IMPORTANCE OF SELF TAPE

A good quality self tape has the potential of being shared for other projects, with other casting directors, producers and other professionals in the industry. Selftape not only showcase your acting abilities but also shows that you look the part, are photogenic AND can act while looking great on camera. Being able to self tape means that you have the time to nail your audition perfectly. You want to treat it as important as an in person audition. It can lead to more booking opportunities.

- Every selftape requires you to do something different.
- Pay attention to the self tape detailed instructions.
- It is important to learn how to adapt to fit the mood of the character you are auditioning for
- This means depending on the specs of the role, you want to adjust your wardrobe accordingly.
- Remember it’s not a one size fits all type of self tape.
- If they like what they see in the 1st preliminary round of a selftape, you will be invited for a 2nd callback to come into the studio for an in person audition.
- Do NOT wait until the last minute. Get your selftape submissions in as soon as possible

EQUIPMENT RESOURCES

Shoot your selftape by using a Camera or Smartphone are both OK as well. Please be sure to hold your camera horizontally for a wide angle shot.

MUST HAVE EQUIPMENT:

- $39 Ring Light with Tripod, suggested item can be found here: https://amzn.to/33gAYFi  
- $52 Audio Setup for Recording, Voice Over or Gaming, suggested item can be found here: https://amzn.to/2BR9wCE

FRAMING

- Shoot medium close up shot from the waist up or just right above your shoulder. This is important because they need to see your face clearly from the beginning. Do not start your self tape video with a full body shot of you being too far from the camera.  IF you don’t have enough space for a full body profile, leave your profile shot until the end of the video. Remember to continue to hold the camera horizontally for a wide angle shot

WARDROBE:

- Clothing should be form fitting to show your body proportions and can be layered with a jacket or sweater to show a specific style.
- Nothing too distracting / has large logos
- This means depending on the specs of the role, you want to adjust your wardrobe accordingly.

MAKEUP:

ON Camera Makeup is a MUST for both make and female. When they say natural makeup it means on-camera ready makeup with the basics.
- Eye concealer under eyes - Full coverage long lasting
- Moisturize your lips with a tint of color It is important to learn how to adapt.

LIGHTING

You can simply invest into a ring light that can snatch to your smart phone where you can shoot anytime during the day. You can get the ring light for less than $40 here: https://amzn.to/33gAYFi

If you have means to invest in some lighting, we would recommend a ring light. It does not need to be anything expensive
- Invest in a ring light or other lighting equipment so you can film self tape at any time of day.
- There are ring lights that plug directly into your smartphone or camera and come with a tripod stand and cellphone holder.
- If you don’t have any lights, then film during the day at the brightest spot in your house.

ONLINE TELEPROMPTER

Don't have time to memorize your line?  Here's an awesome free tool available for you to read your script and lines.  
https://telepromptermirror.com/telepromptersoftware.htm

Watch  the  video explanation of the tool can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Jc0ocLUHE&feature=youtu.be

AUDIO:

It is extremely important that we are able to hear you clearly. Film when it is quiet and make sure sound is not echoey.
- Invest into a LAV mic here: https://amzn.to/2DqLVJe
- $52 Audio Setup for Recording, Voice Over or Gaming

BACKDROP:

Backdrop should be wrinkle free or standing against solid color and never the same color as your clothes so you can stand out Make sure there are no clutter or anything distracting in the background
- $36 Backdrop, 10 x 10 Grey High Quality Backdrop, suggested item can be found here: https://amzn.to/2EwUd2O