How to film the perfect self-tape

Self-tapes are a tool used by many casting directors, actors and agents around the world as an alternative for face-to-face auditioning. They are popular because they are cheap to make and it allows the casting team time to see a large amount of actors within a short amount of time.

However, self-tapes can be quite tricky to master as they require careful set up, filming and attention to detail. In this article I have highlighted what is important to remember when filming a self-tape to get the best quality possible.

Setting up:

1. Use a tripod. A tripod is the best way to secure your device firmly to provide a steady take without the risk of it slipping or falling. You don’t need to use a professional camera for filming a self-tape - a smart phone will work perfectly fine.

2. Use a plain wall or back drop. A patterned or busy background can take attention away from you when people watch your self-tape. If you have a plain wall that you can use - that works brilliantly or alternatively you can purchase a back drop screen online which works well too. Try and avoid white or black backgrounds as they can wash you out and cause lighting issues, additionally make sure that your clothes are contrasting with the background so you don't blend in.

3. Lighting. Natural daylight is ideal for filming self-tapes, but if the room doesn't have much natural lighting you can purchase lighting equipment such as box lights, ring lights or LED panel lights. I personally use a ring light with a warm setting as they is capable of providing good quality lighting and has a tripod feature attached.

Filming the self-tape:

1. Get someone you can trust to read in with you. I would recommend using an actor friend to read in if you have one or you can use a friend or family member instead - so long as you feel comfortable filming with them because if you not then it can show on screen. Ask your reader to read their lines quietly as you want to ensure you are the main focus and can be clearly heard. I would suggest having your reader almost next to the tripod so they can be heard and it provides you with a good eyeline.

2. Framing. Before you begin filming you need to make sure you have correct framing with two inches of space above your head and two inches just below your shoulders - this ensures you'll be in frame during the whole take, so long as you don't do a lot of moving. Make sure you always film in landscape, include an ident at the start or end of your tape - name, height, location, representation (as requested in the brief.) You might also be asked to include side profiles - front and both sides of your head.

3. You are now ready to start filming. Try doing something slightly different for each take so you can review them before submitting anything. Think about your character's given circumstances and how you are portraying these and don't shy away from exploring different interpretations of the script that are outside the obvious.

Once you’ve finished filming:

1. Email the self-tape to your agent. Usually, agents tell you how they'd like self-tapes submitted. Include your best take in your submission to your agent (sometimes you can submit two takes) and make sure the videos are correctly labeled as specified so your agent or casting director knows what it is as soon as they get it. (For example., Name_Role_Scene)

2. If you are self-represented and doing the self-tape through casting platforms such as Spotlight, Backstage or Mandy then you should be able to contact the production team directly and find out how they would like you to send the tape to them, labelled as instructed.

Make sure you do your research thoroughly into your character and pay attention to the brief or any notes you have been given by the Casting Director or your agent as this plays a huge part in deciding if you are cast or not. If you aren't successful, don't feel too disappointed, their will always be more opportunities.