The Three T’s of Self-Tapes 

Speaking via Zoom on July 11 for the local’s Self-Tape Conservatory, casting director Anne Mulhall covered what she described as the three T’s of self-taping: technical, text and transfer.  

Technical is the lighting, the audio and the wardrobe — otherwise known as “The L.A.W.” You can buy a lighting kit but you do not have to, offered Mulhall. Instead, hone in on a location in your place where the lighting is at its best. Find the sweet spot, make note of the nuances in lighting and practice recording. After you are confident in that location, look around your place for other spots and compile all your options. When the time comes for your self-tape audition, you will be well practiced. 

For audio, Mulhall suggested buying a clip-on microphone (lavalier) for under $20 that  can connect to your phone. For wardrobe, keep it simple. For example, if auditioning for a police officer role, you do not need to wear a full police uniform but instead wear an item, such as a blue shirt, as a nod to the character. As for props, said Mulhall, “They are not necessary to have in the audition. Just act.”

For text, Mulhall recommended taking time to think about what you can do with the script to make it yours. 

“Open strong and always front-load your audition with your interesting stuff,” she advised. 

When offered the opportunity to submit multiple takes, Mulhall noted it is important to make different choices. Send one take that encompasses exactly what you think casting is looking for and one that you do for yourself that is a little off the beaten path.

When you transfer your audition footage to casting, make sure they can download your file. Mulhall prefers when actors use WeTransfer or Vimeo, although other casting directors may feel differently. Practice the process. Send your files to someone first to make sure they can be downloaded easily. Also, be sure to name files before sending them. Mulhall recommended titling videos with your last name followed by the role’s name. If you are sending multiple takes, add numbers to the name such as 1 and 2.

Self-taped auditions are not going away, summarized Mulhall, so just as you take time to sharpen your craft, take time now to hone the self-tape process. “Get out of your own way, relax and have fun,” was her final reminder.

For the latest updates (new rules!) for commercial self-tapes as well as more from Mulhall, check out the summer 2022 issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine. 

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

BONUS SELF-TAPE CONTENT

Want more insight into the industry’s shift to self-taped auditions? Check out the July 28 President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement webinar Spotlight on Self-Tapes (59:54 minutes), which included New England Local member and Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals Michele Proude. Proude offered a local perspective on self-taped auditions, noting that it is now the norm in New England. She also detailed her own experience in what she called the blessing and the curse of self-tapes.

“[Casting directors] are seeing more people. So, on one hand, I’ve had more auditions in the last 2.5 years than I ever have in my lifetime … but I’m also booking a smaller percentage of them. And that’s kind of the trade-off,” said Proude. “It’s hard not to take it personally. What you can control is thinking of it as a performance every time, getting coaching and working with friends.”  

This PTEOE livestream panel also features SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair; Vice President, Los Angeles Michelle Hurd; and Vice President, Actors/Performers William Charlton.