By Gabriela Lopez

June 12, 2022

A Whole New World Even before COVID-19, self tapes were becoming the new normal. Technological advances revolutionized the audition process; no waiting rooms, no traffic, and no parking tickets. Plus, casting directors can now see twice as many actors in a day and decide within seconds if your audition fits the bill. Don’t give...

A Whole New World

Even before COVID-19, self tapes were becoming the new normal. Technological advances revolutionized the audition process; no waiting rooms, no traffic, and no parking tickets. Plus, casting directors can now see twice as many actors in a day and decide within seconds if your audition fits the bill. Don’t give them a reason to click away by ensuring your tape is high quality in every aspect; sound, frame, and lighting.

Auditioning at home means you’re responsible for setting yourself up for success which can be a daunting task. Don’t fret, we’re here to help! Gabriela has given us her best tips to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward every time.

Getting Your Script

Once you get your script, you are going to read it, break it down, memorize it, and get some coaching. There’s a lot that goes into this step of a self tape as well. Most of which we don’t have time to explain right now because we want to get to the actual taping of your audition. But if you’re curious about scene breakdown, memorizing techniques, and everything in between, join one of our monthly zoom acting classes!

Lighting

It is important that you choose a space with good lighting. You want to make sure casting directors can see your face clearly. You also want to make sure there aren’t any harsh shadows on your face or your background that could be distracting. You can use natural light if it is available, or you can use a ring light and LEDs.

Background

Make sure your background is solid. A blank wall works great for self tapes. Don’t have a blank wall? No problem! There are plenty of options for backgrounds online. Be careful with the color of your background. Try to stick with white, gray, or blue.

Sound

Sound often gets overlooked with self tapes. Usually your phone microphone is ok, but if you want to block out any outside noises, we suggest you use an attachable microphone. When there are dogs barking, music playing, or other people talking, it is easy to get distracted from your performance. Great sound can up your self tape game more than most people realize.

Recording

Like we mentioned before, make sure your phone is on a tripod. A shaky camera can also be extremely distracting to a viewer. Never have someone hold the camera for your self tape. Put your phone (or higher quality camera) on a tripod and position yourself in the frame. A frame for your self tape (unless otherwise specified) should be from your chest up. Make sure you are filming horizontally and place your reader just to the left or the right of the camera so you have a good eye line. In addition to these tips, there are some settings on your phone that can increase the actual quality of your video. Make sure your video settings are recording at 1080p at 30fps and make sure HDR is off. For your Iphone, go to: Settings >Camera > Formats > Choose “Most Compatible” and make sure “Pro Options” are off.

Extra Extra!

We have a few tips for the rest of your self tape experience! Wardrobe is important! Dress in the essence of the character, but never wear costumes. Jeans and t-shirt is a good go-to, choose a vibrant t-shirt for comedy and neutral for drama. Make sure you have a sting opening and closing beat. Establish the scene before you start your lines, and finish with a beat that keeps the viewer wanting more.

Time to go shopping!

Don’t worry, you may not need to buy all of these things to have the perfect self tape . Your Iphone, blank wall, and natural light can work just fine! As long as we can hear and see you clearly, you are good to go! If you would like to purchase some lighting, tripods, backgrounds and microphones, we have some suggestions!

Need some Coaching?

Book a coaching session with one of our amazing coaches!

Lighting:

-For zoom auditions Gabriela recommends this light for your computer.

-For Self tapes, you have a few options. You can purchase a ring light that comes with a tripod attached, or you can purchase a tripod and lighting separately.

Backgrounds:

-Gabriela recommends this background

-Or this background that she uses herself.

Sound:

-Gabriela recommends this microphone

Thanks for reading!

Let us know if you have any other questions. We are happy to help.

Self Tapes 101