Quick Answer

Making self-tapes that grab casting's attention requires strong acting choices and polished production value. Set up your camera on a tripod, experiment with flattering angles, and ensure you have ample lighting from both key and fill sources. Use an external mic for professional sound quality. Slate clearly with your name, height, and details from the casting notice before performing each take. Make bold choices that showcase your range and instincts. Trim your best takes together to demonstrate control and contrast. Keep your framing tight and background simple. Review your tape on multiple devices to guarantee clarity. With strategic set up, thorough preparation, dynamic acting, and thoughtful editing, you can craft an authentic yet cinematic self-tape that showcases all your talents.

Introduction

Self-tapes have become an indispensable part of the audition process for actors. As more auditions move to video submissions, being able to create a professional, compelling self-tape is an essential skill for getting noticed by casting directors and landing roles.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide everything you need to know to take your self-tape game to the next level. Whether total beginner or experienced actor, you'll learn techniques to optimally set up, perform, and edit a stellar self-tape that gets results.

We cover choosing the right filming location, camera and lighting setup, slating, editing techniques, and more. Follow these tips culled from casting directors and acting coaches to make your tape stand out for all the right reasons.

Choosing the Right Location

Picking an appropriate filming location is the first step to a successful self-tape. You want a space that is quiet, has good lighting, and provides a neutral background that won't distract from your performance.

Find a Quiet Space

It's crucial to choose a quiet space without interruptions or background noise. Even subtle sounds like an air conditioner or refrigerator humming can be distracting. Turn off phones, music, and anything else that could make noise.

Look for Good Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for a self-tape. Overhead lighting often creates unflattering shadows under the eyes and nose. Instead, position lamps, windows, or reflectors to light your face evenly from the front. Avoid backlighting behind you, which will make you appear too dark.

Choose a Neutral Background

Pick a background that is relatively plain and free of clutter. You want the focus to be on you, not your surroundings. A blank wall or solid colored backdrop are good options. Make sure decor doesn't distract like patterned wallpaper or bright colors.

Setting Up Your Camera

The camera and video quality are vital for conveying your performance through a self-tape. Follow these tips to get the best setup.

Use an HD Camera

Self-tapes require HD-quality video. Use the best camera available to you, whether your smartphone, DSLR, or a dedicated camcorder. Make sure the resolution is set to 1080p or higher.

Frame in Landscape Orientation

Position the camera in landscape orientation, so you have ample headroom above your head in the frame. Leaving excessive space above looks more natural than if the head is cut off.

Place Camera at Eye Level

Put the camera around eye level rather than pointing up at you from a low angle or pointing down from a high angle. This creates a more flattering perspective.

Check for Stability

The camera should remain completely still throughout your self-tape. Use a tripod or set the camera on a flat, stable surface so it doesn't shake or drift.

Activate Auto-Focus

Turn on auto-focus to keep you sharply in focus as you move closer or further from the camera. Manual focus can accidentally make you blurry.

Lighting Your Self-Tape

Proper lighting is crucial for an effective self-tape. Follow these techniques to look your best on camera.

Use Multiple Light Sources

Relying on just one light source creates overly harsh shadows. Instead, light the scene evenly with multiple lamps positioned around you. Place them slightly behind or to the sides of the camera.

Avoid Overhead Lighting

Overhead ceiling lights are often too direct and unflattering. While you can use overhead fixtures as fill lights, the key light should come from in front of you at a 45 degree angle.

Watch for Mixed Color Temperatures

If using multiple light sources, ensure they are all the same color temperature. Mixing daylight, fluorescent, and incandescent creates an unnatural color cast.

Use Reflectors to Fill Shadows

Position white reflector boards to redirect light back into any shadows areas on your face. You want soft, even light without heavy shadows.

Adjust Light Intensity

Use dimmers and adjust the distance of lights to achieve a well-exposed image. Your face should not appear too bright or dark. The light intensity can impact perceived performance.

Avoid Distracting Shadows

Make sure the key light in front creates backlight behind you to avoid rim light shadows on the wall. Position lights to avoid shadows that can draw focus.

Framing Your Performance

Carefully framing your performance ensures you stay in the camera frame while focusing on your acting.

Leave Headroom Above

Keep ample headroom above your head so you don't get cut off when looking up or changing posture. Only your eyes should reach the top edge.

