Self-Tape Essentials
You may already know what goes into filming a self-tape, but do you have all the right materials?! Sometimes the difference in standing out from the crowd and booking a show could simply be how well your self-tape set up is. If it looks mediocore, you may not stand a chance against others, no matter how polished your package is. Check out these items below for filming quality self-tapes!
Essentials for Self Tapes:
Ring Light: (I have this one and love it)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXDNNBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A Clean Background: There are some photography backgrounds you can buy off Amazon, but a solid color shower curtain works just as well and is a fraction of the cost! Just make sure that there are NO wrinkles and that it is hung evenly!
Mic: A mic isn't totally necessary for recording a self tape, but it can be a nice addition to make sure that your voice is picking up over any music you're singing to. I LOVE my Yeti Pro, and use it not only for recording self tapes, but also for recording voiceover and vocal tracks.
https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-pro/
A Good Recording Device: Laptop cameras are generally not the best quality for self-tapes. I have found that using my phone or iPad gives me the best and most clear video quality, and most iPhones nowadays have amazing cameras built in.
Easy Editing Software: You don't need anything fancy to edit your self tapes on, but you DO need something easy enough for you to be able to edit cleanly and quickly. I have an Android and would personally not video edit from my phone because it doesn't have all the features I need. My go to is iMovie or Windows Movie Maker.
(The following tips are provided by the Strawhat Audition Website)
View. A medium shot is preferred – waist up or a comfortable head and shoulders. No extreme close-ups or full-body shots for songs/monologues, please. Dancers: full body shots are expected for your dance section. We will assume that the camera is focused on you if you’re submitting from a performance.
Good light. Good, natural light works great and costs you nothing. Set up your camera/phone so you’re facing a window and the light is hitting your face. If it’s an overcast day, you may need to use other lighting; a ring light if you have one, or position two lamps slightly behind and to either side of the camera, so that you and the lights create a triangle. The two fixtures will balance the light on either side of your face so there are no extreme shadows.
Good sound. This can be particularly tricky for singers, because you want good balance between your voice and the accompaniment – too much piano and we can’t hear you. Too much you and we can’t tell if you’re in sync with the piano.
Background. If you can, try to find a simple blank wall (grey or blue if available) or other backdrop that’s not distracting. Just avoid a white wall if possible. White bounces too much of the light and is too stark.
Possibly… a tripod. We don't want actors to have to spend money on equipment but being able to set up your phone so it’s stable and adjustable may be worth it. There are several inexpensive tripod adapters made to hold phones, as well as ring light/tripod combos to solve both issues at once.
I am here and ready to help you in any way I can! Need a brush up on songs/monologues? Have you been using the same monologue and 16 bars for years? Maybe you need a whole book revamp! Let's work together - and if budget is an issue, let's chat!
Take Care!
Alyssa
No Sweat Rep Owner