Emilie Meyer
Self-taping is a common practice for auditions, especially in film and TV. The slate or self-introduction is an important part of the audition as it creates a first impression on the casting team. While there is no industry standard for virtual auditions, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the casting team. The slate should include basic information such as your name and agent, and additional details like height, location, and availability. It is also important to dress appropriately, focus on the emotional journey of the character, and choose the right equipment and editing software to create a professional-looking self-tape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Clearly state your name and agency, and any other information requested, such as height, location, and availability. |
| Accent | Use the character's accent to distinguish your slate and add a professional extension to your performance. |
| Confidence | Come across as self-assured, experienced, and easy to work with. |
| Equipment | Use a tripod, ring light, and a microphone for good sound. |
| Editing | Use basic editing software to create a professional product. |
| Camera Angle | Shoot horizontally in landscape mode, with the camera at eye level. |
| Full-Body Shot | If you don't have someone to pan the camera, shoot the full-body shot separately, scaling it vertically to avoid large black gaps on the sides. |
| Backdrop | Use a plain, clean, and wrinkle-free backdrop. |
| Rehearsal | Do a quick rehearsal to understand the emotional journey of the scene. |
| Clothing | Dress in neutral clothing that is appropriate for the character. |
| Props | Only use essential props. |
| Instructions | Read and follow all instructions provided by the casting team. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a tripod and film in landscape
Using a tripod and filming in landscape mode is a great way to ensure a stable and high-quality self-tape. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this setup:
Choose the Right Tripod
Select a tripod that is compatible with your device and suits your filming location. For example, the UBeesize Phone Tripod is a shorter tripod with flexible legs that can balance on various surfaces and is suitable for phones. If you're using a full-length tripod, the Neewer 64" Tripod is adjustable and compatible with both cameras and phones.
Set Up Your Equipment Properly
Ensure your camera is at eye level or slightly above. This avoids unflattering angles and creates a more pleasing visual for your slate. If using a phone, you may need to purchase a rig or adapter to attach it to the tripod.
Film in Landscape Mode
Filming in landscape mode is generally preferred as it provides a wider field of view and allows for a full-body shot without having to pan up and down. This mode also avoids the issue of black bars on the sides of your video if you need to rotate it during editing.
Maintain a Clean Backdrop
Keep your backdrop clean and wrinkle-free to maintain a professional look. Ensure you have enough space to capture a full-body shot, as this is often requested for self-tape auditions.
Focus on Functionality
Remember, the primary role of the slate is functionality. Clearly state your relevant personal information, such as your name, height, and location. This provides important context for the casting team and helps them identify you beyond your headshot or demo reel.
By following these tips and utilizing a tripod with landscape filming, you can create a stable, high-quality self-tape that showcases your personality and provides the necessary information for the casting process.
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Introduce yourself confidently
When introducing yourself confidently for a self-tape, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, the primary role of the slate or introduction is functionality. This means clearly stating your relevant personal information, such as your name and contact details, so that the casting team can easily identify and reach out to you. It is important to be natural and clear during your introduction to make a memorable impression.
While there is no industry standard for virtual auditions, it is crucial to follow the specific directions provided by the casting director. These directions may include what to include in the slate, such as your name and any other requested details. They may also specify the length of the piece, the number of takes, what to wear, and the deadline for submission. Therefore, carefully reading and adhering to these directions is essential to making a strong first impression.
In terms of presentation, it is recommended to use a form-fitting top in solid colours that complement your skin tone and avoid blending with the background. Jewel tones such as emerald green, purple, and burgundy are often flattering choices. Additionally, ensure clear framing, good lighting, and crisp audio quality. A full-body shot is often preferred, and while horizontal shooting is generally advised, vertical shooting is also acceptable as long as it is scaled properly.
Finally, consider embracing the essence of the character in your introduction. Some suggest using the character's accent during your slate as it adds a professional extension to your performance. However, this is a matter of personal preference, and you may choose to use your own accent instead. Remember, the slate is your opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impression on the casting team.
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State your name and agency
When creating a self-tape, it's important to remember that the slate is primarily functional. It is your opportunity to clearly state your name and agency, as well as any other requested information such as your height, so that casting directors and producers can quickly identify and understand who you are.
