Self Taping Tips for Actors

Self-Taping is here to stay.

You must be masters at this and learn to enjoy this process. You are presenting:

Your Image
Your likeability
Your charm
Your professionalism
Your sense-of-humour
Your energy
Your passion

Be someone everyone wants to work with!

OVERACTING AND PROPS - A good rule is NO PROPS or just a cup or whatever is required for the action of the scene. You don't need to recreate the scene with people or props.

When the Casting Director asks for good comedic actors: show it! Even if it's a wry, cheeky smile. Engage, engage, engage - read your notes.

Your SLATE is very important. It's your first chance to make an impression and have a bit of fun. Your NAME is important — say it carefully.

This video by Jackie Lind goes into detail on the best practices to follow in a self-tape. As always with American content, these may differ slightly and on a job-by-job basis in Australia.

Just see how your Casting Director wants it. It is usually in the Guidelines provided by your agent. I suggest recording slate-to-camera first—not last as Jackie says.

Record in LANDSCAPE not Portrait.

• Use a completely plain background/wall behind you.
  If using a sheet (iron it and no stains please) This is your image!
  If you have a pop-up background - make sure it fits the whole scene
  Don't be sloppy - This is your image!

• Read carefully and follow the instructions from the Casting Director.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Dress to "suggest" the character but no costumes.

YOUR SLATE - Unless asked otherwise, do it first.

Say your name carefully, don't be boring - You want everyone to fall in love with you within the first 15 seconds! Don't rush, but don't waste time.

• Verbal ID (slate) at beginning of your audition

  • Name

  • Height

  • Agent

  • Dates availability, no conflicts (for TVCs)

LIGHTING

• Stand about 1 metre from the wall to avoid shadows.

• Room must be well-lit. Natural light is the best on your face. Overhead light is NOT GOOD.

RECORDING & EYELINE

• Use a tripod or prop to keep the phone/camera steady (blue tac is a good friend). If you have a tripod, you can get a small attachment to hold your phone.

• Find a good reader (if required) who should stand close to the camera a few steps back, but not so close that the focus is on them. Their voice should be much quieter than yours! - There are also good apps to play the reader.

• Your eye line will be on the reader. Feel free to move a little and take your eyes off the reader when you make a point, but ignore the camera.

• When you are finished DO NOT walk out of camera shot. Stand still with a fade-to-black

• Save your file - Your name, Job, Agent. Example: “ChrisLilley_TelstraCommercial_SuzieSteenManagement.mp4”

Don't be afraid to be yourself and stand out. Everyone wants to be excited by your audition.

BIG NOTE: If you have just had a personal problem, let it pass, then gather your best self, and get in there and smile. The camera knows.