1. Performance. When you’re self-submitting, casting folks have high expectations. Even though you may have just received the copy, we assume that you’ve had time to work on the material and can bring your A-game.
2. Personality. Since casting is asking for your self-submission in lieu of an in-person audition, we miss out on getting the chance to meet you. If possible, we’d like to get to know you a little through your self-tape. One way to do this is to use your slate as a chance to show some of your personality as well as your professionalism.
3. Technical Quality. Ultimately, we need to see and hear you. If we can’t, this could immediately take you out of the mix. It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times talent will submit clips that are lacking in one of those departments. And if they are, even if we love their performance, we won’t be able to send them through to the client to consider due to poor recording quality. Your best bet is to solve all of these technical issues ahead of time. Find a space in your home that you can designate as your self-tape spot. Set up a camera, lights, background, etc. and have it ready to go.
4. Following Instructions. Make sure you read and follow the format and size specs for the clip. Also adhere to any slate, wardrobe, and direction that is given in the breakdown. Casting directors share these helpful instructions, which are usually passed along from the client, because they’re expecting to see them in the recordings.
5. Fitting the Role. Make sure you’re appropriate for the role before going through the trouble of self-submitting. If you’ve specifically been asked to self-tape then by all means send something over, but if it’s a general call, save yourself the time and effort if you don’t fit the breakdown. Time is limited and valuable for everyone, so focus your efforts on submitting for roles best suited for you!
- Melanie Forchetti, Casting Director for Netflix, Amazon, CNN, Oxygen, among others.
#casting #selftape #audition #actor
5 people like this
Great tips Tammy Hunt. Thanks for sharing.
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Highkey needed this thank you so much!
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Thank you, this has been truly helpful.
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I love that term - bring your A-game! Great notes - thanks!
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Hey Tammy Great Insight! Thank you for posting this! Question? For self-tapes, I was advised in my acting courses to wear a black shirt, but that seems like a one-size-doesn’t-fit-all approach. Wouldn’t it be more effective to wear something closer to the character’s style, or is a neutral look preferred? I also understand that sound quality is vital—I currently use a ZealSound Mic, box lighting, and a clean white background that gives a very professional look. Would you say that poor lighting is a show-stopper for casting directors?