When stating your name and agency, make sure to enunciate and embrace the verbal will. This means intending to clearly introduce yourself so that the casting team can clearly receive your introduction. There are differing opinions on whether to use your own accent or the accent of the character, but using the character's accent can add a professional extension to your performance.
It is also important to consider the technical aspects of your self-tape. Ensure that you have good lighting and a blank wall as your backdrop to create a professional look. Use a camera tripod and ring light if natural light is not available. Position yourself in the centre of the frame, making sure your face and upper body are visible, and leave some space around you.
If a full-body shot is required, you may need to move the camera further away and turn it to portrait mode. While there is no industry standard for virtual auditions, remember to follow any specific instructions provided, such as the required information, camera angle, or time limit.
Finally, don't forget about the editing phase. Basic editing software can enhance your self-tape and create a professional product.
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Provide additional information
When it comes to providing additional information in your slate for a self-tape, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, always read and follow the specific instructions provided by the casting team. They will let you know the exact information they require, such as your height, location, and availability for certain dates. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
In terms of technical aspects, ensure that your self-tape is well-lit, with a clean and wrinkle-free backdrop, and filmed in landscape mode at eye level. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera or phone, and be mindful of your eye line, slightly dropping it to one side of the camera lens. Avoid excessive movement and accidental eye contact with the camera, also known as "spiking the camera."
While introducing yourself, embrace the verbal will and aim for a clear and confident delivery. Most of the time, you can choose to speak in your own accent or adopt the accent of the character. However, some suggest using the character's accent to add a professional touch to your performance. Remember, your slate is your first impression on the casting team, so aim to come across as self-assured, experienced, and easy to work with.
Additionally, consider the tone of your slate depending on the nature of the production. For example, a slate for a commercial might be more upbeat, while an audition for a dark drama might call for a more understated approach. Keep in mind that the primary role of the slate is functionality, providing clear and relevant personal information to the casting team.
Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of editing. While you can use basic editing software on your phone, investing time in learning more advanced software can significantly enhance the professionalism of your self-tape auditions. Remember to always use the correct video format and codec to ensure compatibility with the casting director's system.
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Use a recognisable camera brand
When it comes to self-taping for auditions, the equipment you use can make a big difference in the quality of your tape and, by extension, the impression you give to casting directors. While there is no industry standard for virtual auditions, there are several "unspoken rules" that you should follow to ensure your self-tape looks professional.
Using a recognisable camera brand, such as Canon, Sony, or Apple, is one way to ensure your video looks professional. You could also use a DSLR camera, which delivers a shallow depth of field, allowing you to blur the background and achieve a pleasing aesthetic. Additionally, DSLRs pick up a lot of light and usually have an external microphone input, which is important for achieving good sound quality. If you don't want to invest in a DSLR, newer smartphones may have good enough cameras, especially for shorter self-tapes. However, if you use your phone, be sure to use an external microphone to avoid picking up distracting ambient noise.
It's also important to consider your lighting setup. Natural light is ideal, but if you don't have access to a room with good natural light, you can use soft practical lights or a ring light to achieve a similar effect. Additionally, pay attention to your backdrop. A neutral background, such as grey, is ideal as it works for all skin tones and doesn't affect the colour on camera. Make sure your backdrop is free of clutter and distractions, and be mindful of your eye line and framing to ensure both sides of your face are visible.
Finally, remember that the slate or ident at the start of your self-tape is a chance to show your personality and make a good first impression. Be professional, confident, and friendly, and clearly state your name, the character you're auditioning for, and any other relevant information.
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Frequently asked questions
You should always film in landscape mode, as this is the same shape as a cinema and TV screen. If you film in portrait mode, you may cause issues for the casting director when they try to upload your file. If you are filming a full-body shot, you can film a wide shot and then walk forward to get a close-up, or you can tilt the camera up and down to show your full body. You can also shoot vertically, but you must ensure that the entire tape is not vertical, or it will play sideways.
The most important thing is to come across as self-assured, experienced, and easy to work with while clearly conveying the information that has been requested. Most slates involve stating your name and agent, but you may be asked to provide additional information, such as your height, location, and availability. You should also dress in neutral clothing that is appropriate for the character.
There is no industry standard for virtual auditions, so be sure to read everything in the casting call and follow all directions. You will need a camera, tripod, and lights, and you should use editing software to create a professional product. Remember that the more you self-tape, the better you will get.