Frame From Chest Up

Generally frame from the chest up, only including your face, shoulders, and torso. Going too wide or tight can be unflattering or distracting.

Look Into the Lens

Make eye contact directly into the lens instead of at your image on a screen. This gives the impression you're connecting with the viewer.

Square Up to Camera

Face the camera head on instead of turning your body at an angle. It focuses attention and makes editing multiple takes together easier.

Mind the Edge of Frame

When glancing or looking around, be aware of the camera frame so you don't accidentally shift focus away. Keep movements contained.

Have Props Ready

If using props, place them nearby where you can easily grab them in frame. Reaching off camera is jarring.

Filming Your Self-Tape

Follow best practices when actually filming your self-tape to capture high-quality footage.

Shoot Multiple Takes

Record the scene several times, trying different approaches. This allows you to pick the best moments from different performances in editing.

Leave Pauses Between Takes

Let the camera roll for 10 seconds in between takes. It gives room in editing to cut between different performances.

Perform Full Scenes

Even if only doing a short slate and sides, perform the entire scene start to finish each take. It allows seeing the full arc of the performance.

Capture Room Tone

Record 30 seconds of room tone - silence in location so editor can use ambient sound between edited clips if needed.

Check Playback and Reshoot

Review your footage. Make sure to record another take if sound, light, focus, framing, props, or performance need improvement.

Follow Submission Directions

Read submission instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Send what is requested by the deadline and method specified.

Preparing Your Physical Space

Optimizing your physical performance space helps you fully inhabit the scene and character.

Clear Clutter

Remove distracting objects and clutter from the background. The area should only include key props and furniture needed for the scene.

Make Sure Surface is Level

If seated, perform on a sturdy chair on level ground. An uneven surface can inadvertently shift your body from optimum framing.

Have Water Available

Keep water on hand off camera to hydrate your voice and body. Vocal fatigue can strain performances, especially for extended scenes.

Adjust Room Temperature

Make sure the room isn't overly hot or cold. Temperature extremes can tense muscles or be distracting.

Use Production Sound

For scenes with loud actions or movement, production sound adds realism. Have shoes on hard floors, pour water, flip pages as you would on set.

Preparing Your Performance

Taking time to prepare and rehearse helps you deliver your best work on the self-tape.

Memorize Lines

Practice and memorize your lines until you can perform without reading. This allows you to focus on acting choices instead of trying to remember the script.

Rehearse In Frame

Walk through and rehearse the scene in the self-tape set up. Get comfortable with the space and hitting your marks.

Research the Project

Learn what you can about the production, director, and role. This provides context to inform your acting choices.

Choose Objective and Tactics

Decide on your character objective and tactics. Have a clear game plan for the scene.

Make Bold Choices

Big, specific choices read better on tape than subtle ones. Don't be afraid to take risks.

Show Range

If asked to prepare multiple scenes or slate, showcase contrasting material. Display your depth and versatility.

Avoid Overdoing Edits

Edit for clarity, not flashiness. Seamless edits help maintain the integrity of your performance.

Self-Tape Slate Best Practices

The slate introduces you and gets casting excited about your performance.

State Your Name

Look directly into the camera and clearly say your name at the start of the video. Pause before jumping into the scene.

Bring Energy and Excitement

The slate sets the tone. Bring liveliness and passion. This grabs attention right away.

Include Requested Info

If asked, provide other requested info in slate like height, location, talent reps, union status, etc.

Have Sides Visible

Hold up and label your sides briefly so there’s no confusion about the material being performed.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

Enunciate and speak at an easy-to-understand pace. You want your slate to be immediately engaging.

Keep It Concise

The slate only needs to provide essential info. Keep it focused under 30 seconds so you can dive into the scene.

End with a Tease

End the slate with a smile, laugh, or line from the scene. Leave them wanting more and excited for the performance.

Editing Your Self-Tape Footage

Tightly editing your self-tape clips can take your audition to the next level.

Use Editing Software

Invest in quality editing software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. Free apps offer limited control.

Cut Between Takes

Utilize the best moments from different takes. Mix it up so you’re showing range.

Mind the Eye Lines

Pay attention to eye lines when cutting between takes. You don't want unmotivated changes in focus.

