casting directors' advice on self-tapes - arvold CONVERSATION

Casting director/producer Erica Arvold, CSA, talks with casting director Anne Chapman, CSA (Anne Chapman Casting) about self tapes. They discuss the number of submissions they get, the number that they send to the director or client, and the difference in genres. They give specific technical tips on successful self-tapes, including background, slate, framing, and sound. They also talk about the importance of strong choices.
We love getting your questions and topic suggestions! If you have anything you’d like answered, please send us an email at [e-mail].
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Cinematographer & editor: Daniel Vorlet
Producer: Amy Quick
Music Courtesy of Abel Okugawa Music LLC
Composed by Abel Okugawa
www.abelokugawa.com

[@Alpha-Andromeda]

1.- Have a standard way of filming. 2.- Don’t wear distracting clothes or jewelry 3.- Don’t have distracting props or unrelated animals 4.- Don’t show your pantry. (Really? I was going to choose that for sure!) There. This is the meat of it. My goodness. Only the first tip is not obvious. Thanks.

[@beastmasterbg]

horizontal filming and have lighting

[@alfredantonelli9328]

Can you clarify what you mean by "tape". Surely, you're not using VHS or DVD's. E-mailing a video file or a link?

[@youngtwins2]

@@alfredantonelli9328 I think they mean that some actors who don't have a reader will record the other person's lines (maybe on a phone or other device) and have it play in the background while filming their self tape. They mentioned that it is stressful for the actor to do this because now they have to worry about timing it right and this stress comes across on camera. Key point: make it as easy as possible for yourself when making a self tape so you can focus on commitment to your performance/character's reality.

[@rosieposie0426]

What do you mean by standard way of filming? Thanks for the points btw

[@WarrenWatsonActor]

I'd love to see a video where you discuss the self tapes that blew you away, provided you have the Actor's permission of course. You could briefly talk about what you loved about that audition, why you thought it was so great. That would be great for us to learn from.

[@bbmcgee33]

Definitely!

[@6933chuck]

Yes, just back in the biz after 30 years and boy has it changed. Will adjust my self tapes from here on out! Thanks for the advice!!

[@5eek3r0fknowl3dg3]

Lool wtf were u doing for 30 years 🤣🤣🤣

[@moniquevamado]

Thank you. I really like the idea of cutting out eyes from a magazine as an eye contact focus if you don't have an actual human around at the time.

[@nashwagemakers]

yea i just drew eyes works good too lol

[@chanteakirkwood6318]

Thank you all for taking the time to share these points. GREAT reminders!

[@shelleystarrett]

Thanks so much for this. I did a self tape last week for an episodic and one this week for a feature. All great information to know. Glad I found your channel.

[@AnnHurd]

Great tips! In the past, I have received specific instructions from CD's on how to self-tape which is great to know what they prefer. It's also good to have a standard way of filming. Super helpful! Thanks for sharing.

[@sunshineeveryday10]

This Q&A was so helpful for me. I feel like I know so much more of what the the casting director is looking for now. Especially heading it straight from them. Thank you so much!

[@sarahengland2175]

Thanks for your candid conversation this really helps & puts perspective on things. 👍🏼

[@mitchdarnell2141]

Thank you, Erica and Anne!! Great points!!

[@sandeinplayz4566]

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@annatozzi-barbay--actress2474]

This is super helpful, especially since it seems I have way more self-tape auditions than in person auditions (Anne was actually the last CD I auditioned in person for lol). I feel like I struggle a lot with wanting to translate my personality in my self-tapes, because it’s such a different medium than walking into a space for an audition. Thank you for these helpful videos! So much of the acting world is “learn as you go”, so this information is invaluable!

[@alectrateri]

Same here

[@DeannaWalsh]

Thank you. Based on your discussion here, I believe I am on the right track. It's good to be reminded of the little things that we ay do that can mess it up. I really appreciate this video share. It's nice to hear each of your perspectives.

