is a type of audition slate in which the performer holds their hands up to the camera — palms facing forward — so the casting team can assess their hands. Hands slates are most commonly requested for commercial auditions where the product or the role specifically involves the performer’s hands — food commercials, beauty products, jewelry, children’s toys, or any product that will be held, used, or manipulated in the final spot. For these roles, the appearance and condition of the performer’s hands can be a significant casting criterion.
Example:The casting breakdown for the hand cream commercial specified that all performers should be prepared to provide a hands slate — the child actor held her clean, well-groomed hands palms-forward to camera as part of her audition introduction before performing the commercial copy.
Example: The casting director explained to the parent that the toy commercial required a hands slate because the product would be prominently featured in the child’s hands throughout the spot — the casting team needed to see the size, proportion, and appearance of the child’s hands relative to the toy before making a decision.
Did you know?
Hand models are a distinct category of performer who specialize in appearing in close-up shots featuring hands — often for luxury goods, jewelry, or beauty products. The most in-demand hand models maintain extremely strict protocols for hand care and protection, sometimes insuring their hands for significant sums. For general commercial actors, however, a well-groomed and well-cared-for appearance is sufficient — the hands slate simply confirms that the hands are appropriate for the specific role.
