To Do or Not To Do: The Dreaded Self-Tape

That is the question, and today we're asking it about the art of self-taping.

Whether wholly positive or obscenely negative, every actor has a very strong feeling one way or the other when it comes to self-taping. It became a necessity as we were finally returning to the stage from the pandemic lockdown, and while there are now plenty of live auditions, you will not be able to escape making video submissions for projects, period.

For me personally, I'm in the camp that does not enjoy the self-tape (The lengthy setup! The endless temptation for "just one more take"! The imperfect acoustics! The editing process! The exhausting teardown!), but it's simply unavoidable. So we must learn to (reluctantly, sure) embrace the inevitable and not only make the best of it, but excel at it! Here are the to do's and not to do's of the self-tape.

🤩 TO DO -- Find a Neutral Background That Suits You

In order to ensure that you are the sole focus when framing your shot, finding a good background is crucial. Whether it be a blank wall or a solid-colored curtain / hung fabric, you do have some options. Ensure that you're surrounded by a color flattering to you (i.e. it doesn't wash you out, you don't disappear into it, etc.), but don't pick something too bright

-- a neon pink wall does not match every audition. For my current setup, I use my dining room curtains: they're a cool navy blue, and with my fair complexion, I really stand out against it. Find what makes you pop!

🤮 NOT TO DO -- Too Many Distractions

Neutrality is key to make you, the focus of the tape, truly pop. If you choose a background with distracting patterns or images -- such as a geometric, multicolored fabric, or a wall covered in family photos -- you're giving the people that will watch your auditions other things to focus on. This also applies to wear your wear! Too loud of a pattern on your clothing is overwhelming on video, so choose accordingly. Human beings are naturally curious and prone to drift focus when there's a lot of stimuli, so don't give them any reason to drift!

🤩 TO DO -- Get Acquainted with a Lighting Kit and a Tripod

Everyone has a smartphone these days, and regardless of Android or Apple, you've got a good camera ready to go, so you can check that off your list. Now, in order to make your setup look as professionally put together as possible, you'll also need a tripod to hold your camera steady and a decent lighting kit to control your surroundings. You can get a basic trio of lights with adjustable stands and umbrellas for a decent price on Amazon. Don't get anything too expensive. In this case, more expensive does not automatically mean better because you aren't trying to compete with Hollywood lighting -- you just have to be well lit. But make sure you pick a setup that allows you to adjust height and/or levels as you need!

🤮 NOT TO DO -- Too Much Eye Contact

This one might be obvious, but you'd be surprised how often this mistake is made. Put yourself in a casting director's shoes. Would YOU want an actor to stare into the lens while they perform their song cutting or give their monologue? It's yet another distraction that is also wildly discomforting. The standard is to imagine you're performing on stage -- ignore the camera and present to an audience, meaning your eyeline can look up, out, and around, wherever your focus of the material takes you. Connect with casting during your slate and look into the lens during that time, but once you start your auditions, pretend the lens isn't there and don't look into it. You'll thank me, and casting will thank you.

🤩 TO DO -- Present Yourself as the Professional You Are

You may not have considered it in this way, but as an actor, you're a product, and at every audition, you are selling you. This self-tape is your one opportunity to leave an impression, both on your talent and on you as a person. Make a connection through the camera -- it's a difficult task! Let your natural essence shine through in your slate (this will show range when you suddenly pop into character!) and convince the creative team they want to work with you.

🤮 NOT TO DO -- Too Many Takes

This is my own biggest challenge and a lesson I am learning with every self-tape I record. Not only do you become more and more vocally tired with every "full-out" take, but you become more and more picky about every individual note sung, every individual body movement, every individual character choice. Cut yourself off after a handful of takes (no more than 10, MAX), and show yourself forgiveness: if you sounded absolutely perfect but your hand did a weird thing in this one moment, be like Elsa.

🤩 TO DO -- Plan Ahead, Plan Ahead, Plan Ahead

Sometimes, deadlines for self-tapes are ASAP, and in those cases, you just gotta get your material in as quickly as possible. But sometimes you have a little bit of time to submit, and in those cases, you still should make a point to make your recording as quickly as possible. Why? Because then you have the opportunity to try again another day if you're just feeling off or simply will not feel confident if you were to submit what you recorded that day. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed by being proactive.

🤮 NOT TO DO -- Too Many Opinions

Of course it's great to get feedback from trusted mentors, family, or friends before submitting your footage. But beware of lots of differing opinions muddying the waters. Ask for feedback from honest and practical sources (for example, your mom telling you that it was great with no other comment doesn't really help you). In general, trust your gut and what you feel good about, but ask a select few to confirm that instinct when needed.

🤩 *BONUS* TO DO -- Learn the Basics of an Editing Software

You aren't auditioning to become an editor, so you don't have to be perfect. But familiarize yourself with iMovie, YouTube's software, or another basic video editing software so that your material looks as professional and clean as you do.

Self-taping can be a drag, but it can lead to as many callbacks and bookings as live auditions if you conquer them! I hope this list has helped encourage you that they don't have to be feared or avoided.

Thanks for reading, #DreamTeamHLJ, and that's a wrap (seriously, you got your footage like 5 takes ago, be done 😉)!