How to Self Tape Auditions Like a PRO | Self Tape Audition Example with Gray Background

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Download my FREE 10-Step Audition Cheat Sheet: www.actingcareercenter.com/cheatsheet

[@TheDannyVegaShow]

Kurt this is awesome! Your videos help me out a lot, thank you so much for posting. I do have a question though. Some casting directors here in Florida say to self tape waist up and others don't give you direction. Do you have a video on how close your shots have to be for a self tape audition?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

@@TheDannyVegaShow Always follow the directions listed. If they don't provide directions, I like to shoot chest-up for theatrical auditions and waist-up for commercial auditions.

[@y.amandasyaputri5723]

@@ActingCareerCenterHello Kurt… Many many thanks from INDONESIA. I got a casting call for movie that requires me to send 1 minute Introduction Video. So, is that Introduction Video same as Audition Video you explain in this video?

[@ActorWarrenCurle-cq8gb]

Thank you

[@naomih2498]

1. Follow taping instructions 2. Non-distracting background 3. Horizontal video 4. Use a tripod 5. Camera at eye level 6. Actor should be well lit 7. Actor should be louder than the reader 8. Quiet on set 9. Small file sizes 10. Submit ON TIME

[@elektracalypso]

This is really good, thank you. Saved me a bit of time.

[@xaylee5426]

Thank you so much for this

[@williamjackson3285]

Just watch the video people!

[@mauricejordan1866]

Thank you for this info

[@ceedub_1983]

@@williamjackson3285 no

[@TheBritishActingCoach]

“I don’t care if you’re using the back up camera on your Toyota prius. Put that on a tripod.” Hilarious.

[@williamjackson3285]

That Toyota is pretty stable I’m sure!

[@josettetaylor5176]

What about the Beeeeeeeeeeeeep? 🤣

[@ShogunKaye]

😂😂😂😂

[@kieshapaul]

What is a digital read? I was asked to submit a self-tape and the casting director asked me to submit a digital read. Also, are you expected to memorize your lines for self-taped auditions?

[@LouJohnsonValleyStream]

I should have looked at this before my last audition submission. SO...here are my additions to this: If you are auditioning as a HOST or Newscaster, DO NOT record in selfie mode. You are acting, not directing or critiquing. Do this so you look at the lens and not yourself that is off the lens to the left or right. Also: Let the camera roll. Don't go back and forth to the camera to delete the last take. Just stand there and keep trying until you get 1-2 great takes. Then just edit out all of the previous mess ups.

[@EidrianDore]

You absolutely nailed it!! I had the first class of the last course of my acting school and we talked A LOT about this. At some point my professor, a guy who has being living thanks to his art for the last 20 years, said a few laws, sort of speak, that we should all follow to deliver a profesional quality self tape, and it's like he saw your video before that class. Thank you so much for being a trustworthy source of knowledge of this beautiful craft. See you at work!!

[@mother_darling]

Thank you for this very clear video. My 12 year old son was asked to audition for a role in a film and I was terrified of screwing up his audition video. This made me feel much better! I really like the suggestion for using an external microphone!

[@Ketsado]

Howd it go?

[@mother_darling]

@@Ketsado unfortunately he didn't get the part, but it was great practice for any future opportunities! It's actually adorable, even though he didn't get it, he still feels so good about being asked to audition ♡

[@kristaowen8566]

Awesome info! I'm doing my first monologue for my agent so that she can see my abilities and range. I'm a pro photographer, so luckily I already have some of the tools needed for a great audition self-tape!! Love your videos, they do help a lot!!

[@buzzedlunne6668]

great tips, I think 'sticking to the audition lines' should be somewhere within this list

[@ShenitaMoore]

True! ❤️

[@womack900]

It definitely depends on what you’re auditioning for. If you’re auditioning for a comedy role a lot of CDs will want some improv and will usually say that in the casting call. If it’s a serious dramatic role, you should probably do the lines verbatim. As long as you don’t go completely off the rails from the actual lines you’ll be fine if you have the talent and the look they’re looking for as that role.

[@brycetaylor3540]

They don't care as much about exact lines as they do the character you are presenting and there are many exceptions to this rule. There are a lot of reasons it's not on the list.

[@kristianpeterson2571]

Great advice. I always try to submit early. One, for that time buffer you mentioned. And two, because there’s always a chance that my agent will want me to redo something. Or shoot it in a different style. This happens on commercial auditions more than film or tv.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Great advice!

[@ssvishnov]

Omg that picture of Val Kilmer as Holliday is absolute fire!!! One of my favourite Westerns, and I'm a huge Westerns nerd. If you're ever considering selling that photo I would be interested. Oh yeah the tips were helpful too ;)

[@cakesbycece7038]

This is perfect! I'm a newbie to all of this, & this was exactly what I needed!

