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When you’re thinking about an audition or a call back, you probably should be considering your self tape set up. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, you can easily create a successful self tape set up for yourself that’ll get you one step closer to booking that gig. Here are 4 things that you should have in your self tape set up arsenal:
A Good Quality Camera: The camera used to film the audition should be of good quality, with clear picture and sound. If you don’t have the capital to drop $1,000+ dollars on a Canon or Nikon, use your cell phone. You can prop your phone up on a stack of books and film your little heart out. If you want to invest in yourself and your career, I suggest getting on Amazon and searching for a Canon or a Nikon camera. They are a bit pricey but worth it. I own a Nikon D5600 (Click here to see it. And, no it was not $1300 when I bought it 3 years ago). I love the picture quality and it’s incredibly easy to set up an external mic BUT my biggest grip is that it doesn’t have auto focus. That might not seem like a big deal but if you’re like me and filming most of your auditions alone, it can be extremely frustrating. Please do your research before investing in a professional camera, if that’s the route you’d like to go.
Good Sound Quality: Another important aspect of self taping is having good quality sound. You won’t be considered if your video looks great but it sounds like your recording it in a train station. Don’t worry about the subtle sounds in your home (like a distant dog bark or your air conditioner humming in the background). If you can, film in a space that has lots of carpet or rugs, to muffle any echo-y sounds your camera might pick up. If you don’t have the luxury of living in a carpet filled home, another option you could invest in is a Bluetooth microphone that you can connect to your phone or camera. There are tons of affordable options you could choose from that work for both iPhone and Android (I’ve linked one here for you. You’re welcome).
Good Lighting: Good lighting is ESSENTIAL to ensure that you can be seen clearly in your audition video. Natural lighting can work well and is extremely cost effective but can be a hassle if there’s a storm coming or if the sun shifts positions. Artificial lights can be expensive but if you find one that works for you, you can change the trajectory of your self tape auditions. (Another link here for you! I personally own and use this light frequently.)
A Neutral Background: The background of the video should be neutral and unobtrusive, with no distractions that could detract from the actor’s performance. A plain wall works great if that’s all you have. (This is especially true if you are traveling). If you want something that looks a bit more professional, you can purchase a backdrop. There are a billion different backdrops out there for varying prices but I own and love this one. It’s easy to set up, it’s BIG and easy to take down. If you buy it, let me know what you think about it!
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