7 Self-Tape Instructions Actors Often Ignore

By Webmaster

  • 7 Self-Tape Instructions Actors Often Ignore

    Treat your self-tape like you’re baking a cake. Follow ALL directions and you’ll get a sweet result.

    (By Jim Webb)

    (Photo: Luis Quintero/Pexels)

    Self-taping was already the wave of the future, even before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. It was already having a larger and larger presence in the acting world. In fact, in some smaller acting markets, it accounted for as many as 80-90% of the auditions conducted. Now, with the emergence of the Coronavirus, improving your self-taping skills is an absolute must.

  • There’s one way you can quickly and easily improve your self-taping skills. Simply do this: READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

    How easy is that? It’s so easy, a caveman can do it! Yet, sadly, actors sometimes make cavemen look like Einstein.

    Actors often receive instructions from casting directors about what to do when recording and submitting their self-tape. Yet, all too often, these instructions are only partially followed. Sometimes they are ignored altogether or absentmindedly overlooked.

    Here are 7 instructions that are frequently ignored by actors when doing self-tapes:

    #1. Following the Instructions, Generally

    The most frequently ignored instruction for self-tapes is that actors…well… don’t follow the instructions. This may sound redundant, but it’s not. The idea of taking a casting director’s instructions seriously, in general, needs its own section.

    Actors don’t always simply ignore one particular instruction. They just ignore the very importance of obeying instructions, wholesale.

    Think about what overlooking the instructions says about you, as an actor? Does the word “professionalism” (or lack, thereof) come to mind?

    Demonstrate that you are a professional, prepared actor by closely following all instructions.

  • #2. Slate

    Slating is not universal. Some casting directors might need more than just your name. Some casting directors might need you to say specific things on your slate, such as confirming your willingness to shave or change your hairstyle.

    Some casting directors might prefer you do your slate at the beginning of your self-tape, at the end, or even separately. Preferences can vary.

    Don’t just slate the way you want to, or the way you are accustomed to. Slate the way you are instructed to.

    #3. Length

    The length of your self-tape is not like the speed limit; something to be violated on a whim. It’s a guideline to ensure that casting directors get what they need, and only what they need from you. If you’ve been given a limit to the length of time your self-tape should run, by all means, try to stay within that time limit.

  • #4. Number of Takes

    Just as you might be given a limit to the number of minutes (or seconds) your self-tape should run; you might also receive a limit on the number of takes you should include. For example, receiving instructions to submit only two takes is not an invitation to submit more than two takes. Don’t try to slip a few more in just for the heck of it.

    #5. Deadlines

    Casting directors are often up against tight deadlines. Yet, many actors submit their self-tapes past the deadline explicitly given to them. Don’t be one of these people!

    How does it reflect on you to have a casting director calling your rep, wondering why you still haven’t submitted your self-tape?

    Take deadlines seriously and get it in on-time. When that’s not possible, explain your circumstances to your rep or the casting director.

  • #6. Labeling

    Labeling is not a trivial matter. It can help CDs keep up with the many tapes they receive. Instructions to label your self-tape in a certain way don’t come out of left field. They are usually carefully thought out.

    Label your self-tape as instructed.

    #7. Submitting


    Not every casting director wants actors to submit their self-tapes the same way, using the same medium. Those instructions might change from one casting director to another.

    Take time to understand exactly how the casting director would like you to submit your self-tape. It can save you a lot of trouble and embarrassment.

    Treat your self-tape like you’re baking a cake. Follow ALL directions and you’ll get a sweet result. Don’t follow directions and the whole thing can fall flat.

    You are going to put so much effort into making a great tape. Don’t let a simple thing like not following directions ruin it all.


