Self-Tape Overview: How to Film a Self-Tape Audition

A self-tape is an audition video that an actor records and films themselves. Typically, the performer will act out a scene or monologue, at the request of a casting director, in hopes of landing a specific commercial, film, or TV role. Historically, casting directors have required actors to perform in-person auditions, especially in cities like New York or Los Angeles. However, it has become commonplace in the modern-day entertainment industry for both up-and-comers to submit self-tapes for casting calls.

Some acting studios may offer self-taping services, but it is just as common to record a self-tape at home to land your dream gig in Hollywood.

There are several industry standards for self-taping that you’ll want to follow to increase your chances of landing a callback. Follow these handy tips to make the perfect self-tape.

1. 1. Memorize the sides. In the audition room, casting directors may ask you to hold your sides—the portion of the script you’re reading for an audition—but memorizing your lines for a self-tape makes you look more professional. Going off-book allows you to focus on embodying the character—from facial expressions to tone—rather than worrying about where you left off on the page.
2. 2. Frame and light the shot. For a good self-tape, always orient your video camera—whether you’re using a cell phone, DSLR camera, or another high-quality device—in landscape style (horizontally) rather than portrait style (vertically), unless the casting director asks otherwise. Frame the shot as a close-up to capture the top third of your body, which allows the casting director to see your expressions, just as an audience would. Adjust the camera to center your face in the frame, similar to a typical headshot. Set your self-tape location to utilize any natural light in your space. Use a ring light or order a lighting kit if you don’t have a natural light source. Invest in studio lighting like a softbox light for a more permanent auditioning setup.
3. 3. Mark where to look. Use painter’s tape to mark the wall on either side of the camera at eye level. These will be your marks to look at as you speak to another character or reference an object. Unless your sides direct you to look up or down at a person or object, the marks should be level with your eyeline. They should be just behind and to the right or left of the lens. Do not place your marks too far to either side of the camera, which can make it challenging for the casting director to read your facial expressions.
4. 4. Use neutral backdrops. Use a plain gray or white background for your self-tape, which will eliminate environmental distractions that might prevent a casting director from focusing on your performance.
5. 5. Inform your reader. Unless you’re filming a monologue, you’ll need a reader present to dictate the other characters’ lines in the script. Provide them with any relevant contextual information you’ve gathered from the sides about their character (especially if your reader is not another actor or your acting coach). It will be easier for you to genuinely react to their lines if they speak them with inflection and meaning. Since it’s your audition, you should be the only person on camera, so ask your reader to sit or stand to the side. During your performance, if you’d rather look at your reader than the marks on the wall, ask them to stand directly to the side of the camera.
6. 6. Wear a solid color. Wear neutral, unbranded clothing in solid colors for your self-tape. Additionally, be sure that your clothing does not match the background or have bold prints, which can be distracting because your body language will not be visible.

Knowing how to make a high-quality self-tape is essential for the audition process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to record your self-tape at home.

1. 1. Review the sides and directions. Thoroughly read through your script and any directions from the casting director before recording your self-tape. Use any information you find in the script to inform your performance. The time of day, setting, and descriptive words about your character can help you make smart acting choices.
2. 2. Memorize your lines. Review the script and memorize your lines so that you can be present as you tape with your reader.
3. 3. Set up your self-tape studio. Set up a neutral backdrop. Mount your camera on an at-home tripod to arrange the correct frame, capturing the top third of your body. Mark the wall so that you can consistently look at the same place when speaking to the other character(s).
4. 4. Eliminate background noise. Minimize background noise in your self-taping space to ensure the best possible sound quality. Shut any windows to prevent ambient noise from drifting in from off the street. Consider investing in an external mic to plug into your recording device if your space is especially noisy.
5. 5. Find a co-reader. Ask someone you know to read the other sides of your script for your self-tape. Highlight their lines, using multiple colors if there is more than one character for your reader to play.
6. 6. Record your tape. Follow the self-tape casting call instructions, and record your tape. If there are any specific instructions on how to slate for this particular role, follow them. Record several takes if needed.
7. 7. Edit the video. Using at-home editing software, clean up your best take so that the beginning and end of the video seem smooth and seamless. Include the full take, and do not stitch multiple ones together. If your casting director requested a title card or any other editing elements, add them to your file.
8. 8. Submit the tape. Follow the instructions that the casting director provided to submit your taped audition. Save your video file as a .mp4 or .mov, and make sure it is not too big to send. Compress the file if it is too large to send through the submission portal.

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