QUESTION: Should I Film My Self-Tape Vertically or Horizontally?

By Webmaster

  • QUESTION:

    Should I Film My Self-Tape Vertically or Horizontally?

    (By AM Staff)

    (Photo: George Milton | Pexels)

    QUESTION:

    Should I film my self-tape vertically or horizontally?

    ANSWER:

    Always shoot your self-tape horizontally. Always, always, always!

    The only exception to this rule is when you have received a specific instruction. If you are specifically instructed by the casting director to film all or part of your self-tape vertically, you should do so.


    RELATED: What is a Self-Tape Audition?


    There are rare times when CDs request that actors film vertically. For instance, they may ask you to film vertically so they can get a better view of your whole body as you perform. But these kinds of exceptions are rare and specific.

    (Photo: George Milton | Pexels)

    When in doubt, or when instructions are not clear, always go horizontal. Shooting horizontally is what is expected within the industry.

    The same goes for your slate. Film your slate horizontally. Do not do otherwise, unless the casting director makes a specific request for you to do so.

    The reason for this is simple. When was the last time you saw a movie that was filmed vertically? It almost never happens. So why should you shoot your self-tape horizontally? Because that’s how movies are made.


    You Might Also Like:
    7 Self-Tape Instructions Actors Often Ignore


     

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • Is New York or California Better for Acting?

    Is New York or California Better for Acting? A look at the pros and cons of pursuing an acting career in New York vs. California (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Pixaba | Pexels) For…

    Do You Have to Memorize a Monologue for an Audition?

    Question: Do You Have to Memorize a Monologue for an Audition? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) RELATED: Memorize your lines in 5 easy steps! How long does it take for…

    What is a Modesty Pouch for Actors?

    Question: What is a Modesty Pouch for Actors? (By Carmichael Phillips) RELATED:  What do actors wear during love scenes? What do actors do in love scenes? Why do actors fall in love on…

    Who Are the Most Famous Fi-Core Actors?

    Who Are the Most Famous Fi-Core Actors? Some of the most notable actors who have been associated with Fi-Core (By Carmichael Phillips) (Jon Voight) RELATED: What is Financial Core? What is a Fi-Core…

    Can Fi-Core Actors Work During a Strike?

    Question: Can Fi-Core Actors Work During a Strike? (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Tony Zohari | Pexels) RELATED: What is Financial Core? What is a Fi-Core Actor What does it mean to go Fi-Core…

  • Ad

  • How Does an Actor Become Fi-Core?

    How Does an Actor Become Fi-Core? Understanding the process (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) RELATED: What is Financial Core? What is a Fi-Core Actor What does it mean to go…

    How Long Should You Spend on a Self-Tape?

    How Long Should You Spend on a Self-Tape? Let’s review a hypothetical breakdown (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Anna Shvets | Pexels) RELATED: Where Do You Look When Self-Taping? Should I Sit or Stand…

    Why Do Actors Say “Peas and Carrots?”

    Why Do Actors Say “Peas and Carrots?” Common phrases actors use to simulate conversation (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich | Pexels) RELATED: Why Do Actors Say, “Break a Leg?” Why Do Actors…

  • Ad

  • Is It Okay to Do a Self-Tape Without a Reader?

    Is It Okay to Do a Self-Tape Without a Reader? The short answer is: yes, but… (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) RELATED: 7 Ways to Do a Self-Tape Without a…

    Can I Use Props in Self-Tape Auditions?

    Question: Can I Use Props in Self-Tape Auditions? (By Carmichael Phillips) Question: Can I use props in a self-tape? Answer: The short answer is yes, but with a few important considerations. While props…

    What are 5 Acting Techniques Every Actor Should Know?

    What are 5 Acting Techniques Every Actor Should Know? These five techniques can enhance your skills and versatility (By Tia McMullen) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Acting is both an art and a…

    What Are the Best Qualities of an Actor?

    What Are the Best Qualities of an Actor? The best qualities of an actor go far beyond talent alone (By Carmichael Phillips) Great acting is more than just memorizing lines or hitting marks…

    Why Are Acting Headshots So Expensive?

    Question: Why Are Acting Headshots So Expensive? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Karolina Kaboompics | Pexels) Many actors are surprised to find that professional headshots can be quite expensive, often costing hundreds or even…

  • Ad

  • Can I Realistically Become an Actor?

    Can I Realistically Become an Actor? Why success in acting doesn’t always correlate with talent alone (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Chris Ainsworth | Unsplash) If you’re wondering whether becoming an actor is a…

    Why Do People Stop Acting?

    Question: Why Do People Stop Acting? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Yan Krukau | Pexels) Many people step away from acting—sometimes after years of dedication. The reasons behind this decision are varied and deeply…

    What Do Actors Do in Love Scenes?

    What Do Actors Do in Love Scenes? Behind the camera, love scenes require careful planning (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Gabriel Bastelli | Pexels) Love scenes are among the most intimate and emotionally charged…

  • Ad

  • What is the Point of Acting?

    What is the Point of Acting? How acting provides escapism (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) At its core, acting serves as a means of storytelling. Whether on stage, in film,…

    Why Do Actors Fall in Love on Set?

    Question: Why Do Actors Fall in Love on Set? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Shvets Anna | Pexels) RELATED:  What do actors wear during love scenes? What do actors do in love scenes? Why…

    How Long Does It Take to Learn Meisner?

    How Long Does It Take to Learn Meisner? Why learning the Meisner Technique is a long-term commitment (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Fauxels | Pexels) The Meisner Technique is a highly regarded method of…

    What Does It Mean to Go Fi-Core as an Actor?

    What Does It Mean to Go Fi-Core as an Actor? This decision comes with specific implications that every actor should understand (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) RELATED: What is Financial…

    How Long Does the Casting Process Take?

    Question: How Long Does the Casting Process Take? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Koolshooters | Pexels) Question: How Long Does the Casting Process Take? Answer: The duration of the casting process depends on several…

  • Ad