  • You Might Also Like:
    Don’t Do These 7 Things When Choosing Your Next Monologue


     

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • The subtle secrets to booking an acting job

    The Subtle Secrets to Booking an Acting Job Unveiling the Subtle Secrets to Booking an Acting Job (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Beyond honing your craft, there are subtle secrets…

    A Guide on Becoming a Movie Actor

    A Guide on Becoming a Movie Actor Stay dedicated to your craft (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Are you passionate about the world of cinema and dream of gracing the…

    10 Effective Ways for Actors to Calm Audition Nerves

    10 Effective Ways for Actors to Calm Audition Nerves Every audition is an opportunity to learn and grow (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Monstera Productions | Pexels) Auditioning is a pivotal part of an…

    10 Tips for Making the Perfect Self-tape

    10 Tips for Making the Perfect Self-tape Produce a flawless self-tape (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Karolina Grabowski | Pexels) Creating a perfect self-tape is essential for actors looking to make a strong impression…

    What to Do at an Audition

    What to Do at an Audition Navigating the Audition Process (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Auditions are a pivotal part of an actor’s journey, providing an opportunity to showcase your…

  • Ad

  • 10 Mistakes Actors Should Steer Clear Of

    10 Mistakes Actors Should Steer Clear Of Actors should be mindful of common mistakes that can hinder their progress (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Polina Tankilevitch | Pexels) Embarking on a career in acting…

    How to Prepare for an Audition

    How to Prepare for an Audition A Comprehensive Guide on How to Prepare for an Audition (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Monstera | Pexels) Auditions are the pivotal moments in an actor’s life. They…

    How to Become a Series Regular on a Television Show

    How to Become a Series Regular on a Television Show There are steps you can take to increase your chances (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Becoming a series regular on a…

  • Ad

  • 5 Things Every Actor Should Know Early in Their Career

    5 Things Every Actor Should Know Early in Their Career There are several essential insights that can help you navigate the early stages (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Hannah Nelson | Pexels) Embarking on…

    What Should Actors Do Every Day?

    What Should Actors Do Every Day? Daily Habits for Aspiring Actors (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Sigmund/Unsplash) Becoming a successful actor requires dedication, discipline, and consistent effort. To hone your craft, build your skills,…

    What NOT to Say to an Actor

    What NOT to Say to an Actor 10 Things you should avoid saying to a thespian (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Interacting with actors can be an exciting experience, but…

    What Are 5 Things Actors Do

    What Are 5 Things Actors Do Actors engage in a wide range of activities to succeed in their craft (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Sigmund/Unsplash) Acting is an art form that demands a diverse…

    How to Become an Actor at 16

    How to Become an Actor at 16 Embrace the exciting challenges that lie ahead on your acting journey. (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Anastasiya Gepp | Pexels) Becoming an actor at the age of…

  • Ad

  • How to Become an Actor on Broadway

    How to Become an Actor on Broadway 10 steps to achieve your Broadway dreams (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Dreaming of becoming a Broadway actor and gracing the iconic stages of…

    15 Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

    15 Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright What is stage fright and how do you fight the fright? (By Jim Webb) (Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash) Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety,…

    Navigating Pilot Season

    Navigating Pilot Season Tips for Actors Preparing for Auditions (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Pilot season is a thrilling and competitive time in the entertainment industry when actors have the…

  • Ad

  • 15 Steps for Creating Your Demo Reel

    15 Steps for Creating Your Demo Reel A step-by-step guide for every actor who is ready to put a showreel together (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Terje Sollie | Pexels) Creating a compelling demo…

    How to Get into Acting

    How to Get into Acting A Comprehensive Guide (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Vladimir Fedotov/Unsplash) Acting, often regarded as a captivating art form, has the power to transport audiences into different worlds, evoke emotions,…

    13 Benefits of Taking Improv Classes

    13 Benefits of Taking Improv Classes Here are some ways in which taking improv classes can be advantageous for actors (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Improvisation (improv) classes can provide numerous…

    Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: A Guide for Actors

    Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: A Guide for Actors (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Mart Production | Pexels) In the digital age, self-taping has become an essential tool for actors to showcase their talent…

    20 Good Acting Tips

    20 Good Acting Tips Important advice and tips every actor should know (By AM Staff) (Photo: Emre | Pexels) 1. You don’t have to make your acting performance “bigger” to make it memorable….

  • Ad