SELF TAPING

Self taping have now taken over our industry for the time being and is the first initial meeting between actors and industry professionals.

Here are my instructions and tips on shooting a top selftape!

What you need:

  • A Video Camera (A phone, Video recorder or DSLR with video function).

  • A blank wall, backdrop or pulldown screen of a neutral colour. Nothing in the background that detracts from your acting.

  • Natural light is great as is some soft studio lights that help give a cinematic feel to your self tapes.

  • Tripods are very beneficial and easy to use- It keeps the camera steady and you don’t waste time balancing your camera on household objects.

  • A quiet place with no distractions.

Backdrops, Lights and Tripods are now more in demand for self-tapes and can be sourced cheaply.

Filming Hints and Tips:

  • Make sure to frame yourself correctly. A mid-length shot is best. From the top of your head down to your chest, again unless requested otherwise.

  • Level your camera to be at the same height as your eyes. Above or below

  • Keep a loved one happy with treats and ask them to read in your lines. Someone on the other side of Zoom or Skype also works well. It’s always best to have someone live read lines and will help with your performance.

  • Have your reader behind the camera slightly to one side. Only direct your acting to camera if requested. If there are multiple characters in the scene, don’t direct all your lines to the reader. Put them in a different places behind camera, Postit notes work well for this.

  • Speak clearly and make sure your volume is at a good enough level for your microphone to pick your voice up.

  • Learn your lines. You can then focus solely on your performance and give 100% to the scene.

  • Crucial tip is to always film in LANDSCAPE (Horizontally) unless requested otherwise.

Clothing, Props and Makeup 

  • Lean towards the character when you are thinking about clothing. We don’t need you in full costume. Something that subtly places you in the character we are casting for. No need to buy or rent costume. If you’re self-taping for a period drama, we don’t want to see you audition in a tank top! A shirt is perfect.

  • Keep your hair out of your face, thats what we really want to see.

  • Minimum makeup is key. We want to see your features in all their glory!

  • Use props that are essential to the scene. Your acting is what we want to see. No need to over complicate things.

Ident and Number of takes

  • Give an Ident. Say a hello along with your name and agent (if you have one) along with profiles. Turn to the left and right, pausing for a moment on either side so we can see from the sides. Then lift your hands up at head length and show us both sides of your hands, again pause on each side for a moment.

  • No more that two takes per scene that show variety in your performance as the character.

  • All Casting Directors have specific requirements so be sure to read everything in the casting instructions!

Sending your Selftape

  • Always label your file correctly: NAME, AGENT and CHARACTER. If it’s labeled IMG_6389, it’s going to make it difficult for us and could get lost.

  • Make sure your file is in MP4 or MOV format.

  • Don’t send a selftape that is 1GB in size. 100mb is perfect.

  • All Casting Directors will have a preference in how they want to receive your tape. Make sure you follow their instructions. It will likely be via Dropbox or WeTransfer.

One more important point. Have fun! 

We hope you take this all on board and we look forward to seeing your amazing selftapes soon.

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