What is a self tape?
A self tape is an audition you record yourself, usually at home, and send to casting instead of reading in the room. Casting directors use self tape auditions to see your take on the role, your look on camera and how you take direction. For example, our course What Is a Self-Tape? covers it in about an hour.
How do I set up a self tape at home?
Pick a plain wall, put your phone in landscape on a tripod at eye level, frame from mid-chest up, face a window or one soft light, and record in the quietest room you have. Also, our course How to Set Up a Self-Tape walks you through each step, with a checklist you can tick off.
Can I self tape with my phone?
Yes. In fact, a recent phone shoots more than enough quality for an audition. However, use the rear camera if you can, lock focus and exposure, shoot in landscape unless casting asks for vertical, and keep the phone steady on a tripod.
How long should a self tape be?
As long as the sides, and no longer. First, follow the casting notice: it tells you what to slate, how many takes to send and how to name the file. Otherwise, if there is no instruction, keep the slate short and send only the scenes that were asked for.
Who reads the other lines in my self tape?
A reader stands or sits next to the camera and reads the other character's lines at a steady pace. For example, a friend works, in person or over a video call. The reader should be clearly audible but quieter than you, and stay off camera.
How much does the Self-Tape Academy cost?
One payment of $199 unlocks all three courses on self tape auditions. In addition, your learning dashboard tracks progress, saves your setup checklist and issues a certificate when you finish each course.
Can I get a refund?
No. All sales are final. Because course access is digital and opens as soon as your payment is confirmed, Self-Tape Academy purchases are non-refundable.