[@Tainted_Julz_Radio]

I love that you covered the on time thing. I just blew it with a huge companany because my dog ate rat poison and had to take her to the vet. If I had given myself that differant deadline I would of had it in well before that happened. I’ll definatly be doing this from now on

[@RaidenWarbound]

Ok, I already know all this from vlogging and stuff! But never hurts to get reminders!! Awesome!

[@victorwaggoner]

Doing my 1st self tape, you have been extremely helpful....can't wait to see you on set someday!

[@manyhatcat4924]

This video gets right to it and is very informative. Most excellent! The recommended tools are affordable and available; I've already ordered some. Thank you!

[@gwensmith3417]

I had an open call audition for nickelodeon sent to me once and I followed all of these rules except my mom was holding the camera. Funny thing is this was before I knew I wanted to be an actress

[@truemiracle2122]

how did you get the call? did you have an agent?

[@gwensmith3417]

@@truemiracle2122 No my friend had aa agent and sent it so me because it was open which means anyone who sees it can apply to audition

[@cinematicworld4684]

Really😃😃 so u selected ?? ❤❤

[@findinganagent1018]

@@gwensmith3417 can i know the name of agent please

[@freddylrobinson3751]

Thanks for the great info, and the Sanford Meisner on Acting is a must, along with the follow up book by William Esper

[@NicaPicha06]

Very valuable & vital information. Thank you so much for the link to the quality equipment! Researching which equipment is best suited for self-taped auditions can be so time consuming, super convenient to have it all consolidated on one page. I look forward to your future videos! 🎭

[@rashidadafashionactressras4719]

Thanks as always Kurt, great info!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@veronicasmith4504]

Your channel deserves so much more...👏👏👏

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Thank you so much 😀

[@cylindamcalister3494]

Love this great stuff Kurt, Thank you so much...:))

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@millyplaysroblox9604]

This info is rlly helpful especially for my auditions! Thanks Kurt!

[@BennetteNgoma]

4:13 is sending me😂😂😂😂😂😂 my humour is down the drain but thanks for this!!

[@SP4RK2FL4ME]

This guy is a legend he is funny and he also teaches me to be great for my dreams

[@Robert-rl7rd]

"Nobody needs to zoom in on your face and see every single pore in your audition video" 😂

[@Schahinmusician]

Am not an actor but a singer-songwriter and definitely a storyteller! Very interesting & valuable clip! Thank you for sharing your awesome advice! A pure coincidence that I found your channel (or maybe not a coincidence??!) Thumbs up 👍 and subscribed! 😇

[@davidnoffsinger5214]

Nice video. If you happen to see this question I'd love your opinion. I have been doing this a little over 3 years and have lived by "it's better to not turn in an audition tape then to turn in a bad one". I realize "bad" definition can have many variables, so I'm speaking of one that has nice parts, but there is a line or two of delivery that you'd love to change, but for whatever reason, you cannot. ( Lets say after your last take that lightening struck and your recording device suddenly stops working, but you are still able to send it out which needs to be within the hour ). Thanks for any feedback. ( Also, I know this entire scenario has tons of variables, so the core part of it is "generally" should it be sent out.)

[@ActingCareerCenter]

It sounds like you might be overthinking and second guessing yourself a bit too much. I agree that "bad" is not universal and it really depends how "bad" it is to not submit the audition. You certainly don't want to be known as an actor who doesn't submit an audition when the casting director requests you.

[@edenactressbreslin19]

Thank you so much!! I am currently an actress heading into teaching acting and am needing a lot of tips on how to pull it off! 🌟

[@danieldominte4474]

Thank you Kurt for those important information. You've brought me lots of confidence about everything that stands with acting.

[@SP4RK2FL4ME]

The part 4:12 ain’t got me dying on the floor but in the earths core

[@copper425]

I enjoy all your videos. They are very informative and I've used them. Thanks.

[@VanityAUAU]

Thank you. Very useful

[@gripssgink4751]

Thank you 😃 this was one of the best how to prepare for a self tape audition videos I've watched. Very helpful 👌 👌

[@AieshSingh]

Thank you for the tips. I think you could add looking "presentable" for audition videos. Such as cleaning yourself up (hair, dress up, etc).

[@ianchaplin1529]

Great simple advice. Wish I'd watched this years ago.

[@TheHeileBros]

Thank you so much for this information. It is very helpful while auditioning for roles.

[@ericleeb6706]

Handbrake is a great tip! Can’t wait to try it.

