Request for a self tape
Hey y’all!!! Strangely enough this week I actually had a request for my own self tape. Which is totally not the usual, (except when I’m in China and been the “mom” several times at photoshoots, look I don’t have delusions of grandeur getting discovered in my 30’s as a model, it was convenient for the client… but thinking I may post about this so we all can have a good laugh) anyways I thought it would be a great idea. Since I’m going over my own tips to share them with you. Here are my tips for a pleasant and professional self tape!
What you need
Use your smartphone or tablet, you can prop it up on a book so there’s no annoying jiggling. Your best bet is to tape with white or another solid background behind you. The background should not fussy and distracting. Wear neutral clothing as well. The lighting in the room should be soft, so it’s best to tape without artificial light. That’s why I don’t recommend filming at night. Also your space needs to be quiet, so there are no noises that can interrupt your tape.
What you will do
Look into the camera, and clearly say your name. Then most agencies request age, the agency name and something personal like favorite hobbies. Sometimes they ask you to show a certain smile or pose. If it’s an audition for TVC or video most likely you will have to say a few lines. Memorize the few lines as reading them from a piece a paper will definitely not get you the job. Speak in a clear voice, and at a slower pace than the way you normally speak. At the end of each self tape, I have my kids then show each side of their profile and turn around. This should all be no longer than 2 minutes unless there are many lines to be spoken.
After you finish
Rewatch your tape to make sure that all the information I told you above is covered. Ensure there is eye contact and no mumbling, I always recommend you do a few takes. Then I usually upload the video to Google Drive and I send the link (make sure you give the person with the link access to it) to the agency. You can also use WeTransfer to email your self tape.
Good luck!!!