With self-taping becoming a staple in the audition process, it’s crucial for performers to refine their at-home audition skills. Your self-tape is often your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression, so making sure it’s polished and professional is essential. Here are some pro tips from New York City-based Casting Director, Erica Hart, to elevate your self-taping game, ensuring you showcase your talent in the best possible light.
1. Set a Time Limit
One of the biggest pitfalls actors fall into when self-taping is over-rehearsing. It’s easy to become overly focused on delivering the “perfect” performance, but this can lead to stiffness and a lack of spontaneity. Set a time limit for your self-taping session—aim for around 30 minutes. This will help you stay fresh and natural, capturing the essence of your performance without getting bogged down by endless retakes. Remember, when you’re on set or on stage, you won’t have the luxury of unlimited takes, so training yourself to deliver within a set time frame is a great habit to build.
2. Send It to a Friend
Before submitting your self-tape, send it to a friend or colleague. Getting a second opinion is invaluable, especially if that friend is not in the industry. This fresh perspective can help you gauge how your performance translates to an average viewer, providing insights that you might not have considered. Additionally, your friend can check for any technical issues, like audio sync problems or file size concerns, ensuring your tape is received exactly as you intended.
3. Check Your Volume
When it comes to volume, it’s important to play the scene, not the setting. Your instinct might be to project more than usual since you’re recording at home, but most scenes are intimate and involve close dialogue between characters. Speaking at a normal volume helps bring a more natural energy to your performance. If you find people are commenting that you’re “too big,” it’s likely a volume issue rather than an overacting one. Keep it subtle and focused on the interaction, rather than trying to fill a room with your voice.
4. Check Your Framing
The framing of your self-tape can greatly impact how your performance is perceived. For comedy auditions, consider framing yourself a little wider to allow for more physical movement and expression. For dramatic scenes, a tighter frame can be more effective, drawing attention to the nuances of your facial expressions. Make sure your framing complements the tone of the scene and enhances the storytelling, allowing the casting directors to fully engage with your performance.
5. Check Your Position
Positioning is another key aspect of a great self-tape. Rather than placing yourself dead centre, try positioning yourself slightly to one side of the frame. This creates a more dynamic visual composition and mimics how actors are typically framed in professional productions. It also allows for a more natural eyeline and makes your performance feel more realistic, as opposed to appearing too staged or static.
6. Check Your Angles
Be mindful of your angles and avoid showing too much profile. While it’s important to find a flattering angle, make sure your face is fully visible to the camera. Casting directors want to see as much of your face as possible to capture your expressions and emotions. Maintaining a consistent eyeline is also crucial—keep your gaze focused at a natural height and direction, ensuring your connection with the unseen scene partner feels authentic.
7. Check the Reader’s Spot
If you’re using a reader for your self-tape, make sure they are far enough away from your microphone. Your voice should be the clearest and most prominent sound in the recording. If your reader’s voice is too loud or too close to the mic, it can be distracting and pull focus away from your performance. Position your reader at a distance that allows for clear dialogue without overshadowing your own voice.
8. Consider a Split-Screen
Space constraints can make it challenging to capture a full-body shot in a single frame. If this is the case, consider using a split-screen technique for your slate. On one side, show your headshot and slate information as usual. On the other, include a full-body shot. This creative solution allows you to meet the requirements of a full-body slate without needing an expansive filming space, ensuring you’re still delivering everything the casting directors need to see.
Final Thoughts
Self-taping may seem daunting, but with these pro tips, you can turn your at-home setup into a professional audition space. Each self-tape is an opportunity to showcase your talent and make a memorable impression. By paying attention to these details and refining your technique, you’ll ensure that every submission reflects your best work. Remember, casting directors are out there watching and eager to discover new talent, so make every self-tape count! Happy taping, and break a leg!
