Home Studio Tips
Many auditions request self videos. You’ll want to be able to present yourself as best as possible from your remote location. Whether it be an attended Zoom session or you alone videoing and submitting, here are some helpful pointers.
For starters, here’s a great Self Taping Tips & Tricks video from Adam Stephenson: https://vimeo.com/399988837
Equipment
Camera (or tablet or smartphone, or your laptop)
Internet connection
A light source
Set up the room
Make sure that background noise is kept to a minimum and that the camera is at eye-level. The light source should be in front of you and not in shot. Don’t sit with a window behind you, and try finding a plain background for yourself.
Background
A grey, black, blue or green background is usually preferable. Some off-white backgrounds can work provided they don’t bounce too much light. See some collapsible background options: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/collapsible-backgrounds/ci/23697/N/3659994757. A sheet that matches one of the above colors can also work.
Many times an area in your home such as beside bookshelves or a living area can work or actually be requested if the production will be done remotely. Take note of anything that would be distracting or inappropriate and remove it.
Lighting
To light yourself properly, use natural light if you can. You can also use soft practical lights in your house. White lights over yellow usually are best. Remember: Don’t stand in front of a window. It’ll put you in the dark.
Know your angles
Soft lighting is the best choice for an audition tape, and you should choose from a large source which casts soft, diffused shadows. Hard light is from a small light source and would cast a sharp shadow. Nice soft light directly in front of you will illuminate your face more evenly.
Filming yourself
You can use a smartphone to tape yourself, but make sure to use a tripod so the camera is stable. Frame the shot as a medium close up, head and shoulders. Be sure the camera is eye-level. Above or below doesn’t look good. Also center yourself with a little room above your head. It is usually preferred that you look to the side of the camera, about 45 degrees instead of directly into it, as if speaking to someone immediately to the side of the camera. Looking directly into the camera is known as breaking the fourth wall and should usually only be done if requested. Also allow for some end time of recording when finished so the clip is usable for editing should the client be using it.
Audio
The setting should be in a quiet environment. Large empty rooms sound cavernous or echoey. A microphone like a lavalier with give you better recorded sound. Try different settings and combinations to find out what works best for you.
Landscape
Film in landscape, not portrait if using a smartphone. If the video will be on TV, YouTube or another standard 16:9 aspect ratio, you should shoot yourself horizontally.
Reader
If you have a fellow actor who can read lines with you they should be off camera. Should they be in the same room they should be as near as possible. The proximity helps in the delivery. Also they should not be too loud so as to be distracting. Certainly quieter than you. If you are using a livelier mic that should take care of volume difference. Note that a non-actor can take away from your audition with flat line feeds or exaggerated efforts.
Software
There are easy-to-use editing software packages to trim and edit your recording and join different takes together. iMovie and Windows Movie Maker come built into your computer. The older Quicktime Version 7 Pro is handy for quick edits and joining clips.
File size is important. If you are sending clips that are slow to download and view you might not get seen. You can usually bring the resolution down to 480p with an image that is still clear.
iPhone or iPad: Use the free app Video Compressor to compress nearly any size without quality loss.
Android: VidCompact is a free app that allows you to trim, compress and save directly to your gallery.
Computer: The built in software (iMovie or Windows Movie Maker) has simple compression you can do before sharing or exporting.
Sending the Clip
Many times you will be given an upload link for your video such as a Dropbox link. You also can send the clip to the casting director via the WeTransfer app on iPhone and on Android or upload it straight to YouTube and publish it as ‘unlisted’, so only people who receive the link can view it. It you choose YouTube make sure the video is downloadable. All the videos will be put together on a presentation software for the client.
Equipment Suggestions
Self video submissions are being requested by clients regularly. You’ll want to look as professional as possible when you create yours. Here is a list of equipment suggestions for your home studio. What works for you will vary. Take time to review these suggestions and select what you think is suitable for you.
Microphones
Option A: Tabletop Computer Microphone
This microphone would enhance your audio for video calls as well as any audio recording. This requires a USB connection.
https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Condenser-Recording-Streaming
Option B: Wired Lavalier with Headphone Jack
This microphone can connect to your smartphone and has a 4-ft-long cable.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1059342-REG
*Adapter for newer iPhone models; lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Headphone-Jack-Adapter
Tripods
Option A: Smartphone Tabletop Tripod
This tripod is best utilized on your desk for video chat or news hits when using your smartphone.
https://www.amazon.com/UBeesize-Portable-Adjustable-Universal-Compatible
Option B: 5-Foot Smartphone Tripod
This tripod is best utilized when you are delivering your content standing. It includes a wireless remote to start recording.
https://www.amazon.com/60-inch-UBeeszie-Extendable-Wireless-Compatible
Tripod iPhone Adapter
Lighting Equipment
Option A: Ring Light
For the purpose of news hits, we recommend a smaller, more manageable ring light that your phone can sit in. This option includes an extendable tripod arm that extends from 16 to 50 inches.
https://www.amazon.com/10-Extendable-UBeesize-Ringlight-Compatible
Option B: 2 LED Panels
This includes two adjustable LED panel lights, a carrying case and light stands. This takes more setup but enables you to light your subject from two angles or light something in the background while shooting something in the foreground.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1476242-REG
Teleprompter
If you are hoping to read a script into the camera, there are a couple of teleprompter apps. While some require another person to operate the app, this one claims to use voice recognition and can be operated by the subject. You want to use an iPad to display the large text. You should have the camera/iPhone and teleprompter as close together as possible to maintain eye contact with the camera.