[@AugmentedActor]

Actually got several tips that I hadn’t really been sure about before. This was helpful to put my mind at ease about the decisions I’ve made when self taping. And the bit about using the same slate for all auditions is actually very helpful. Saves time as well.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Ive noticed that almost every time I have a self tape they have some intense instructions for no slate, do a slate like this, do it like that, say your location, don't say a greeting, say hi, don't show full body, turn around, 5 seconds or less, say a hobby that you like to do, etc. Pretty sure it would be impossible to do a one slate for all considering the amount of specific instructions from each casting director.

[@MarkANash-xm5bz]

Thanks a bunch for this! All will be considered on the next audition for you Erica!

[@craighensley120]

Thank you for sharing your expertise; a very helpful conversation!

[@jdonahue711]

Great advice. Always love working with you.

[@1NicholasInSeattle]

LOVE the talks you two! Thanks so much, I feel they are very instructional to those serious about "Reaching the Big Screen and Stage!" Thanks so much... been a true pleasure viewing. Kindly Nicholas In Seattle

[@JustineSHarrison]

Thanks so much ladies! Much appreciated.

[@OfficialDarenDonofrio]

I really appreciated this candid appraisal of what you ladies face on a daily basis. Thank you for keeping us actors informed about your process!

[@ryan.engstrom]

This was very helpful, thank you!

[@usewisdom]

Thank you both!🎬🎬🎬

[@lisap6148]

That was FANTASTIC and VERY informative! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@augustaallenjones9776]

BEST video I have seen on the subject of self-tapes!! THANK you!!!!

[@namesfransic]

is this advice for casting directors or people making tapes? I hear a lot of critisim but not alot of solutions

[@j.pizzaboy5053]

I would like this comment but you have 69 likes and i dont want do destroy that

[@DukaDuke]

That criticism allows to draw your own conclusions (At least worked for me👍🏻)

[@a.a.s.3799]

have we watched the same video?

[@anonymizzle]

the solution is DONT DO what they said not to do lol

[@laurenj432]

Don’t do the things she said they don’t like, if you’re looking to get cast. I think it was good advice

[@ruthstillman4846]

I am an actor. I'm so glad I saw this video. Thank you for making this and sharing your real world expertise with us.

[@davidaustinveal9277]

Brilliant advice. I feel much better about self taping now.

[@AgustRaspete]

These tips were really helpful, thanks!

[@CorrinaConlan]

Thanks for clarifing self-tapping +

[@LisaStokke]

This was SO helpful, thank you

[@paulamcglinchey7655]

Loved that, very informative and funny. Watching form Dublin x

[@DukaDuke]

I really did enjoyed this video, you can tell that these ladies know what they're doing 👍🏻

[@arnett.h6276]

So amazing thank yall!

[@markusshelby3436]

Will you please do a video on reels.. Had many discussions and arguments with various people in the industry between LA New York and Georgia on what to do and what not to do and putting a reel together..

[@timdougherty186]

great video! thanks for sharing!

[@actressSamanthaPearl]

This was incredibly helpful, thanks for the great advice! One thing I struggle with is that I feel my self tapes are either too close or too far away and it's hard to get it in the right distance so it's from the chest up but there is no shadow cast behind you.

[@kathydillon]

Thank you. I appreciate your candor. Very helpful advice.

[@filmfelineadmin]

Sorry, I think she's Amity

[@VincentRutley]

THIS IS WONDERFUL

[@Raxietrini]

Great Advice and Great Conversation...Learned alot...thanks sooo much for sharing :-)

[@otsogiants]

This was excellent thank you.

[@SocoJ]

This was really valuable. Thank you both!

[@calvinjean9198]

This is sooo helpful for me

[@TLaboogie]

This was so helpful..Thanks

[@VicHightaian]

great info! thanks

[@joannemcgrath2447]

Thank you. This was helpful. Anything you are looking for in the 6 second slate? Full body? Profiles? Or just a close up, well lit face saying hi it's me?

