INTRO TO CAMERA SELF TAPE

INTRO TO CAMERA SELF TAPE

INTRO TO CAMERA SELF TAPE

If you don’t have a showreel, we highly recommend that you create an ‘Intro to Camera’ self tape video for Casting Directors to quickly get a sense of how you translate on camera.
Other than your headshot, your intro to camera may be the only thing casting directors look at before deciding whether or not they want to bring you in for an audition.

LENGTH

Approximately 30 seconds

CONTENT


Include the following:
  1. Name
  2. Location
  3. Height
  4. If you have experience, provide a few highlights
  5. Something interesting about yourself
For some inspiration, click here.

TALK TO CAMERA SET UP

​
Camera
A quality camera (a no-frills digital camera or an iPhone is all you need). Shoot the footage in horizontal format, never in portrait. Use a mounting bracket for your mobile device so that the video is stable and does not distr
If you purchase a ring light for lighting (mentioned below), this often has a bracket attached. 

Lighting
Try to light yourself by 2 lights either side (Make sure they are as close to white as possible) or even better, get yourself a ring light. You don’t want any shiny orange light hitting you and no light coming from above causing shadows - Casting Directors want to see you, not half your face covered by a shadow. If you don’t have good lighting, try film in front of a window. Just make sure you are facing the window, otherwise all the Casting Director with see is your silhouette.

Background
Try to have a clean backdrop, free of artwork, plants etc. A clean blue, grey or white backdrop is a good choice. 

Framing
The best framing is a mid-shot to a medium close up - so from about the mid-waist up. 

Wardrobe & Makeup
Don’t wear any clothing that will distract from your face and ensure your make up is natural. Avoid brand names, patterns and heavy make up.





    • Related Articles

    • CHAT TO CAMERA TIPS

      CHAT TO CAMERA TIPS Your child will generally be guided by the Casting Director. Listen and follow their directions. Some castings will want your child to talk about a specific topic relative to the job (take note of any instructions in the waiting ...

    • BABY MODELLING

      BABY MODELLING BABY MODELLING IS DIFFERENT Baby modelling is obviously a different kettle of fish to child / teen modelling. Nobody expects a baby or a toddler to follow direction, pose and smile for the camera in the same way they would an older ...

    • CASTING NETWORKS FOR BEGINNERS

      CASTING NETWORKS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE  FOR NEW ACCOUNTS Getting started on Casting Networks may feel overwhelming but if you follow this guide, you should be set up in no time! Please keep all of your details up to date as this can affect potential ...

    • SYNGENCY FOR BEGINNERS

      A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SYNGENCY There are 8 steps to ensure your Syngency profile is up to date and ready for Casting Directors to view. It is imperative that all details are kept up to date and are accurate. Please do not skip any steps and follow ...

    • THE CASTING PROCESS

      THE CASTING PROCESS Casting Directors need to see your child often to get to know them. Networking is just as much a part of this business as being a brilliant and professional performer is and this doesn’t happen overnight. A ‘Look-See’ or audition ...