BY EVAN CAIN
VICE-PRESIDENT/ CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF/ ARTS AND CULTURE HEAD
What is Self-Taping?
A self-tape is an audition video that an actor tapes alone in their own home on a camera, phone, or device of their choice and sends into a casting director or whatever/whomever they might be auditioning for. Depending on the audition, an actor will either receive sides to prepare with someone helping you off the screen or they might prepare a monologue or song. Self-taping is really important in theatre, television and film because it allows one to not only improve their acting skills by practicing the tape over and over again, but by giving a chance to point out one’s strengths as an actor. While self-taping has been an important tool to have as an artist for a while, it is more important now than ever to know how to self- tape properly because of the Coronavirus quarantine and its effects on the casting aspect of theatre. This article will outline the positive and negatives of self- taping as an art form as well as explore the different aspects needed to create the perfect self- tape!
Positives
Self-taping is a really great skill to have right now while we theatre people are stuck at home and auditioning for numerous types of things online! It not only allows actors to work on their tape until they think it is perfect, but it gives them an opportunity to be a part of something they would have never auditioned for in the first place. During a live audition, an actor may feel like they produced good or not so good work, but they will never know for sure. With a self- tape, it’s easier to submit something that one is 100% sure about (or close to that). This also ensures that one is able to look back and either fix things they feel need to be improved or give themselves some credit for the things they did well in the video… REMEMBER: Being an actor is one of the most difficult jobs in the world, and just to be able to be vulnerable on camera is something you should be proud of!
Second, taping a live audition allows an actor’s talent to be shared across thousands of miles of the internet! Not only can one upload their self-tape to the casting director, but they can share it on youtube or their personal websites for other casting director’s to consider for talent as well. Along with an audition video, a headshot and resume can be sent into a casting director to further promote the talent of the actor. Directors may also reach out to an actor if they see their work online and take an interest in it. In all, self-taping increases access to auditions around the globe and allows actors the opportunity to perfect their craft for the camera.
Negatives
While Self-taping can be a really helpful tool and fun activity, it's also extremely stressful at times. It lacks the ability to create a relationship with another person, which is one of the things that makes theatre such a rich and unique art form. It can also be difficult, if you are filming alone, to find the perfect set up for the camera, while still keeping in mind the frame in which you would like to be seen (I do suggest a tripod, but if not, a table and a step tool work fine as well!). If you are somewhat of a perfectionist, like me, it might be difficult to film your tape to “perfection,” but it's important to remember that there is no right in acting and that a self-tape does allow one to at least try to create this “perfection.” Some casting directors also feel that an actor’s ability and charisma are much better communicated in person, but like it or not, self-tapes are the way to go right now.
The Basics
The most important part of a self-tape is to display one’s talent, honestly and thoroughly, through a very well-defined and technically correct video. It’s vital to keep the audience engaged and in the moment, especially when on camera because every little movement is seen in clear detail. Here are a couple of tips for creating the perfect self-tape! But first… check out this mini-tutorial to help visualize what is covered in this article.
A quick tip when self-taping is to make sure all fountains or filters are turned off in your recording space, something I forgot to do! Please excuse the fountain running in the background.
1. Camera Angle and Background
In a self-taped audition video, it’s vital to make sure the viewer has a good angle of you that will not distract from the acting. For a monologue, scene, or song, it is best to film from the very top of your head (with a little spare room above) all the way down to your waist or knees. This way, every facial expression will be clear in the camera and your hand motions will be seen. I personally prefer the video to show down to the knee, but whatever feels right to you will work just fine! Another important thing to note about the camera angle is where you are filming in your home and what is behind you. Make sure there are no giant family portraits or anything else that might distract from the main focus of the video: you. A blank wall is best when self-taping.
2. Lighting
Just as important as the camera angle, it is essential to make sure you are properly lit. Make sure there are no window shadows or any other dramatic lights across your face. Oftentimes, actors become washed out because of the light or clothing (which we will talk about later) they are wearing. Make sure the light is in front of you, not behind and it is best to be filming facing a window for natural light purposes. It’s totally fine if there are no fancy light setups in your home, but just make sure your face and body are clearly shown in the video, so your talent can be properly seen!
3. Clothing Choice
Believe it or not, the choice of clothing in a self-tape can say a lot about an actor and the length they are willing to go for the perfect audition. Make sure whatever you wear matches the character of your piece. For example, if I was auditioning for a business-woman in a short play, it would not make sense to wear a t-shirt and jeans to the audition. That would look sloppy. The same rule applies to virtual auditions: wear what your character would wear. That being said, it is NEVER okay to audition in your lounge clothes, meaning pajamas or sweats. This will simply convey the feeling of laziness and unpreparedness in an audition. From my experience, casting directors always notice the choice of clothing in any audition, virtual or live. Just remember to have fun with it! Dress up a little! Show you care!
4. Sound
The sound quality of a self-tape is extremely important as well. Make sure you are in a space that allows you to speak or sing freely. There should be minimal background noise, as well as no voices speaking in the background (unless of course, someone is your scene partner). This will only take away from the quality of your voice and create a distraction for the viewers. It is understandable if an ambulance drives by your house or something happens in the spur of the moment that creates a small sound, but anything that takes you or the viewer out the moment should not be included in the audition video.
5. Acting
Ah! The Acting! The most important part of any audition. For starters, know your piece well and have practiced it many times, just as you would any live audition. This includes going back and using methods like Laban or Meisner to really help delve into the piece and find its inner truth. It also includes reminding yourself of who you are talking to, what you want, and how you will get it (the very core of the piece itself). A few things that are specific to self-tapes: make sure you do not over exaggerate any facial expressions or movement. Without a professional videographer, too much movement might come off shaky and unfocused. The camera is also a very intimate thing that tracks any and all movement very carefully, so there is no need to exaggerate your facial expressions in any way. This being said, because each moment is hyper-focused on the camera, it’s important to choose very wisely and know every intention behind any and all movement/ facial expressions. Just remember not to lose the integrity and honesty of the piece, even though it is on the screen!
Now that we have explored all the basics of how to create a successful self-tape, you are all set to go create yours now. Don’t forget to subscribe to The QuaranTimes and keep checking out the Arts and Leisure page for more weekly theatre updates!
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