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Learn How To Self-Tape for Auditions

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 27, 2022

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Since the pandemic, there have been some major transformations in the acting audition process, one of which being the rise in self-tapes. Knowing how to self-tape for online auditions and interviews is an essential skill every actor needs to have in this day and age, but getting it right can be a challenge in and of itself.

Self-tapes have opened up more opportunities for actors and furthermore, this trend isn’t going anywhere.

The Advantages of Self-Tape Auditions

  • Actors can film as many takes as they need to get the best submission
  • Self-tapes can be done in the comfort of your own home
  • No need to spend time and money traveling
  • Self-tapes are easy, convenient, and more realistic for working actors who also have 9-5 jobs

The best way to make sure you set yourself up for success with a self-tape audition is to follow tips from the experts. Our goal is to share our expertise on the self-tape audition process to put you in the best possible position to get cast.

What to Know About Self-Tapes

Professional-level quality video production is super important but doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few technical purchases (see below for a list of suggestions) you can turn your smartphone into a fantastic self-tape production kit. While casting directors are more interested and focused on your performance, poor quality (including lighting, audio, and composition) can distract from your performance and cause a casting director to move on prior to watching the full self-tape.

In addition to the actual filming of the audition, expert casting directors say that they prioritize believability, acting choices, and understanding of the concept of the project. The actor’s ability to convey authenticity, charisma, and realness through a self-tape will ultimately be the deciding factor between what gets them cast and what gets them cast aside.

That said, there are core principles that every actor needs to master for a self-tape audition to get submitted successfully.

Mastering the Basics of Self-Tape Auditions

Below are general suggestions on how to achieve a great self-tape. Make sure to always follow any specific instructions or directions listed in the audition notice. Casting directors can sometimes have very specific and unique requirements for a self-tape including whether or not slate information is required, if they want a full body shot in addition to the scene, and the specific program format required for tape submissions.

Get the Angle Right

Shooting a self-tape requires a bit of skill when it comes to camera positioning, reader positioning, and choosing the right frame. For most actors reading sides, we suggest a medium close-up horizontal frame. If a body shot is requested use a portrait frame. Have your reader stand close to the camera and keep the camera at eye level. In most cases, it’s best to remain still while filming unless you are doing a dance self-tape audition or a scene that requires more movement. When positioning your camera, do so at the correct height, neither too low nor too high. Set your tripod at eye level or just above.

Choose the Right Background

Ideally, you will want to tape your audition against a plain background with a solid, neutral color like white, grey, or blue. Some actors also choose to invest in a professional screen, but this is not always necessary. The self-tape backgrounds to stay away from are patterned wallpaper and overly bright colors. Try to avoid filming in front of bookcases and remove artwork and objects from the frame, as these could be distracting for the casting director.

Wear the Right Clothes

Stripes and patterns don’t show up too well on camera, so it would be best to stick with solid colors when planning your outfit. Similar to the background, the clothes you wear should not take away from your performance. Your acting should be what stands out, not your flowery blouse.

Follow the Instructions for Slating

Not every casting director will ask you to slate for a self-taped audition. This is different from an in-person audition, in which it would be common to automatically slate. For self-tapes, only slate (introduce yourself by stating your name, personal identifying information, and location) if you are instructed to do so by the casting director.

Get the Right Equipment for Self-Tapes

Having the right self-tape equipment will be a major asset for all future auditions. This is an investment in your career, remember to keep your receipts and log this business deduction on your taxes!

To create your own self-tape setup kit for under $150, consider purchasing the following equipment:

Although it is not always necessary (stacking books will sometimes suffice), most actors use a tripod to steady their cameras or phones. These can be inexpensively purchased online. Below are a few tripod suggestions:

  

As for editing software, many actors opt for iMovie as their software of choice, but simple edits such as trimming the beginning and end can often be achieved directly from the software on your smartphone.

Discover a World of Opportunity at Up-To-Date Actor

Advice on self-tapes is just the beginning of the many ways we can help advance your acting career. We at the Up-To-Date Actor are dedicated to providing actors with tools and resources to move their careers forward with specific BOLD action.

To gain access to our valuable resources, we welcome you to sign up for an Up-To-Date Actor account today. Not only will you get access to numerous proprietary tools including audition logs and income reports, but you will also benefit from a national database of talent agents, talent managers, casting directors, production companies, and regional theaters. Make it easy to stay on top of your career when you sign up for an account today.