Actor’s Top Tips for Self Taping

Words By Nicole Fazlinia - Actor 

Whether it be a play for an upcoming theatre show, a student short film, or a feature film featuring (insert any famous A-Lister actor), as an actor you need to self tape before you can even enter the audition room. Toronto Film School agreeably defines a self tape as ’a specific kind of acting audition in which an actor records their performance at home and submits it to casting directors and other industry professionals for later viewing’.

Why ask for a self tape before an audition?

First of all, self taping is largely convenient. It allows actors and performers alike to audition for roles minus the exhausting trip, because, let’s be honest, in this Brexit-ified economy, not everyone can make the trip to London where some of the bigger-names within the acting world reside, or entertainment hubs like Los Angeles or New York. A train ticket is literally more expensive than a flight sometimes. Alternatively, it allows for actors and actresses with disabilities or other limitations audition. Producers and casting directors are aware of the changing world!

Let’s not forget many crew members also have to travel. It allows for a wider global reach if self tapes are done digitally. Not only can casting directors consider talent and actors and performers from a wider geographic, providing more opportunities for performers worldwide, it also makes it easier for them. As daunting as it sounds, they can then share that self tape around from casting director, to AD, to producer to other crew members without having to travel in directly. 

It also allows you as a performer or actor to put your best foot forwards in the audition. You can record multiple takes of the same self tape at a time suitable for you with lighting, sound, and background suitable for you. This means there’s no rush, and you can tailor your self tape for you and your needs, without the all-too-well-known feeling of crippling anxiety that comes with a live audition. Messed up a line or two? Lighting looking too sharp? Sound a bit on the fuzzier side? No big deal - just do another self tape take.

Now that we’ve established why it’s important to self tape, and what it’s useful for, here are…

7 Top Tips for a Great Self Tape Audition 

1. Follow Instructions Carefully 

It sounds simple enough, right? Once a casting director sent me a 90-page-sample of a script, and I filmed it all, only to re-read and realise that she had only requested three of the eight scenes I had filmed. TLDR a lot of valuable time wasted for me and my poor, poor reader! Ensure you read the specific self tape requirements the casting director wants (format, scene choices, performance instructions etc), especially whilst filming your actor’s ident.

2. Reading the Script & Characterisation

When setting up, make sure your surroundings are quiet so as to not disturb you. Personally, I find writing up a timeline of the script’s events help me with blocking where my eye-line will travel before I self tape, as well as understanding the storyline of the script. Make sure you take note of the characters traits, as this is what will really help you characterise. Try to get a reader, as they can also give you a secondary opinion. Your performance should be natural, but still engaging.

3. Audio 

Mics are expensive. If you’re going to go truly ‘all out’, rent a studio with a professional mic to pick up audio clearly. Aire Street Studio studio rent for two hours comes to £85, which is what I would recommend. Half of the reason professional performances on a TV screen or a cinema screen look as enjoyable and engaging as they do is due to their access to expensive equipment. Alas, the other half is talent. Aire Street Studio is in Leeds by the train station and uses Deity, Sennheiser and RODE condenser and Lavelier mics, which I can vouch for, and it truly captures absolutely every teeny tiny bit of emotion in your voice. Give yourself a chance to shine! 

4. Lighting 

I may have said mics are expensive, but lights are even more pricey. Some do reach well over a couple grand, and with that in mind, it’s best to just get a well-stocked studio which has all the equipment already. Not to toot Aire Street Studio’s already well-tooted horn again, but they do this best. Aire Street Studio uses the colour accurate Godox SL150III, which is a continuous LED light similar to what is used on film sets, and it results in an increasingly professional and consequently stand-out self tape. Try to avoid both shadows and harsh light, but keep your face well-illuminated.

5. Backgrounds and Backdrops

Keep your background uncluttered, or use a white wall, and if you do rent out a studio, use a white or neutral, solid-colour backdrop. Some actors choose to use blue or grey for their backdrop, but I prefer white simply as I think it compliments me more and works better with lighting. Another reason to rent out a studio is that you can try all of the backdrops available, and Aire Street Studio certainly has a lot of them. Ensure you select a backdrop that doesn’t clash with your clothing and skin tone. 

6. An Actor’s Framing 

Most of the time, casting directors ask for framing to be armpit-up, with a tiny bit of space above your head to prevent an uncomfortably cramped-up appearance. I like to utilise the rule of thirds, and place myself in the middle bottom section of the frame for a visually satisfying composition. Try to watch your eye-line too. If your character is looking at/speaking to two different people, show that by imagining them and looking at them. Unless your character is disassociated (we’ve all been there), avoid staring blankly into mid-air. 

7. Reviewing and Editing

This one is self explanatory. Pick your best take, and then I like to use iMovie to edit it and ensure my framing is correct. Additionally, I trim the edges of each clip if there’s unnecessary footage to allow the self tape to flow better. If you’re struggling with this, Aire Street Studio can help with access to industry video editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Davinci resolve which allow for further thoroughness compared to iMovie.

Hopefully, that’s given a good overview of how to adequately self tape for casting directors to be happy. If you want to book out a professional studio for that extra touch of expertise and polish, feel free to contact Mark Wheelwright at Aire Street Studio, or use our booking page to simply rent it out. Stay tuned for more in detail tips coming to Aire Street Journal soon! 

Words by Nicole Fazlinia