HOW TO RECORD YOUR SELF-TAPE AUDITION

Your scene. Your performance. Your opportunity.

You`ve received a script for an audition. Great! Now it`s time to prepare your scene and show us what you can do.

You don`t need a professional studio or expensive equipment. A smartphone, good lighting and a little preparation are enough.

A good self-tape is not about perfect production quality. It`s about your performance, your choices and how you bring the character to life.

Follow these simple steps to prepare and record your audition.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

1. Read the casting instructions

Before you begin, carefully read everything you have received from the casting team.

Check:

1. Which character you are auditioning for.
2. Which scenes you need to perform.
3. The language and any specific accent required.
4. The requested framing and video format.
5. Whether you need to include an introduction (slate).
6. The deadline and upload instructions.

Always follow the specific casting instructions first. They may be different from this general guide.

2. Understand your scene

Read the script several times before you start memorising your lines.

Ask yourself:

1. Who is my character?
2. What is happening in this scene?
3. Who am I speaking to?
4. What does my character want?
5. What is my character feeling, and why?
6. What happens or changes during the scene?

Think about the relationship between the characters and the situation they are in.

Don`t just learn the words. Understand what you are saying and why.

3. Prepare your performance

Learn your lines and practise the scene until you feel comfortable.

Make clear choices about your character, but keep your performance natural and believable.

A few useful tips:

1. Speak naturally, as you would in a real conversation.
2. Listen and react to the other character, even when you are not speaking.
3. Avoid exaggerated facial expressions or unnecessary movements.
4. Don`t rush your lines. Allow time for reactions and pauses.
5. If the scene includes strong emotions, let them develop naturally.

You don`t need to copy another actor`s performance. Show us your own interpretation of the character.

4. Find the right spot

Choose a quiet place where you won`t be interrupted.

Use a simple, neutral background, such as a plain wall in grey, blue or another soft colour.

Avoid:

1. Busy backgrounds or distracting objects.
2. Mirrors and windows behind you.
3. Television, music or background noise.
4. People walking behind the camera.

Make sure you have enough space to move if the scene requires it.

5. Set up your camera and lighting

Use your phone or camera in horizontal position (Landscape), unless the casting instructions request something different.

Place the camera at eye level and keep it steady with a tripod or a stable surface.

For most dialogue scenes, use a Medium Close-Up (MCU):

1. Frame yourself from the chest up.
2. Leave a little space above your head.
3. Keep your face and shoulders clearly visible.
4. Avoid cutting off the top of your head.
5. Keep your camera at eye level.

If the scene requires more body movement, use a wider frame, such as a Medium Shot, while keeping your performance clearly visible.

Lighting matters.

Face a window or a soft light source. Make sure your face is evenly lit, without strong shadows.

Avoid strong light behind you.

6. Choose your eyeline and reader

If your scene includes another character, ask someone to read their lines off camera.

This person is called a reader.

Your reader should:

1. Stand or sit close to the camera, just to one side.
2. Speak clearly and naturally.
3. Keep their voice at a comfortable level.
4. Avoid distracting movements or exaggerated acting.
5. Leave enough time for you to react.

Look towards your reader, not directly into the camera lens, unless the script or casting instructions specifically ask you to do so.

If you are speaking to different characters, use slightly different eyelines so we can understand who you are addressing.

Your reader does not need to appear in the video.

If you cannot find someone to read with you, you can use a remote reader or another suitable method, as long as your performance remains natural and the casting instructions allow it.

7. Choose your clothes and appearance

Wear simple clothes that suggest your character without becoming a costume.

Choose colours that look good on camera and help us see you clearly.

Avoid:

1. Large logos or busy patterns.
2. Distracting jewellery and accessories.
3. Heavy makeup or unnecessary styling.
4. Full costumes, unless specifically requested.

You may use a simple prop if it is important to the scene, but avoid anything that distracts from your performance.

We want to see your acting, not your costume or equipment.

8. Record your audition

Before recording, make a short test video.

Check that:

1. Your face is clearly visible and in focus.
2. Your voice and the reader`s voice can be heard.
3. The camera is steady.
4. The lighting is good.
5. There are no distracting sounds.

When you are ready:

1. Take a moment to focus on your character and the situation.
2. Start recording and leave a brief pause before your first line.
3. Perform the scene naturally, listening and reacting to your reader.
4. Stay in character until the scene is finished.
5. Leave a short pause before stopping the recording.

You can record several takes, but avoid repeating the scene so many times that your performance becomes mechanical.

Choose the take that feels most natural and believable, not necessarily the one with the fewest small mistakes.

If the casting team asks for more than one version, try a different interpretation while staying true to the script.

9. Review and upload your self-tape

Watch your recording before sending it.

Make sure:

1. You have performed the correct scene.
2. Your face and expressions are clearly visible.
3. Your voice and the reader`s voice are easy to hear.
4. Your eyeline is consistent.
5. Your performance is not interrupted.
6. You have followed the requested framing and format.
7. You have included any required slate or additional material.
8. Your video is complete and ready to upload.

Avoid filters, background music, visual effects and unnecessary editing.

If you have several scenes, follow the casting team`s instructions about whether to upload them separately or together.

Use the requested file name and format, and submit your audition before the deadline.

Keep your self-tape private and share it only through the approved casting channels. Do not publish the script or audition online without permission.

Ready for your audition?

Every actor brings something different to a character.

There is no single perfect way to perform a scene. What matters is understanding the story, making clear choices and creating a believable performance.

Prepare well, trust your interpretation and enjoy the process.

Your character. Your choices. Your moment.