One of the most significant trends in the casting scene has been the emergence of the self-tape audition concept. In this approach to auditions, the kid actors' performance gets recorded and submitted as a video without a casting director being present during the process. There is more to it than just hitting the record button, though - learn more about self-taping auditions below.
- Self-taping comes with a script. Parents need to ensure their kids are properly familiarised with the given lines.
- Self-tape can be done at home. Besides the performance, all that is needed is a quality camera and sound.
- Following instructions is key. The kid actor’s parents should ensure all requests for the self-tape get fulfilled before submitting the video.
Preparing With The Given Script
Unlike traditional kid acting auditions with a casting director present, either in person or via a live online call, there is no way for candidates to perform in a self-tape audition without previously receiving script lines.
Parents can prepare the given lines by helping their kid to understand the meaning of the scene, as well as the character's objectives during it. Of course, it is also important to memorize the lines correctly, but with an in-depth understanding, the kid will be able to deliver them in a more realistic way instead of just formally reciting them.
Kid actors can try to memorize the lines in many ways, from recording them and repeatedly listening to them, or learning them by rewriting them themselves, to simply repeatedly repeating them by working with parents until they get it right. Whatever method works best will be individual for each child.
Since it is a self-taping, the kid will be able to repeat their audition in the case of a minor mistake, or even read it during the filming. The latter usually only works well if the child actor is already familiar with the script, as without preparation, the focus on reading might overshadow the acting performance part.
Setting Up For The Self-Tape Audition
When getting ready for a self-tape audition, it is important from the very get-go to decide where the taping will take place. It is very likely that at home the child feels the most comfortable in either situation, so it should be at the top of the list of possible locations in either way, but there are even more reasons to stay at home for the filming. Regardless of the age of the performer, the environment in which the self-taping takes place must be without external noises and other distractions for both the actor and the casting staff who will review the performance. At home, parents can prepare for all of the potential things that may throw off their young aspiring actor from their game, including being forced to film at odd hours, being distracted by any sort of new surroundings, and more. Additionally, if the child is often being applied to casting calls, self-taping can become a regular occurrence, thus making filming at home even more of a convenient option.
Regardless of the ultimate choice for self-taping location, the background should be plain, and in a single colored, calm color, as well as without wall artworks such as posters, paintings, or photographs, to avoid the risk of taking the attention away from the child's audition performance.
Once the location is set, it is time for parents to prepare the technical setup of the self-taping. When it comes to this type of auditioning, the second most important thing besides the kid’s performance is the quality of the final video footage. Thankfully, the majority of the necessary equipment for the self-tape will already be available in most households.
A high-quality audition video can easily be shot with a recent smartphone model camera. Yet it is recommendable to invest in a tripod as it can provide a more stable positioning and angles for the self-taping, while a parent holding the camera in their hand while kid auditions would certainly result in at least some shakiness during the video.
Lighting for the filming is also a key aspect for the final video’s quality, with natural light being the ideal option. If shadows and backlight pose too much trouble, alternatively, parents can invest in a budget-friendly equipment option such as a ring light.
Of course, if the audition includes delivering lines, the audio quality is also very important, as bad sound may prevent casting directors from being able to fully review the young actor’s performance. If the filming environment is free from external noises, a smartphone microphone should be sufficient, but otherwise, acquiring an external microphone is advisable as they come in varied shapes and sizes to fit each person’s individual preferences, and will provide clear audio to complement the kid’s overall self-tape audition performance.
More Useful Tips For Having The Best Possible Self-Tape
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Filming The Video Horizontally
It is an unwritten rule for self-tapes that the audition video should be shot in horizontal format.
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Framing Does Matter
Ideally, the self-tape video of the kid’s performance should capture them from the chest to slightly above the head, unless the audition instructions call for a different angle.
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Keeping Eyes On The Camera
While the camera must be centered at the eye level of the kid actor, the young performer should not look directly into it, but instead a bit away from it.
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Making Appearance Choices
Parents should ensure their kid actors do not look distractingly unusual for the audition, including busy colors or patterns for clothing, obvious makeup, or surprising hairstyle choices.
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Avoiding Using Props
Unless required by the casting staff, there is no need to include props in the self-tape, as they may also overshadow the actual audition performance.
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Adding An Intro Scene
The self-tape audition typically should start off with a scene where the kid states their name, age, role, and any other relevant information, with the performance following next.
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Finishing The Final Version
Once the self-tape audition video is a wrap, the submission file should be in the requested format, or preferably MP4 if not specified, and renamed with the project's title, the kid actor’s name, and other relevant information to the casting director’s convenience.
