Within the progression of technology and communicating digitally, self-tapes are vastly becoming more common, Meaning that it’s essential for all aspiring actors to be able to create there own self-tapes when it comes to finding a good agency and being able to showcase your skills effectively through self-tapes when auditioning for roles.
What is a Self-tape
A self-tape is a recording of a script or monologue which can be done individually or with a partner, self-tapes are used by actors for submission to casting agencies or casting directors with the function to best showcase your acting abilities. Self-tapes can be useful as you can take as many recordings as you like and your able to watch them back, allowing you to give yourself feedback and to recognise what you can do to create a self-tape that lives up to your satisfactions.
Be sure to introduce yourself
Though the aim of a self-tape is to showcase your acting ability to industry professionals, it’s important to showcase yourself as well. Before you jump into character and demonstrate your talents perhaps tell them your name, maybe an interesting fact about yourself or why you decided to choose this particular script or monologue, it’s also a good idea to mention the agency you are representing. It’s important however, not to dwell on a tangent and speak for more time than is necessary, but be sure to give the viewer a glimpse of the person behind the character, which will only increase the credibility of the self-tape.
How and Where to film a Self-tape
When filming a self-tape, it doesn’t necessarily all boil down to your acting talent, it’s important to consider the visual effects and how your whereabouts may affect the self-tape. For any actor in front of the camera, whether that be on a set or on your own, building a relationship with you the camera is important. You want the camera to be able to capture your emotions, feelings and dialogue, also make sure to experiment with different angles and ways of filming to see what works best for you. Agencies and casting directors will be well aware not everyone has access to a 4K video camera, however if your filming via webcam or smartphone it’s important that the film quality is up to a high standard to capture your ability.
In order to get the best visual footage, your whereabouts of your filming is something that you must take into account. When conducting your self- tape ensure your in a room or a place that contains a lot of light so you can be seen clearly and be presented in a naturalistic effect, if possible also ensure that the room around you particularly your background is clear or blank.
Why are Self-tapes used?
Self tapes are used to best capture your talent, without requiring you to travel to a specific location. Unless there is a close deadline, self tapes normally allow you to put a lot of time, effort and preparation into your tapes meaning less pressure and a more smoother audition process. Often self tapes can be used as a precursor to an in person audition, allowing casting directors and other film and TV production casts to see your talent before requiring you to progress to an in person audition. Though self-tapes are mainly used upon request from casting directors and agencies, once you require the skills and know the fundamentals of a self-tape you can start to use them for your own benefit. Websites such as Spotlight UK or wherever your acting CV or content may be posted, posting and showcasing your self- tapes will further develop your content and allow people visiting your site to see and appreciate your work.
