ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

5 years, 6 months ago - John Lubran

It's that 'how long is a piece of string?' Question again. Apart from there being dozens of possibilities, without a budget limit one could spend a great deal of time and energy providing a meaningful answer.

Are you sure want a tape format? Does anyone still make tape cameras?

5 years, 6 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy

John, self tapes are not tapes any more. It's the name for an actor's self-shot audition video. Often actors are requested to submit a short video of themselves performing in character. These days they are not shot on actual tape, but the term lingers on.

5 years, 6 months ago - Guy Remy

Hello John, thanks for your response,
A self tape is when actor's are asked to film a scene / or scenes and send them through to the casting director via we transfer/vimeo... it's a quick way to get seen, bu the quality of the recording must be good, so the term tape isn't actually a tape getting sent through but a file. Budget wise I would consider max 500Gbp as well as second hand camera's, the quality is key here for me! Thank you

5 years, 6 months ago - John Lubran

Thanks both for the heads up on self tapes. I missed that meaning during the last 45 years I've been in this industry. 500 pounds is right at the bottom of the price range for a camera that might be described as having all the qualities you ask for. It's going to be a consumer model that shares its imaging technology with more professional models. Usually means unbalanced minijack audio interface with mics. Might even find a 4K type. I'm not familiar with these types today but I'm pretty sure the main propriety brands such as Sony, Panasonic, Canon, JVC can provide. There's even GoPro models you could find good use from.

The other choice is between dedicated video cameras or a stills camera with video. The choice will depend on the applications you intend overall.

5 years, 6 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy

Do casting directors care whether a self-tape is "cinematic" or not? Someone I know recently submitted a very basic self-tape, shot (badly) on an i-phone, to a top casting director for a role her agent had recommended her for, and her i-phone self-tape got her an audition.

5 years, 6 months ago - Guy Remy

Agreed, the cinematic look is secondary, yes some of the latest phones do have good video quality, maybe I should just buy myself the latest smartphone out there... but it wouldn't be 4k. I guess this thread could also be opened up to : what set up do you have for self tapes? I am really trying to find a good option that's easy to set, has great quality (image and sound) and doesn't cost a tone of money?
Thks

5 years, 6 months ago - Owyn Stephens

Hey man. I'm an actor thats had quite good results with self tapes, in fact if I'm honest I prefer to do a self tape than an audition as I gave complete control... here's my hot take..

I'd say a low / mid level dslr is more than fine. You'll also need a cheap light kit to go with it with around 3 lights. Ideally one light that bounces on ceiling, one light that is up high, angling down at you. The other you need for specific purposes.

I own a Canon 70d that's been going for a while now and it's great. Look around that range. You'll also need to get some lenses, so get the kit lens pack. Also a pancake lens if you can afford it plus a wide lens if you've got a small place. Careful of the last one though, too wide and you'll distort your face. Fish eye style.

Other things to buy are a radio mic, senheiser are great but cost. I would categorically spend less on the camera and get a decent mic. If you're going to muck something up, don't muck up the sound.

Finally, a green / blue screen. For decent projects where they really want you to bring something to the table, you can be really creative and catch the eye of a casting director changing the background etc.

Good luck

5 years, 6 months ago - Michael Tognarelli

I would say focus on your performance - any good director should be able to look past poor quality images. But maybe that’s just me. I’d agree a smart phone should suffice - if they want more they can ask you to audition properly.

Good luck with it

5 years, 4 months ago - Ed Parnell

There's one by Sony I have been considering getting. it's like £70 or something and has everything for filming you realistically need before spending hundreds more.