We cast most of our projects using self-tapes for at least the first round. We love self-tapes because we find they make casting more accessible vs in person casting sessions. Below is are some answers to FAQs about self-tapes and some tips!
WHAT IS A SELF-TAPE?:
DO I NEED EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT FOR MY SELF TAPE?:
DO I NEED A READER IF THE AUDITION SCRIPT INVOLVES A CONVERSATION?:
WHERE SHOULD MY EYE-LINE BE DURING MY SLATE AND SCENE?:
DO I NEED PROPS?:
HOW SHOULD I SEND MY FILES?:
WHAT IS A SELF-TAPE?:
- A self tape is an audition that you film on your own time and submit to casting for review. Sometimes projects are cast entirely off of self-tapes, sometimes a self-tape gets you in the door for a callback.
DO I NEED EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT FOR MY SELF TAPE?:
- No, you don't need expensive equipment! Self-tapes can be filmed on a cellphone using natural light. While fancy cameras and ring lights are nice to have, the most important things is that we can clearly see and hear you. We aren't looking for high production value in your self-tape, we are looking at YOU and your performance.
- Unless specified you should record your self-tape inside in a clean and uncluttered area. If possible have a solid and neutral backdrop. Make sure to avoid an area with a lot of clutter / distraction.
- No need for fancy lights. The most important thing is that we can see you accurately. Natural light is best. Most importantly make sure that your light source is coming from in-front of you / behind the camera and NOT FROM BEHIND YOU. If your light source comes from behind you then all we will see is a silhouette.
- Record your self-tape in a horizontal format (turn your phone on it's side).
DO I NEED A READER IF THE AUDITION SCRIPT INVOLVES A CONVERSATION?:
- If possible you should use a reader. Anyone can read with you, their only job is to cue your lines by reading the other character. Use a reader (someone reading your cue lines to you from off-camera, in real-time). If you can't find a reader, just leave some time between your lines even though this isn't ideal. I would rather have a tape from you without a reader than no tape at all.
- You might hear the word "sides" in reference to auditions. “Sides” are the lines we want you to read during your audition. These will be sent to you if you are invited to audition.
- A slate is just a fancy word for a short introduction video. In a slate you will face the camera and answer some quick questions like your name, your agency, etc. These questions will be laid out clearly in the audition instructions. We might also ask you to show your full body and your "profiles". Your profiles are just your different sides. Only include the details we ask for, nothing extra.
- These details should be clearly spelled out on the audition instructions. If it's not specified then we recommend wearing your hair down, doing natural light makeup and wearing a casual / simple everyday outfit. Avoid hats, unnecessary glasses. No costumes please.
WHERE SHOULD MY EYE-LINE BE DURING MY SLATE AND SCENE?:
- In your slate your eye-line should be directly at the camera.
- In your scene your eye-line should be just slightly off camera, about 1/2 a foot.
DO I NEED PROPS?:
- Props are not necessary, if you do use them keep them simple.
- No, you don't need to edit your slate and scenes together. You can send your self-tape as multiple files.
HOW SHOULD I SEND MY FILES?:
- We will always provide specific instructions for submitting your self-tape files. If you have any issues submitting your files to us through the request method, we recommend using WeTransfer.com to email the files to [email protected].