Self-Tapes Are Here to Stay! Creating a Home Studio on a Budget

Having Your Own Home Studio  Is a Requirement for Today’s Actor

And

Knowing how to Block Yourself Within the FRAME for Zoom and Self Tapes Is a Must

THE BASICS OF A HOME STUDIO

Production Values are important BUT, you don’t  have to spend a fortune to get them.   We are including links to inexpensive, quality items that will help you create great self tapes.  Here is what you need:

VIDEO:  A Good Digital HD camera.  One or more of the Following

1.                   A HD Video Camera capable of 1080 or higher Preferably one that uses an SD Card for easier transfers to                        your computer for editing.
2.                   A computer with a HD webcam and/or an  External Webcam (HD)
3.                   Cell phone with an HD Camera that can shoot 16×9  aspect ratio
4.                  Tripods  or,  PHONE MOUNT  or a good TRIPOD  for your cell phone     

A NEUTRAL SOLID BACKGROUND

•  If you don’t have an empty wall you can get a solid background or purchase a medium Blue or Gray  piece of material from a fabric store. 

GREENSCREEN:  A  smooth well lit Greenscreen is a must.  5″x7″ minimum  [The larger the better]

LIGHTING: 

• Decent Lighting.    LED LIGHT KIT     –  LIGHT RING –  CLIP-LIGHTS 
• You want even lighting with no big shadows on the green screen and lighting on you.  And, your eyes should stand out. 
• Parchment Paper  can provide a very effective  filter for smooth soft lighting   (Available at supermarkets)

SOUND: Good, Clear Sound. Most camera mikes are fine, as long as you minimize background noise. 

• You can also purchase add-on LAPEL MIC.

EDITING:  Basic Editing Program. Most computers come with one.

Options include: Best Editing For MAC and  Best Editing for PC. They allow a full range of editing and aren’t hard to learn.

FILE TRANSFER. You’ll want a program for sending large MP4 or MOV files. We use HIGHTAIL.  a free application that should work. If you submit lots auditions in a month, you may want their professional application ($9.99/month).   OTHER FILE TRANSFER OPTIONS

• A YOUTUBE or VIMEO account. Some CD’s prefer to view your submissions online.

Basic Rules for Self Taping:

• Read the instructions from the Casting Director or Production Company carefully.
• Make absolutely sure your slate, the scenes and your information match the instructions you received with the sides.
• Failure to submit your Self-tape EXACTLY as instructed can mean your submission may never be seen.
•  Shoot your audition in  front of a Blank wall with no distractions
• Record your slate separately from the sides.
• Have a good reader.

 

The Self-Taped Audition

The self taped audition is fast becoming the norm in our industry. Every actor must master this fairly simple process.  This is one reason why weekly self-taping is part of Penny’s Master class.

The ability to do a great self-taped audition and self-submit is as important today as a great head shot and resume. Penny and I often put actors on tape for major jobs. One actor was flown to LA by the network for an on-set screen test for a series regular role from their self-taped audition! And, Penny had just coached and recorded a self taped audition for another actress for a series regular. She was the only actress that self-submitted for the role. She booked the role.

Our Acting Lion Mary Marquis Ashley booked a feature film with good scenes with major stars. She was directly hired from her self-tape. The director told her, “Your self-taped audition was so good I had to hire you.”

Be sure to watch the SAG Foundation Video and master the art of the self -taped audition

Basic Rules for Self -Taping:

• Read the instructions from the Casting Director or Production Company carefully.
• Make absolutely sure your slate, the scenes and your information match the instructions you received with the sides.
• Failure to submit your Self-tape EXACTLY as instructed can mean your submission may never be seen.
•  Shoot your audition in  front of a Blank wall with no distractions
• Record your slate separately from the sides.
• Have a good reader.
• Have your reader speak softly. They are closer to the microphone and can overpower you.
• Record in a quiet place with no distracting sounds or background noise.
• Have your reader stand next to the camera. CDs want to see both your eyes and your full face.
• Use your eyes well. [*See Learn to Bock Your Eyes]
• Don’t overdo the production values. Using Green Screen might be OK but it is rare now. However I believe it will be accepted fairly soon.

OR

Skip all of this and Schedule a Coaching Session

Get coached on the material and have us record it for you.

CLICK HERE for more information

Here are videos on HOW TO SELF-TAPE, taught by SAG board member and actress Sharon Garrison. Sharon lives in Dallas so, by necessity, she had to master the art of the self-taped submission to further her career. 

 Part 2 – Post Production 

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Hank Schob A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and a 50-year acting industry veteran, Hank teaches the Camera Class, Beginning Class, Scene Study and Script Analysis Class.

 

Penny Templeton is the founder of The Penny Templeton Studio and the author of ACTING LIONS, the go-to book for actors in the 21st century. She teaches 2 Master Classes on the craft of acting and also individually coaches actors on technique for auditions and on preparing roles for Broadway, Television and Feature Films.

 

 

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