[@TP_Gillz]

whoa. glad I happened to find this lol. just starting out doing self tapes. great advice! your jobs are super interesting. hire me!

[@benugdsen75]

Normally there's a casting brief. And they can be very specific. If they are; FOLLOW them! It's not that hard. If they aren't; follow the standard instructions. Have GOOD sound. Learn how to frame yourself. Pay attention to your background. Make sure you're LIT properly. Send your slate separately. (Unless told otherwise) No distracting clothing (colors).

[@yunusquddusofficialactor]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING...SMILE

[@LiisaEvastina]

Thank you!

[@gracedp2772]

I have heard terms I did not understand and I would have liked to see some examples of what these lovely ladies were talking about.

[@ogtoddgordon273]

since you said you prefer not to hear a reader. If you have 4 pages and slight scene changes should I stop and reset or just go straight through the dialog as in one. complete scene?

[@FlamencoTropical]

Thank you. I'm about to put myself on tape tonight and this was very helpful. ;)

[@BDONhere]

me too

[@friday5561]

OK 3 years later...was this advice helpful?

[@svseducationalacademygvred5292]

How did it gooo

[@cynthiahartland2488]

Thank you .very helpful Grateful to you.. Cj Hartland

[@angios-yc5yr]

And where do I have to send it?

[@TarniaF]

I’m self taping at some point in the next few days for a role in an Amazon show :)

[@ulala227]

Good luck!

[@TarniaF]

@Rhegan McCall it’s called paper girls!

[@TarniaF]

@Rhegan McCall you too! I’m going for kj

[@zyairewingate9262]

@@TarniaF i’m also auditioning for that show! i’m going for tiffany

[@sofia-yy5bp]

I auditioned for that show a few months ago for Mac 😩

[@johncrouch1868]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bw6148]

Great content thank you

[@esmenouvelle9439]

It's very helpful to point out that casting directors and directors will see the tape on their phones. So just send your self tape to your own phone to check what it will look like to the directors before sending it out into the world.

[@ABCBNV]

Sometimes they ask for you to say the character your auditioning in the slate then you have to redo it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@alwaysannelise]

Now if I can just figure out how to be considered for roles in other states so that I can submit via self tape.

[@babydollkeena]

There are plenty of ways to do that. I have a lot of clients who do just that and book work. Break a leg!

[@Barricade2008]

Out of state agents

[@amandab722]

Sister Anxiety This is a really late reply, but Backstage.com has a casting feature that allows you to apply for projects out of state, and the creators of the project can then request a self tape.

[@thatone9375]

I have a question, let’s say that I leave in Europe and I would like to play a role in USA(casting is worldwide) and I heard that for bigger projects if you’ll get the role by a self tape they’ll pay you for the flight to the place where they are shooting, is that true?

[@Wordsley]

These Rock!

[@AutumnNyte]

Thank you 😊

[@subnotic5508]

Any tips on making a good Show Reel?

[@BerniceTaylorFitness]

Good information to pass on to my daughter

[@arvold]

Excellent -- yes, pass it along! Thanks for tuning in.

[@leanie1440]

I've thought about having one slate but many slates ask for different things. So it's hard to work around this. Any suggestions?

[@FitzSea]

I really appreciate this forum. It gives us the chance to hear answers to questions we have before going into auditions. What happens when I don't have a reader and am asked in the slate directions to zoom out? Can I stop, zoom out, record again and label it as "slate, long shot?" Or what if the wide shot bleeds into my "home Studio?" Thank you, Jim Fitzpatrick

[@laxmikantchambhare5765]

Nice advise

[@wallysustube]

Hi Erica, question about blue background... I saw a KZbin interview that you did and I think you said no blue BG. Is that true?

