5 Self Tape Audition tips to make casting LOVE you!
READ THE DIRECTIONS… Now read them again!
Casting will give you everything you need to know about how they want your audition. If they are particular you will see notes and directions everywhere. Read them all. You may find slate directions in the wardrobe section or a prop list in the directions. We are moving fast in this business and if you miss a key detail they can’t pass your tape on to the producers and your tape is dead.
Film HORIZONTALLY!
TikTok rocks, but you can’t film your audition like that. They put these auditions on big monitors and the up and down films look crazy. Look at the horizon, now turn your phone like up with that. Film!
Never Film Straight On.
we always want to see your face! But this is not a mugshot. SLIGHTLY, angle your body to the left or the right while keeping your eyeline close to the camera lens. This gives the scene a more realistic angle. Your self tape is a time for you to be the director! Have fun with it, show them your eyes and the rest is up to you!
Have a Physical Eye-line for reference.
If there is someone to read with you great! That’s your eye-line. Make sure they are close to the camera. If you are solo use post its or sticker . Place them on the phone or on the wall to represent who or what you are acting with. If you are speaking with three people in the scene. Put up 3 post its (3 is my limit or you start looking a little crazy)
Let there be light and cast out the shadows!
this is your audition and you want your acting to be the star! Not the interesting vase on the shelf in the background. A blank wall or professional backdrop is best. Make sure the light is on your face…. not behind you. Natural light is best. Try different places around your house at different times to see where the best light is. A ring light works too! Try to minimize the shadows… Action!
