Self Tape Backdrop: Framing, Backdrop, and Eyelines Explained for Film vs. TV Self Tape Auditions
A self tape audition gives casting directors their first look at you on screen. It’s your chance to show who you are and what you can do, all from home. But how you set up your shot matters a lot. The way you frame yourself, what’s behind you, and where you look can help your […]
Self Tape Lighting: How to Get the Best Lighting for Self Tapes at Home Without Expensive Gear
A great self tape can open doors for your next self tape audition. The most important aspect of your self tape audition, by far, is having an acting method and using acting techniques that allow you to give a spontaneous, grounded performance that is truly alive! That being said…you must be seen! Your magnetic, gripping, […]
Self Tape Reader: Should You Use a Reader or Tape Alone? Tips to Nail Your Self Tape Audition With or Without a Reader
Making a self tape for an audition can feel exciting—and a little tricky. You want your video to look clear and your performance to stand out. But one big question often comes up: should you record with someone reading the other lines, or film by yourself? Many actors face this choice every time they submit […]
Avoid These Top 10 Self Tape Mistakes That Casting Directors Always Notice
A great self tape can open doors to your next big role. Casting directors see hundreds of videos every week, it’s essential that they see a real human being in your audition – that it is honest and tru;ly alive! Many actors also spend extra time and money setting up their tapes—buying lights, microphones, and […]
Affordable Self Tape Setup: How to Create a Pro-Looking Audition Video With Just Your Phone
Every actor wants to feel ready when an audition comes up. These days, many casting directors ask for video auditions instead of in-person meetings. In fact, some casting calls receive over 200 self-taped submissions for a single role, so a clear, polished video can really help you stand out. A clean, well-lit recording shows your […]
Commercial Audition vs. Narrative Audition: What’s Different About Self Taping Commercials vs. Narrative Roles?
When you record a self-tape, the way you perform depends on the job. A commercial audition focuses on selling a product or idea, while a narrative audition focuses on telling a story. Each one has its own purpose, style, and feeling. Since the pandemic, self-taping has become a major part of the industry—SAG-AFTRA surveys show […]
You Can Act Through Your Fear
I used to think that I had been blessed with a talent for acting, but I also thought I’d been cursed. It seemed to me that my neurosis and fear would always end up hampering my talent, keeping me trapped in my head and prevent me from truly being alive in the moment. Every audition […]
The Audition Is About Surrender Not Control
When I was a younger actor, I thought the audition experience was all about control.There were so many things I needed to control in order to pull the scene off – my feelings, my facial expressions, my thoughts – and most of all – the result. I had to make the scene great! I needed […]
How to Prepare for a Professional Audition
The biggest trap actors fall into in the beginning of their audition process is that they are preparing themselves to lie as opposed to telling the truth! Meaning that you don’t want to pre-plan your audition with line readings masquerading as truth – you actually want to tell the truth by going after One Specific […]