Self Tapes Debunked

Here is our 5 step guide for all audition self tapes in 2024.

Self tapes are becoming more and more popular with casting directors and filming them can feel extremely alien if you haven’t done so before. However, it’s not actually as complicated as it can first seem as long as you follow a simple structure.

1. Always film landscape (*Almost)

Ok, a simple enough start here. Find a blank wall (preferably light in colour) and set your phone (or camera) up in landscape on a tripod or something secure so that your upper body and entire head/hair is in frame.

*The reason I added the “almost” in the title is, there are some rarer cases where you may be asked to self tape specifically for a social media/TikTok style advert - in this instance the casting team may specify that they want it filmed in portrait.

2. Lighting

All you need is a bright light source (prefferably with a white hue and not yellow) pointing directly at you but, try and avoid casting distracting shadows behind you. This can be achieved in many ways however, a ring light with a phone holder is a cheap and easily accessible in 2024 and is a brilliant tool to utilise. However, if you don’t have access to one, you can recreate this with a phone torch secured at head height.

3. Simple Editing

Just like our online audition format, you may be asked to put more than one clip together. There are many applications in 2024 for this such as splice or iMovie. Start with a name/agent slate (this is just a title video clip) and then put all clips together removing any gaps or silences.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can even add a little fade between each clip under “transitions”.

4. Eyeline

This one is a little more about personal preference and can be influenced by the show/company you are auditioning for. I prefer to have the camera to one side and my eyeline front so i'm not looking directly into the lens. But, shows may have their own preference. SIX: the musical form example, ask you to look down the camera, like a Popstar would.

5. Be you

Easier said than done right? My personal pet peeve on self tapes, is the lack of opportunity to be yourself and talk to the audition panel. With self tapes you still have to do your upmost to get your personality across. So, even though you're on camera, relax and be as natural as you can.

Sometimes “be you” can also feel like a cliche piece of advise but, at the point you come to audition, that’s really all that’s left to do. Trust your ability, take a deep breath and be yourself - that’s what will set you apart.