[@dominiquetoomey5107]

What if you are doing acting as a second career but do not have access to studio quality lighting and backdrop? I’m trying to get jobs; however I’m doing my auditions when my twin daughters are asleep or quickly upstairs for 10 mins. It’s tough with toddlers :)

[@rayp89]

How do you feel about wall outlets or lighting in the slate during a pan out of a full body? Is that distracting to the CD/Director?

[@bw6148]

Oh wow I just did a self tape with a scarf and bracelet. I hope they weren’t distracting 🤣 I’m just starting and quickly realizing that it’s a game of skill, charisma and mainly chance.

[@arvold]

The 'mainly' in that last sentence belongs in front of skill. Charisma and chance are a part of it, yes, but learning how to bring a role to your authentic artistic self -- reliably and repeatably -- will make charisma a natural extension of your artistry, and the role that chance plays will disappear into the background.

[@bw6148]

@@arvold I appreciate that perspective. I’m a newcomer and live in a city where this isn’t the most feasible path, so the extra insights help.

[@PDXFilmmongers]

Should an actor be able to do a self-tape on his own instead of having to find someone to help him? It seems in these days a standard part of the toolbox would be having the equipment and ability to make your self-tape on your own.

[@kojack635]

0:20 what casting directors say about 99% of self tapes

[@Dancestar1981]

What about those who are just starting out and have community theatre roles only?

[@sicilyny5375]

Do we makeup and dress in character?? How much graphic on writing my name..phone..email? Do it like credits on a short film?? How do we send in headshots? I'm a great actor, prefer directing but know zilch about lighting on an online video..help!!

[@luisthelibrarian]

Thank you for these videos! They are very helpful to is aspiring actors. 😀

[@raben6942]

that was a good conversation in providing some keys to the clients, my question is , I am not an actor but just wishing to be an actor of the century and knowing my providing talent amaze the casting director, what will be your first recommendation please? Thanks

[@laoisesioal]

I have been asked to audition for the roll of a girl dying of starvation. You guys have any tips? Also, I’m twelve! Welp!

[@russelldavidoakley2802]

That’s great! Helpful. It’s always a big mystery as to what goes on in the mysterious occult casting directors office. BIG HELP GUYS.

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

Any advice for mixed race actors. Literally turned away because in too ambiguous and writers dont include mixed into roles typically.

[@SargeantKoranFlusher]

Yeah.......go get a job in a coal mine because America has no use for self whiney self-important cry babies like you........piss off!

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

@@SargeantKoranFlusher lol a nobody talking keyboard warrior nothing. Lol.

[@SargeantKoranFlusher]

If you bother to look at the breakdowns dum-dum boy you'd find that most jobs are actually asking for so called minorities like blacks, hispanics or mixed.

[@kingkylie9655]

Thats really sad....@@willowl.1054

[@notsurex]

you're not picking the right roles

[@DianaDank]

What do they mean by landing on the eyeballs?

[@derekenslow2228]

I used your video as a topic of conversation to pose this question in the Facebook group "Casting Directors for Actors". Wow, you should see the responses! Here is the question I posed: For video auditions, do Casting Directors prefer the slate at the beginning to "meet the person", or at the end? I ask because there doesn't seem to be an "industry standard", as some would prefer a "tail slate" so that the first thing you see is their scene , and if they are good enough you stick around for their name. This seems like the more "efficient" way of going through HUNDREDS of audition videos. BEST RESPONSE: If you want to really stand out, do it in the middle. Interrupt your reader, saying, "wait a minute - just remembered something...." and then go into your slate. What I gathered was: It really comes down to follow the directions, pay attention to detail, and that it's CD personal preference. Other than that, it is clear as mud!

[@kingkylie9655]

Lol right... i was like hell nah i aint doing that@Winter Bleu

[@madelineb77]

Derek Enslow the slate advice only applies to these particular CDs and perhaps to the mid-Atlantic US market. In the U.K. (particularly Scotland and England) it’s done differently and called an ident (identity), so this advice applies to a particular region of people.

