The Perfect Self Tape Set up for 2021

[@Kellytalk]

My new Mantra; "It just needs to be good enough". Thank you, Dan Tracy, this attitude has gotten me two bookings since watching this video. I heard someone say once, You don't make movies, you abandon them. That's what I've been doing with my self audition tapes, if it's is good enough, it's good enough. The next thing I know, I'm in for a callback.

[@callemorgan]

This is really helpful. Thank you. Would you add anything new to your recommendations for 2022?

[@lesliekritzernj]

YESSS WE HAVE MISSED YOUUUU!!!!!!!! This is exactly what my year has been also. Easy workflow but it took me awhile to fully embrace instead of thinking it has to be the perfect perfect perfect. Ok here is my question, should I upgrade to the Iphone 12 pro or wait till the 13 comes out in a week or so? Always a fan of these videos!

[@JonathanRayson]

Really love the simplicity of this new setup, Dan…thank you! What’s the best angle/distance for the light? (And does this setup still work if I don’t have any other natural light in the room?)

[@dantracyoriginals]

As close as possible! I like just outside the frame on a 45 degree angle over your head. The light works well if there's no other light in the room, but the shadows will be harsher. If you know there won't be ANY light I might recommend 2 fixtrues.

[@jonathanrayson3030]

@@dantracyoriginals Thanks, Dan! I really appreciate the reply. Since watching this video, I've simplified my setup similarly, and it makes it all so much less painful. Cheers!...I look forward to more of your tips!

[@cheriemendez4292]

Thank you for this video! I love that light!

[@ethanhardybenson7996]

Great video, man! Would love to see a past self-tape/a quick video using all of your current self-tape equipment to see and hear isolated. With a college budget, trying to find the best order in which I should be slowly upgrading my equipment. Thanks, brother!

[@jgeigs]

Amen brother. I came to the exact same conclusion through 2020... I have to make this shit go faster so I can spend more time taping.

[@TheRealWesTolman]

Hey Dan, you listed the Moment Tele lens in the description of the video, but didn’t talk about it in this video. Do you use it for your self-tapes? Really appreciate the tips for simplifying the audition look. Like others, would love to see the final look of what this setup looks like from your phone.

[@sutchnsutchfilms]

“We don’t support ring lights on this channel.”Yes!!!!!!! Zombie eyes!!! I request a literal pack-down time #selftapegoals Currently, in the process of upgrading but also simplifying my set-up myself so need them goals 🙌🏼 Great video- I’m going to share it with an actor group I’m part of, it will go off!!! Get ready for those views!!!

[@vaughanmurrae]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@adrianaechandi8880]

Do you take your full body shots using the blue pop up background? Do most casting agencies use that for their full body (assuming it shows the outline of it in the video)

[@willjohnson2748]

Any response to this question? I had the same question. :)

[@GaryMarr]

Any updates after 2 years? Love this channel!

[@fibbermcghee23]

Hi - great info- could you suggest an affordable easy-to-use Camera NOT iPhone? I do not like using my phone. I want a simple camera for under $300. any ideas? THX!

[@ryananthonymauro]

Wonderful setup Dan! I was just wondering how you control the audio on your microphone without it clipping or something.

[@dantracyoriginals]

Good question. In this set up I'm either using a microphone plugged into my camera or my phone. Our phones are pretty good at adjusting on the fly to avoid clipping, but if I'm using the mic plugged into my camera then I have to do a rehearsal where I test my loudest volume, and make sure I set the gain correctly.

[@marcelwerder1956]

This is awesome, Dan! Thanks for taking the time to put this together - I'm glad I caught this one before making some big purchases from the 2020 setup... Do you ever run into problems with the backdrop not being big enough? I have that same size and always feel like I wish it was just a bit bigger all-around. Mostly for theatre auditions, but sometimes even for film - I'm trying to cut out the time spent making sure no corners are in the shot, etc. Also - with the new iPhone, do you ever use the front-facing camera? Or still no? Thanks again!

[@JoeRussellProductions]

Seems like everyone asks for a full body shot. Do you do that with your pop up just sitting in the background, or do you remove it or shoot he full body shot in a different area?

[@dantracyoriginals]

I usually just put my phone in vertical mode, the way we see on social media so we can see head to below the knees. This shows the sides of the backdrop sometimes, but that doesn't bother me - it's all just part of the magic.

[@JoeRussellProductions]

@@dantracyoriginals Good tip!

[@lesliekritzernj]

Also the moment lens? Helpful?

[@iPedroHD]

Does anyone know the name of the Ulanzi tripod model showed in the video?

[@waylonhobson]

“None of which I booked.” Sameeee.

[@dougalrankine6869]

Hey Dan - great videos, so helpful... So I've gone down the rabbit hole of trying to find the Godox light you use, here in the UK - getting conflicting dimensions (!) - definitely 20x12"?!!!

[@dantracyoriginals]

According to my product description it says 16 x 14…godox led p260c?

[@dougalrankine6869]

@@dantracyoriginals yeah, that's what I'm seeing - it's just in the vid you say 20x12" - and I was....well, I was looking at your hands and thinking yeah, maybe he has huge hands... and is it listed in his 'skills'...I guess we'll never know.

[@unDeadUPROAR]

Hey Dan! What's that filter/diffuser covering your light?

[@dantracyoriginals]

That’s just a piece of 250 diffusion paper!

[@carlovoogt8321]

Does anybody knows what kind of paper is used/taped on the lamp?

[@Chloemxrae]

What is the paper that you put over the square light?

[@dantracyoriginals]

Of course! I use a small piece of 250 Diffusion paper. Its common on film sets and works great as an extra piece softener.

[@foreed117]

God damnit Dan but I just FIXED my light send your boy a TEXT uch

[@falloutgirl902]

If casting directors want us to tape in our own homes edit the tape and find a reader I’m sorry they should be happy with me recording on my brick Sony Ericsson from 2006. We do half of their job now. They will see and hear me. Period.

[@laurensharp9168]

I specifically wanted to know about ring lights…. I got my answer. 🌚

[@dantracyoriginals]

no ring lights ever. Hate 'em

[@Allthatwethink]

Sooooo whats the 2023 set up? Looks like you skipped 2022 slacker 😂 jk

[@Rlrlrl1962]

Ur so attractive

[@iPedroHD]

Does anyone know the name of the Ulanzi tripod model showed in the video?

[@dantracyoriginals]

amzn.to/3so1vzk