Tips on self taping

Hi guys!

Lots of you have asked me how to go about self-taping, as it is becoming much more prominent throughout the casting field.

First off, you don't have to rush out and buy the most expensive camera in the world. Ask around, friends, neighbors, cousins, aunts and uncles, for a decent standard camera.

Before you even attempt to audition, read the entire script. It's only then you can make a creative decision about how you interpret your scenes.

Be off book. It vastly increases you chances.

For the reading, ask an actor friend to feed you the lines. Non-actor readers usually sound dreadful and could potentially jar your performance.

If possible, get somebody to operate the camera. If not, stick it on a tripod.

Find yourself a blank and neutral wall, with no pictures to distract us in the background, just you against the wall.

Ident yourself. State your name, agent or self represented and part reading for. Include one long shot to show your build then go close up, head and shoulders.

Do the take opposite the reader and look at the reader.

Again, last point, and I am repeating myself here, your best chance is to be off book. And remember, what you don't say is as important as what you do say as the camera will be pointing at you at all times.