[@ayushsingh789]

Sir your every tips I remember for auditions thank you for give best tips

[@kristenhenryking]

I was literally just about to do a video on this, but quite honestly you summed it up great! Well done!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

You should make one! PS - I'll eventually get around to replying to your message when I get my head on straight.

[@kristenhenryking]

@@ActingCareerCenter you're awesome. No worries, we will get her done

[@vincemiralles7898]

Amazing. It is the best to help me in my audition. Thank you and God bless. I've get a lot of ideas.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Happy to help!

[@JuveraStudio]

Thank you so much, this video helps a lot, I'm going to have a second call and it's in video, seriously, thank you

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Best of luck!

[@ChristinaWhite-b5h]

Thank you for the tips!

[@gwen3779]

Great tips and info in all your videos. Very clear, concise, and practical. Thanks so much for sharing… so helpful!

[@jordanhamim6431]

Thank you Kurt yue for the 10 Commandments 😁for self taping rules.

[@andrewklimko1226]

This video convinced me to subscribe. The content is fantastic

[@justinshorts5705]

Amazing video! Helped me so much. My son has an audition in New York for a series tomorrow. But he has allergies red eyes. What do i do?

[@BazArt-x6r]

Thank you. this was very helpful

[@TalkItAllShow]

Question… If the script calls for running to another character, and hugging them, do I mime putting my arms around the air? Or do I just do the spoken lines?

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

Got an audition for two characters (same project I wanna try for two parts) and this has been great advice! I've already made a great impression just need to do the tape Edit: I got one of the parts! It was so fun to film I can't wait to see the results

[@rhandytorres8923]

Very helpful, as always! Thank you!👍🏽

[@marcoantonioclifton3214]

Love the doc holiday pic of tombstone

[@tankkelly3571]

Great info! What is the best lens for the canon 80D when doing a selftape?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I prefer to use a zoom lens with my 80D, that way I can do the close up for the audition and zoom out for a full body slate without changing lenses. The kit lense 18-55mm lens actually works great

[@SavyCS]

Acting has been a passion of mine since I was a small child. I am now 13 years old and I am trying to make that passion a reality

[@luisvelez8096]

Great video as always!

[@ctingley1]

I love love your channel it’s so helpful

[@ECS1978]

Great job! I learned well!

[@mistahfu]

Meisner always looking over your shoulder

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Meisner and Doc Holiday. A good entourage.

[@evelinabredikyte7163]

how you will act in frame over the shoulder?

[@FloatingStar2767]

Filming an audition tomorrow. Great advice. Thank you! What do I do when there is a lot of movement during my lines, and when other talk to me my character is moving. Any help helps!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

There are different approaches to this. I tend to try to do as much of the action as possible for the frame of the camera to give the scene some life

[@jamesraa1403]

I am from India. It is very helpful brother.

[@cm5660]

this is so helpful! thank you

[@gregorysilva8697]

Thank you for your help! Take care!

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheAllthegoodstuff]

Thanks, Yuey. Much love.

[@bernadettenuma7782]

Thank you for your great information, God Bless!

[@kevinjcorbett1]

Love your videos! Which backdrop do you recommend?

[@Gheissamon]

I will pursue my acting career.

[@Jessicalookwilson]

One question I always have is where should I be looking in a self tape?

[@emilymarilynn]

You’re hilarious😂 Very helpful info!

[@wafflestraw8631]

so helpful. I have an upcoming audition and I needed this. :) also, can I use white? what color is a good idea?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

use whatever color makes you look best

[@wafflestraw8631]

@@ActingCareerCenter Awesome, thank you!!

[@a.g.6835]

I love your videos, they're always so informative! I have a question that hopefully you'll answer. Do we have to purchase a monologue before using it for a self tape monologue (if sending it to an agent)? I constantly see monologues online that say "to read the full one-act eplay, purchase it below."

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I don't think so. I've never purchased a monologue before. You can definitely find good monologues for free.

[@antoniocicalese9944]

Hmm interesting I always have issues with my file sizes being too big but I never knew it was because of the 4k feature. Thanks for that I’ll being doing that from now on.

[@meconafoston]

Really appreciate your videos! Thank you :)

[@jrlingerfelt]

Nice Tombstone ref in the back!

[@mimisolo7778]

Very helpful, thank you!!

[@AuditionsPortal]

This was very insightful.... Can we share this on our page?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Thanks! Please feel free to share wherever you like.

[@TheDannyVegaShow]

Kurt this is awesome! Your videos help me out a lot, thank you so much for posting. I do have a question though. Some casting directors here in Florida say to self tape waist up and others don't give you direction. Do you have a video on how close your shots have to be for a self tape audition?

[@nelbo5370]

Thanks for the info on, resolution and file size been wondering about that.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@realsydney_za]

Thank you so much. This really mattered

[@atorferrugem8747]

Great job Kurt!

