Create an Audition Self Tape that gets you a Callback.

Self Tapes are a new reality for actors and we need to make the best self tape possible to awaken the attention of casting directors. Here is a list of helpful hints you can use to up your game. Please let me know how you have been doing with self tapes and what has worked well for you so far.

Some Actors hate them, preferring to audition in person, while others prefer doing them at home getting the chance to put forth your best work. They seem like they are herre to stay so make friends with the idea. Set up a place in your home or come work with someone like me.

~Camera-Recording device

I have both a DSLR Camera and my IPhone 15 and a few tripod stands with different attachments to suit the device. I use the IPhone almost exclusively now as it is so fast and easy to shoot and edit and send the self tapes on one device.

~Lighting

It is so important that you can be seen and most importantly your eyes and facial expressions. Most of us rely on natural light from a nearby window, but that isn't always available or bright enough, (i.e. Vancouver winters, hahah)

The main idea is to have soft even lighting that doesn't create harsh shadows on your face and that casts an even light so the whole face can be seen well.

Many actors start with a ring light, (which can sometimes leave a small light reflected in your eyes or glasses), Others purchase larger LED light boxes or more formal softbox lights. Do your homework and shop around for the best price and quality to suit your budget and needs. Lighting can be as inexpensive as $20. all the way up to a few hundred. I was able to get a ring light on Amazon for $39 and a set of two soft box lights for $99, while the Led light boxes were $60.00. I also recommend searching local secondhand sites for these supplies. (I even have a mini tripod and a mini ring light that clips on to my IPhone for when I'm out of town, on set or at day job.)

~Sound

This is important because if you cannot be heard then you may be overlooked. I don't think Casting has the time to contact you to say they cant see you or hear you properly so make sure you review all footage before it is sent out to ensure you can be heard and seen well. I have used both a DLSR Camera with an exterior add-on microphone and now I generally use my IPhone 15 and the quality is great. ~Background

The colours recommended range from medium to dark blue and shades of grey. More importantly is to have a background that doesnt take any focus away from the Actor. In a previous apartment, I painted a wall Blue in my second bedroom to suit Audition Self Tapes

I use a large medium blue backdrop that came with a dual tripod system and a cross bar to hang it from. I bought it from Amazon for about $130 and it came with a ceiling mount and a roll down feature. (I cant use that feature in my new space) Putting it up and Taking it down daily is cumbersome.

~Framing

Every Audition Self Tape I'e been asked to do for Commercials and for Film and TV has been in Horizontal or Landscape mode on my IPhone. That just means to turn the phone on it's side and film that way. I bought a good tripod that is tall enough for someone my height, (just shy on 6 feet tall) so I can shoot at eye level. Most auditions call for a medium head shot. Some ask for close up while some that require more activity ask for full body coverage. Make sure and read the Audition directions very well. You don't want to not be considered because you didn't follow simple directions.

~Wardrobe

This is another interesting topic because you can make or break your chances here and every Casting Director is different in terms of what they prefer. I generally opt for a hint of costume in the direction of what I see the character description suggests. A CEO generally wears a suit and a farmer is much more casual and a father wears activity appropriate clothes. Be creative and get to know your local Value Village and Thrift stores. i.e. a white lab coat can work well for various characters.

~Editing

I use my IPhone to shoot my self tapes and once I'm done I edit the video in "Photos"-editing their length and with the iMovie App, I make the final edit of putting a slate at the top or tail of the tape, and then save the new video to my "Photos" and then forward same to the Casting Director or my Agent using WeTransfer, or in some cases directly on Casting Networks or Actor's Access, etc..

Make sure you are aware of any file type instructions from Casting, meaning which format they prefer and maximum fime size.