ACTOR RESOURCES

Professional Resources for Self-Taping

Self-Tape Resources

 

To help talent navigate the self-tape setup here are some resources to guide you. I understand that budget’s may be limited so I am suggesting resources for varying budgets. Here are my top picks. Affiliate links are provided should you wish to purchase from these vendors. CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE THE FULL PRODUCT LISTING.

GREEN OR BLUE SCREEN BACKDROPS

Your backdrop should be wide enough to create self-tapes in a wide screen orientation. This means having a backdrop that fits within the frame of your camera without you being too close to the camera. Typically your framing is from the chest up with only an inch of space above your head. Be sure to get all the wrinkles out before self-taping. I personally use the Neewer Greenscreen pull-down backdrop because it is wrinkle free and I can store it back into the base to keep things minimal.

Emart Photography Backdrop 6×9, stand, lighting set (kit)

Hemmotop Blue Screen 6×9 Backdrop ONLY. No stand included.

Neewer GreenScreen Pull-Down Backdrop. This is mounted to the wall or ceiling. You can retract it when not in use. No wrinkles. If you are hanging from the ceiling use these metal brackets CLICK HERE.

Fotocreate 5×6 Portable double sided Blue & Green Backdrop. Perfect for traveling with. You will need to purchase a stand and clamp to hold it up. CLICK HERE for the stand clamp.

LIGHTING

Lighting is really important. Be sure to test your lighting so it shows your natural skin tone. If the lighting is too intense it will over expose your skin. As a rule of thumb have one key light on one side of you and one secondary light on the other side.

HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit with Tripod Stands

Neewer 2 Pack Dimmable LED Lighting Kit. Includes Stands

Sensyne 12″ Ringlight with Stand & Phone Holder

SOUND

Sound is any easy fix but often overlooked. Please be sure to mic yourself when self-taping so we can hear you clearly (and not your reader). We need to hear all the words without straining because the sound is poor quality. Mics do not cost a lot but they sure make a difference.

PGDLOF Wireless Lavaleir Mic for iPhone

Aikela Dual Wireless Lavalier Mic for iPhone & Android

PowerDeWise Lavalier Mic. This mic is wired to your phone. You will need a dongle adapter for your phone.
CLICK HERE for iPHONE Adapter
CLICK HERE for Android Adapter

TELEPROMPTER

Having a teleprompter with the right teleprompter software is a game changer! You can deliver the perfect self-tape everytime with the PromptSmart App. What’s different about this software is that it follows you voice using their patented technology. This software is voice actived. It will adjust the words on the screen exactly as you speak it so you are always reading the center of the screen. This is where you shine and can concentrate on giving a rocking audition. You will need 6 things for this setup:

 

  1. A sturdy tripod stand to attach the teleprompter to –  CLICK HERE
  2. The teleprompter – CLICK HERE
  3. Teleprompter software/app – CLICK HERE
  4. Microphone – The app is voice activated and needs to hear your voice clearly – CLICK HERE
  5. A tablet or cellphone to display the text from
  6. Your cellphone camera or DSLR to record yourself (As an alternative, I use my ring light tripod that has a cell phone holder included. I use my cell phone camera to record myself and I place the teleprompter unit directly behind it)
There are many apps available for a teleprompter and I have tried many of them. The PromptSmart app is by far, the best. It is voice responsive meaning as you speak the words – the text will follow along with you. This will keep your eyeline consistently in the center of the screen. The pro version is a paid subscription but so worth it when you are doing a good amount of self-tapes. You will need to have a good mic so the app can recognize your voice.

Glide Gear Adjustable Teleprompter

PromptSmart App. Compatible with iPhone & Android. In my opinion this is one of the best teleprompter apps because it is voice activated. It will scroll with the sound of your voice.

EDITING SUITE

This is an all-in-one super easy editing suite. Cut and paste your video clips into one seemless video to upload your self-tape. There are many YouTube tutorials on this software.
If you want to create more advanced video for other platforms such as your instagram, TikTok, Youtube, a website etc. you have the option to also purchase a full media libary for videos, b-roll, animations, intros, outros, photos, music, sound effects.
  • Easy for beginners
  • Supports multiple data formats
  • Drag and drop editing
  • Enhance and clean up sound
  • Key out backdrop greenscreen or blue screen
  • Screen capture while videoing you at the same time
  • Add Pro animations, headers and transitions
  • Add many effects
  • Add subtitles/closed captions
  • Insert link into videos
  • Render and share video files to Youtube, Vimeo, Google Drive and more
  • Excellent video tutorials
  • One time purchase fee (no subscription)

CAMTASIA EDITING SUITE

Use Code: SAFEOPT10

This is a limited time 10% off that Camtasia offer. If the code no longer works then their offer has expired.
Put code SAFEOPT10 in the coupon code field at checkout to redeem 10% off.

Other Resources:

Casting Networks (For Commercials): CLICK HERE
Actors Access (For Films & TV Shows): CLICK HERE
All Casting for Actors: CLICK HERE
All Casting for Models: CLICK HERE
All Casting for UGC: CLICK HERE
SAG-AFTRA: CLICK HERE

If a minor is working in California, a child work permit must be obtained. CLICK HERE for the Entertainment Work Permit for Minors

CLICK HERE for a Summary Chart of approved work hours for a minor in California