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4 Key Factors to a Perfect Self-Tape Audition

Misc

What does casting look for in the perfect self-tape audition? Remove the word “perfect” because there is no “perfect’ self-tape!

What is a Self-Tape Audition?

A self-tape audition is just like a regular in person audition except you are the one recording the audition on your smartphone, DSLR camera or your laptop. Instead of going into the live audition casting room, you self-tape your audition at home with an in-person reader or virtual reader. You receive audition sides from casting directors or your agent or manager. Be sure to follow the casting directors’ instructions as every office has different requirements.

The purpose of a self-tape tape audition is for us on the casting side to get a good sense of what you’re going to do with the audition material and if you’re right for the role.  As a casting director, if I don’t know you, your self-tape is the best way for me to meet you and get a sense of your acting abilities.

There are 4 key factors I look for in a professional self-tape audition.

  • Sound quality
  • Lighting
  • Framing
  • Background

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Sound for Self-Tape Auditions

Casting directors need to be able to clearly hear your dialogue in your self-tape auditions. I know it sounds obvious, but a lot of actors get used to the ambient noises surrounding their apartment or home. I coach a lot of actors who live in NYC where it’s common to have an apartment by a fire station, hospital or right next to the subway, so I’m always reminding them to double-check their sound for ambulances, firetrucks, garbage trucks etc.  My casting director advice to reduce the background noise… purchase a lavalier mic.
self-tape audition mic setup

Lighting for Self-Tape Auditions

Actors, you don’t have to have a huge professional lighting setup to achieve a professional looking self-tape. The 2 most important things we’re looking for in your self-tape lighting is even skin tone and that we can see the color of your eyes. As casting directors, we need to be able to see what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling. A simple ring light or a set of box lights will do the trick. Be sure to measure your space so you’re buying the right sized equipment.

Check out these actors’ examples for lighting:

self-tape audition lighting

Framing for Self-Tape Auditions

The biggest mistake I see actors make is not paying attention to how they’re framing themselves. Some actors may not know how to correctly frame themselves in their self-tape auditions. Here’s my casting director advice:

Frame yourself from the rib cage or chest up and stand in the middle of the frame. This is the most effective framing for your self-tape auditions. Framing yourself the right way ensures you’re the focal point of your auditions.

Check out this professional actor’s example of framing from the rib cage up:

self-tape audition rib cage framing

Background for Self-Tape Auditions

Choosing the best backdrop/background for your self-tape auditions is key to keeping casting directors engaged in your auditions. A messy background looks unprofessional and distracts casting. Remember, we see up to 100 auditions a day and it’s only natural that we’re going to tune out so when actors have a distracting background it takes us out of your performance.

Make sure you have a clean clutter-free background so you’re the focal point, not your messy kitchen with dishes in the sink. Yes, I’ve seen that before in a self-tape!

self-tape audition background
My casting director advice is to shoot your self-tapes against a clean white, gray, pink or light blue wall. Or purchase a blue pop-up backdrop. This ensures a clean, professional-looking background every time.

In Conclusion

To ensure you’re submitting a professional self-tape every time, practice with your equipment. Do a test shot of yourself, checking for sound, lighting, framing, and any distractions in the background. As a casting director, acting teacher, and coach I want you to feel comfortable and confident every time you submit a self-tape audition.

Want more free self-tape tips? Check out my self-tape freebie here. Ready to dive into class? Check out my 8-week Live Self-Tape Course here or my go-at-your-own-pace Killer Self-Tape Course here. Trust me, it’ll help you build fans out of casting directors.

Want to maximize your bookings? Uplevel your self-tape and get proven strategies and tips to master your auditions. Click the button below to claim your Killer Self-Tape 101 eBook at no-cost, totally free!

Claim eBook