Read the instructions first
Check whether the team wants landscape or portrait, close-up or medium shot, slate information, file name, scene order and deadline. Follow the brief even if your usual self-tape style is different.
Do not add music, transitions or filters unless requested.
Use simple clean framing
Place the phone or camera around eye level. Use a stable support. Keep the background uncluttered and avoid a bright window directly behind you.
A medium close-up is common, but the casting brief always has priority.
Prioritize clean audio
Choose a quiet space, switch off loud fans or notifications where possible and keep the reader close enough to be heard without overpowering you.
Casting teams can forgive basic image quality more easily than dialogue they cannot understand.
Place the reader near the lens
Your reader should usually be slightly off-camera so the viewer can see your eyes clearly. Do not look far to the side unless the scene requires it.
If there is no reader, use a practical method that keeps your reactions alive rather than leaving long dead gaps.
Keep the performance alive
Do not stare at the lens unless direct address is requested. Listen, react and allow pauses where the character thinks.
Record a small number of focused takes rather than 30 exhausted versions.
Export and send professionally
Check the entire file once for sound, orientation and accidental cuts. Use the requested filename and upload method.
Do not compress the video so aggressively that the face becomes unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a DSLR for a self-tape?
No. A modern phone can be sufficient with stable framing, good light and clean sound.
Should I use a plain wall?
A simple non-distracting background is usually helpful.
Should I look into the camera?
Usually not for a scene unless requested. Place the reader close to the lens.
Can I edit different takes together?
Follow the casting instructions. Avoid creative edits that change the performance unless specifically requested.
How long should my slate be?
Only as long as needed to provide the requested details clearly.