[@millit.g5223]

To the comment on pre-recording your slate. I’m in the Texas commercial market and I wouldn’t suggest that because literally every single audition has different slate instructions. I recently auditioned for a Dodge commercial & they only wanted me to skate my name.. not my agency. That was a first.

[@devorahacts]

I thought this was mostly lacking. It's nice to tell people to make the effort not to distract, but I thought this should be a single point and everything else be about the acting. I didn't get what I would have wanted until the end, and I got one point where I thought I'd get 5.

[@murphy625]

Just wondering what is ‘slate’??

[@SargeantKoranFlusher]

When you give the preliminary "I'm (name) and with (agent's name) " and anything else they want (which should be obvious. ..Like age range or height.

[@lindseyhenryson5936]

Answer my question please: can we use skip or the other apps to talk to director?

[@jenzdolphin14]

What do they mean by "slate?" Can someone please explain? Thanks!

[@vincentrosec7845]

Looking straight into the camera and introducing yourself.

[@pineandharvard]

Should i memorize my sides???

[@madelineb77]

Joshua Barron Always. That should never even be a question. If you walk in memorised, you’re free to take direction and show them anything they ask to see or give them options. You’re miles above the rest when you walk in memorised.

[@arnellpharr5122]

Need Help: What does "holding the sides" and the "eyeball" references mean? Thank you. 🙄

[@MatteaMazzella]

Faith's Mom Sides = the scenes / script, and by “eyeballs” I think they mean there’s a noticeable difference when there’s someone standing off screen (behind or to the side of the camera) for the actor to make eye contact with, as opposed to just reading and staring into nothing.

[@arnellpharr5122]

@@MatteaMazzella Thank you!

[@AdamsTahoe]

Every casting office has their pet peeves. Some of the things talked about in this video can be avoided with a little communication to the actors in the taping instructions. I would guess if the actor can’t take those instructions you probably won’t want to hire them anyway. Slating... some offices require a full body shot with profiles, I only do it when it’s asked for. I have a decent self tape studio but a full body shot is usually a pretty wide shot and it’s going to catch things. I have not found a way to avoid this. Even self taping at a studio the shots are so wide they catch the edges of the curtain. Please don’t ask for it if you think it’s distracting. If no slate is mentioned I’ll tale slate with name and height. I love the idea of having eyes to look at. I’ll add that to my workflow.

[@DanneyTanner]

I know thep oroper way to do a demo and do it that way. But I think if somebody is a real good actor people will look and listen to them and not the shit around then.

[@charissac118]

If you can get a background that fits the scene for the self tape is that acceptable, Instead of doing a plain background.

[@yayshelbz]

Some casting directors prefer just seeing the head and some prefer seeing the belly button to the top of the head, when reviewing a tape does it affect the audition if there is nothing distracting but you can see more of the person than you would like?

[@oh_my_godshall]

The issue with having a "standard slate" is most directors have specific instructions for a particular project and if you don't follow it to a T, they'll throw it away.

[@makailaseabridge1589]

i knew that we shouldnt wear distracting clothes. I learned that u should do your angle of filming horizontally. and i was shocked to hear that people do the slate seperatly.

[@WhenUrSmilin]

If I were casting the parts of Casting Directors for a project, I would cast these 2 ladies. ;)

[@kristendoscher]

Have a ton of self tapes on my channel. Would LOVE to know what you think about my performance/set-up, etc!

[@Vikassinghx]

Wort thing about selftaping is background noise

[@clarityofthought]

I really wanted to hear what the lady in black had to say.................

[@dannyterrell516]

I wanna know what not to do. Then you can narrow it down a lot easier. You could get a thousand opinions on what to do but who wants that job? I thrive for it. If you cannot handle any type of criticism any then you are in the wrong sport. If you cannot handle the word no and can't understand why with a smile and not take it personal then maybe you might have a shot

[@Alonso.A.M]

I doubt they know very well the actors.. unless they have auditioned them lots of times