[@veronicasmith4504]

Can you make a video on how to approach casting directors on social media

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I'm not sure what you mean by "approach" casting directors. Sure, go ahead and follow them on social, but I would advise against sending DMs. I am not a casting director or an agent and I get bombarded with emails and DMs from actors who want help with their careers. I can't imagine how many messages a casting director gets per day. Trust me, they all get ignored because they simply don't have time to respond. Plus, that is not their job. Build relationships with casting directors through your agent. If you don't have an agent, then look for when a casting director is having a class or a workshop and attend one of those.

[@jesusloves9151]

What about walking in and out while turning on or off your camera in a truely self tape?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

You'll have to edit those parts out

[@brianwestmoreland3836]

Bluetooth remotes are a great thing

[@Melooww116]

U were helpful doc thanks

[@yabadood]

“ If you didn’t like the video, give me a thumbs down “ We don’t hear this everyday…

[@j.p.nicholas465]

Great advice thank you.

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@holly4554]

Hi, I have a question. If you are playing a shy, quiet person who is over powered by people, do you have to still be louder if the character is never louder than anyone they’re talking to? (Example)

[@KathyYvette]

Great commandments thank you. I screwed 2 up already. Better luck next time!

[@jbmann.8588]

REALLY GOOD INFORMATION!

[@marylamb128]

Kurt does the 2 minute monologue have to be from a play or movie or can it be 2 minutes of talking about anything,I want to send my first tape to the Chosen mini series he is hiring newbie actors .

[@musclecars4635]

Kurt, I like the gray backdrop but it looks as if auditions are moving towards the blue backdrop instead (you mention blue as an option). At least this is what I'm seeing. I did find on Amazon a backdrop (I already own the frame/stand) that is reversible blue and green{screen}. In your experience, do casting directors prefer one over the other? Also, I think a blue background will be less distracting for my thinning hair 😃!

[@SallaLintonenOfficial]

Great video, very clear!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I always shoot 4k though, I should relax about the quality of the image I guess... 😅 Otherwise I totally agree on everything, all this advice applies to European castings too! 👍🏼

[@krishnasheshadri2785]

Superb sir

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonah8294]

Can you do a audition without another reader?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

If you can't have someone physically in the room with you, call them on Skype, Zoom, or Facetime. You need a reader saying the lines so you have something to react to.

[@veronicasmith4504]

@@ActingCareerCenter Or we can record the lines of other person

[@veronicasmith4504]

@@ActingCareerCenter but i think it's appropriate to do it without a reader too as I've seen so many people doing it without anybody's involvement

[@bigdaddye3137]

This is great stuff thanks

[@HeyElvisG]

I like your grey backdrop, as I'm currently in the stages of building my self-tape room, I have a blue pop-up thing from Amazon. I feel like also getting your grey drop back and staple gunning it to my wall, basically so I can have two options. Am I over thinking this?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

I don't think that is over thinking. Many actors have multiple backdrop options for their self tapes. My grey is a painted wall, which might be easier and look better than staple gunning a sheet behind you.

[@ssvishnov]

Hi Kurt, when you're asked to tape two takes of the same scene, how would you do it? Would you do both the same way, or would you change up your delivery/actions to give variety?

[@ActingCareerCenter]

Definitely do the two takes differently.

[@ssvishnov]

​@@ActingCareerCenter Thank you!

[@musclecars4635]

@@ActingCareerCenter Kurt, do you suggest concatenating the two files (joining them together in order) and send one file to CD or send two files? I always rename my audition files and make sure my name is in the filename along with the part/role I am auditioning for. This makes it easy for CD's to locate YOUR audition files; it might make a difference, who knows for sure!

[@dillonnichols9859]

Thank you; I appreciate your guide. I want to notify you of an issue - I purchased the Takstar mic and the Ulanzi phone mount recommended on your list. Unfortunately, they are not compatible. The mic attachment part is too wide to slide in to the attachment on the mount.

[@BvdG]

Hi Kurt. First off, I'm a big fan of your channel. Thank you for your helpfulness and generous advice. I have one question about backdrops. I could use the curtains I have at home, they're a neutral medium brown. The only thing is that they have a wave fold, so not entirely straight. In your opinion, do you think that would be too distracting? Good luck in all your endeavors!

[@BrodiBarringer]

Actually 720p is ok, still very clear.. But one of the Most Important aspects of self tape, GOOD AUDIO!! get a mic that works with your camera and use it..Audio quality is a key point

[@madisyn1486]

how often does the picture behind you change hahah

[@realLara]

Amazing tips 🙏🙌🏼

[@theoverthinkingreader2850]

Thank you for this video!