Hello hello ❤️
I’ve been in the game for a while now and have done countless self-tapes. Since making a few small changes to the way I tape, I’ve finally started booking huge jobs from them. My incredible agent, Lois, always calls me to tell me how professional my tapes are, and honestly, these small self-tape tips really do make a difference.
Also, make sure to join the waitlist so you don’t miss the next announcement of the Model Mindset Workshop because spaces fill up quickly. We go into much more detail about the industry, mindset, and how to actually make things happen for yourself.
Anyway, let’s get into it. Do these 5 things consistently, and it really will help set you apart from others.
The first thing I notice is that so many models and actors only give about 20% effort to self-tapes because, yes, they DO require effort. Sometimes even more than in-person castings. But remember, we give our all to an in-person casting because we all know we have one shot, right? So why aren’t we keeping that same energy for an online casting? If anything, it’s much harder to impress and be picked up through a self-tape as they tend to open the casting wider.
When you really put in the work, it shows. You may not always be rewarded straight away, but casting directors remember good tapes. Make a strong impression.
1. Film with good light
This one is a no-brainer but also a major self-tape tip.
You can choose the lighting here, so use it to your advantage. Natural light in front of a big window is the best. If it’s a bright day (even cloudy), you’ve got it good. This kind of lighting instantly makes you look more striking, polished, and really highlights your features. You want the client and casting directors to see the best version of you and to be blown away when they open your tape. My go-to spot when I’m at home, and filming would be in the lounge in front of a big window. Another thing is to avoid harsh and direct sunlight. Sometimes, if you can’t run from it, either film a little later on in the day if the deadline allows you to, or close the curtain slightly to block out the sun. Remember, you have time to play around and find your flow.
I know it’s stressful when these tapes come in at the last minute, and the lighting is not lighting! If that’s the case, use a recent ident (with good lighting) and add it to the edit. Then complete the rest of your actions. Or if it’s really not working, see if there’s room for an extension.
2. Show your personality
Now is your time to shine… they get 30 seconds of you before checking out – make yourself stand out. You usually get 1 question or a ‘tell me something about yourself’.
Again, it’s not live; there’s no pressure to answer quickly. Think about your answer and deliver it to the camera naturally. Most of us just rush to get the tape done, as typically they tend to come in at very inconvenient times, but again, tap in and make this a priority. Have a unique answer to help set you apart from others. Don’t go generic.
Some people feel more confident behind a camera, and some feel better in person. Ultimately, you’re getting booked to perform in front of the camera, so get used to it. Also, a note here, don’t overthink the background too much! Yes, you are always told to film with a clear background or on a white wall. But I get it, not everyone has super aesthetic houses with white walls in front of big windows… as I mentioned, I film in my lounge with the sofa in the back and usually Casper snoring…
Just make sure the background isn’t too distracting. Put more focus on good light, as that’ll light you up and make you the center of attention.
3. Get a strong ident
Top self-tape tip here… so when I know I look and feel good, i.e., a good hair, skin, and lighting day… I will film an ident. Make sure to get a really strong one and say the basic things you tend to get asked… (agent, name, location, experience, etc…). Then, you can reuse these idents; it saves you from having to refilm every single time! Also takes the chore away a little. Make sure to add these to a folder on your phone so it’s easy to dig out when you need them. Of course, if you have any drastic changes to your appearance, then make sure to keep your idents up to date. And it’s a no-brainer here, don’t keep reusing an ident from years ago. I used to film an ident every single time I had a self-tape come in. Now, as the number of requests has significantly increased and I spend a lot of time travelling, this saves so much time and stress for those last-minute requests!
4 . Keep the tape rolling and know your angles
This helps so much and has been a game-changer with my tapes. It’s so easy to overthink the actions, and it’s very tempting to stop the recording every time you mess up. But when you do that, it makes it harder to get a smooth tape. I find it’s much easier to keep the tape rolling, and it’s great practise for those in-person castings. When you mess up, just repeat it. It also allows you to vary the action in different ways, which casting directors love, as it shows your ability and versatility. Plus, it builds enormous amounts of confidence in front of the camera. Trust me, doing it this way will make your life so much easier when it comes to editing. It flows so much better. Depending on the brief, you can also choose the angle or prop the camera up in a way to ensure you look GOOD. I used to tape in bits and often found my tape didn’t flow as smoothly, probably making it a harder watch lol.
This is the way I film it. First step, film the ident and questions in one take. Get a couple of variations and takes for options later on. Then add it to your favourites. Next, film the actions requested all in one go; if it’s more complicated, do it bit by bit. Then you can move on to editing smoothly and efficiently.
5 . Edit on CapCut
If the brief doesn’t specify one single take, then I’d do this…
I use the free version of CapCut as I find it’s the easiest editing tool. Now it’s really important to say, this isn’t crazy technical editing. It’s really basic editing to make sure your self-tape flows together nicely. Use it as a tool to help remove any awkward pauses or mess-ups. Always start in the order of ident and then actions. Depending on what has been requested, either have it all in one video or edit the ident and then edit the actions and send them as two separate videos.
Literally the only feature I use for editing these self-tapes in CapCut is the ‘split’ and ‘delete’ features. Have a go and you’ll see why it’s key to let the camera roll! If you keep stopping and don’t leave enough roll for it to softly merge into the next action, it’ll look too edited and choppy. The hack is, you don’t want it to look too edited. You want it to be a really easy, smooth watch.
One last thing
Try these self-tape tips and give it your best shot. These small, tiny changes have made such a big difference to my self-tapes, and the more you do them, the more confident you’ll get with them. Think of them as a rehearsal before the real thing! Change your mindset towards self-tapes and view them as an incredible opportunity. It is 100% posisble to be picked amongst everyone else. You never know, so don’t lose hope. Keep working hard, and you’ll soon see the benefits.
I had a self-tape come in on my only day off in the Maldives! It was a big opportunity, but I knew the casting was huge. I remember reading this and thinking wow its a complicated tape too and I thought ahhh I just need one day off (I was in the Maldives for work). I had barely slept, set my alarm for 7 am to get up and do this tape so I could submit it for the deadline, then I could enjoy my day off. Crazy because I ended up booking this role! It’s all hush hush for now until it comes out, but it’s MEGA. So, take this as a sign to give your all to your tapes. You never know who might pick up on you.
When I was modelling in India, I had a very last-minute self-tape. I gave it my all, and I ended up booking a huge campaign for TAJ Hotels in Mumbai! You can watch my self-tape audition over on my TikTok here.
Trust the process and the wild tapes we’re asked to do! It’s your turn next.
Let me know what you think of this blog in the comments below.
Love,