Match Action

Cut during action or movement to hide the transition between clips. This keeps the integrity of the performance.

Smooth Out Mistakes

Edit out any stumbles, breaks, or mistakes that aren't part of the scene. Present your best work.

Use Ambient Sound

Fill gaps between edits with room tone to smooth transitions. Avoid jarring audio jumps.

Add Music Sparingly

Only use underscore music if it truly enhances the scene. Usually it comes across as gimmicky.

Don't Overcut

Avoid fast, excessive cutting. Let moments land. Too many edits can fracture the performance.

End Strong

Conclude with your best clip. Make them excited to call you in and see more. Leave a lasting impression.

Preparing Your Self-Tape for Submission

Follow these final steps to deliver your professional self-tape audition:

Export High Resolution

Export your final edited video out of your NLE software at maximum resolution. Avoid compressing the file.

Check Audio Levels

Make sure audio sounds clear without peaking or distortion. Consistent levels are important.

Slate at Beginning

Keep slate before the scene performance, not as separate file. Casting needs it for context.

Name File Clearly

Name video file clearly, typically: "YourName - ProjectName - RoleName"

Include Submission Forms

Attach any required submission forms, resumes, headshots along with self-tape video file.

Send Link if Large File

If file size exceeds 10MB, upload to Vimeo or Dropbox and send viewing link instead of attachment.

Follow Exact Directions

Double check where and how the self-tape is supposed to be submitted. Strictly follow all requirements.

Meet the Deadline

Submit self-tape by the exact deadline provided. Late submissions often won't be accepted.

Preparing Yourself Physically and Mentally

In addition to preparing the set and scene, you also need to make sure you are personally ready both physically and mentally for the self-tape audition.

Physical Preparation

Your physical condition impacts both how you look and perform on camera.

Get Enough Rest

Be well-rested so you have energy and focus. Fatigue can dull reactions and memorization.

Hydrate and Avoid Heavy Meals

Drink water but avoid too much liquid before taping. Eat light, not heavy meals that make you sluggish.

Warm Up Your Voice

Do vocal warm ups to loosen your voice and improve projection. Release body tension.

Choose Wardrobe Thoughtfully

Pick wardrobe suitable to the role that fits well and makes you feel confident. Avoid noisy jewelry.

Have Make-Up Applied

Have natural looking make-up applied that enhances your features on camera. Appeal subtly polished.

Style Hair Neatly

Make sure hair is clean, neatly styled, and out of your face. Avoid frequent fussing on camera.

Mental Preparation

You also need to make sure you are in the right mindset to give your best performance.

Know Lines Cold

Thoroughly memorize lines so you can focus on acting choices instead of trying to remember.

Breathe and Relax

Take time before starting to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and clear your mind. Release tension.

Focus on the Scene

Put aside worries and distractions. Zero in on the character, circumstances, and objectives.

Visualize the Reader

Picture the casting director or reader in your mind. Direct your performance to connecting with them.

Have Notes Handy

Keep direction notes, adjustments, reminders handy to review before takes.

Get Into Character

Use exercises to physically and vocally get into the headspace of who you're portraying.

Project Confidence

Approach the work with passion and confidence. Energy manifests on camera.

With the right physical and mental preparation, you will give your best, most dynamic audition possible.

Conclusion

Creating a stellar self-tape audition requires careful preparation, planning, and polish. Follow the tips in this comprehensive guide to master the self-tape format and take your auditions to the next level.

With the right location, camera and lighting equipment, framing, and editing, you can produce a professional quality self-tape that rivals an in-person audition. Bring out your best on camera performance by preparing your space, props, wardrobe, hair, and make-up for optimal presence.

Most importantly, spend time working on your acting craft. Know the material cold, make bold choices, visualize the reader, and project confidence. The more auditions you do, the more comfortable and skilled you will get at self-taping.

Eventually filming yourself will feel natural and you’ll learn how to fully own the frame. You’ll discover which techniques work best to showcase your unique strengths and abilities.

As you compile an impressive portfolio of self-tapes, your submissions will start standing out to casting directors. When opportunity meets preparation, your next big role will be within reach. Stay persistent and keep improving your tapes.

Use each audition as a chance to grow your skills. With practice, patience, and perseverance, you will master the self-tape format and book the job of your dreams. Break a leg and go wow them with your incredible talent!