SELF-TAPING AT HOME
Self tapes can be filmed on your phone or any other camera you have available to you. Keep it simple and do the best you can with what you have available to you. You won’t be judged on the production value of your setup – the most important thing is that we can see and hear you clearly!
It’s important to remember that an audition is never a final performance (it will never be perfect – that is an impossible ask!). An audition is purely an indication of where you may take a role. We expect a self-tape to be rough around the edges – as long as we can see and hear you clearly, it’s fine. That essence of who you believe the character is, is far more important than the perfect lighting, sound or line read.
FRAMING + SETTING UP YOUR CAMERA / PHONE
The camera / phone should sit on a tripod or be placed on a stable surface with something propping it up. Alternatively, you can have someone (with steady hands!) hold the camera / phone for you.
If you are shooting on a phone, please try to hold / place the phone in a ‘horizontal’ position for filming.
For most self tapes a mid-shot works best – from the top of your head to just below the shoulders (unless otherwise specified). Remember that we are generally looking to see your face + expression in self tapes so it’s important that we can see you clearly in the video.
Natural light always works best. Shoot with enough light so we can clearly see your face. The main light sources should come from BEHIND the camera to avoid a silhouette. Record a test clip and see how it looks and sounds before taping the scene.
Please note that you can upload multiple clips to our submission form and do not need to edit clips together if you do not have the resources to do so.
FILMING YOUR SELF-TAPE
INTRO: Please do your introduction at the BEGINNING of your tape – Say your Full Name, Age, Height, Agent (if applicable), Location (include suburb please), and any other information that we ask you for specifically on the submission form.
ACTION: We will either attach / send you a script or outline any required action in our self-tape submission guide (PDF) that we have sent you.
Please do not film your action in a crowded / public place! It’s always best to film at home in a quiet place to avoid things that could distract from your performance. Even if the scene is meant to be set in a grocery store or a café, this should be filmed at home and not in an actual shop/ venue. Your self tape will be received much better if filmed in a quiet place rather than in public where it is often loud and chaotic.
If you are required to do specific action that involves other characters, do your best to interpret the scene on your own or have someone stand in to film your scene with you.
If your audition requires any scripted dialogue, we would love you to find someone to read the lines of the other character(s) off camera. This could be a housemate or partner – if you do not live with anyone you can have a friend read lines with you over video chat or on a phone call.
Your eye line should not be directly looking at the camera lens (unless specifically instructed to do so), but just slightly off to the right or left of camera.
PHOTOS
All self tapes require you to submit at least a portrait + full length photo as outlined on the PDF instructions sent to you with your casting request (sometimes additional photos are required depending on the job). These photos must be taken recently as they need to be a true representation of what you currently look like.
They should be taken in good, natural lighting and should not be professionally styled. A photo taken at home on your phone is perfect!
DO NOT submit screenshots of photos from social media or other unrelated material – we will not be able to present these images from the client.
Please don’t upload your whole camera roll! We only need 1 x headshot and 1 x full length photo per person (unless otherwise specified) – please make sure to delete any blurry or unnecessary photos.
UPLOADING VIA THE ONLINE FORM
Unfortunately the online form can be glitchy at times, but it’s currently the only platform that allows us to receive video files and collate submission responses to present our castings.
It is easier when used on a computer rather than on an iPhone/ tablet. We understand not everyone has access to a computer but if you are having issues and do have a laptop/ desktop computer, try completing the form on there.
There may be issues with your application if your photo + video files are too big. Some videos + photos taken on smart phones automatically save as large, high-definition files – which isn’t necessary for your casting submission. Please refer to tips on the next page on how to ensure your files aren’t too big.
TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID GIANT FILES
Turn Live Photos OFF (iPhone only) before taking your pictures – Instructions here
Change the video record settings in your phone (these instructions are for an iPhone, but there should be similar options available for android users)
1. Launch SETTINGS and tap CAMERA
2. Tap RECORD VIDEO
3. Choose 720p HD or 1080p HD (720 is probably safer!)
NOTE: This must be done BEFORE you start recording your self tape. Remember to change your settings back afterwards if you want higher quality videos/ photos for personal use.
Use a video converting app after recording your self tapes to reduce the file size (iPhone only – but there would be similar apps for androids)
E.g. Video Compress or Compress Videos & Resize Video
NOTE: Make sure to re-watch your video before uploading it to make sure the app has worked properly
Re-export your video file using Quicktime (desktop computer)
Open your video file in Quicktime and go to File > Export As > 720p
Re-export your photos using Preview (desktop computer)
1. Open your photo in Preview
2. Go to File > Export > drag the quality down (mid-range should be fine!) > Save