How to Set Up a Self-Tape Audition at Home

Self-taping is now a standard part of the casting process for UK actors. Whether you're auditioning for television, film, theatre, or commercials, knowing how to create a clear and professional self-tape is essential!

The key is to take all the stress out of the process and have a consistent go-to set up, so you can concentrate and give space to the performance, especially when the turn-around is tight!

This guide outlines how to set up your space, lighting, sound, framing, and editing, without needing expensive equipment or a home studio.

Firstly, it's worth noting that due to rapidly improving tech, the way we tape and how we are being asked to tape is constantly evolving!

Phone cameras on a relatively new model is a perfectly good option for filming a self-tape and there is no need to invest in a separate fancy camera (if an iPhone is good enough for 28 Years Later, it's certainly good enough for this!).

And secondly, Casting directors may ask for a specific set up for their project, so do make sure you read everything they send, the following is just a guide to get you started.

1. Choose a Uncluttered, Neutral Background

A clean background helps casting directors focus on you, not your surroundings.

Best practices:

• Film against a plain neural wall or a non-crease collapsible backdrop (grey is a great neutral colour!)

• Avoid posters, shelves, doors, furniture, patterned wallpaper and clutter!

  
  

Recommended product tried and tested by my clients: Selens Collapsible Grey/Blue Background (Amazon UK)

This is a really easy way to quickly cover your wall and provide a neutral background on demand.

2. Use Soft, Even Lighting

Good lighting allows casting to see your face clearly and without distracting shadows.

Lighting tips:

• Face towards or to the side of a window if using natural light (of course this not always possible in the UK, especially in the winter months!)

• Avoid overhead lighting, it's best to use lamps positioned to reduce shadows or you can bounce light off a wall or ceiling if it's too bright.

• For consistent results, use a simple soft box lighting kit (actors are moving away from ring lights, as they create a halo reflection in your eyes!)

Recommended product tried and tested by my clients: ESDDI 50x70cm Softbox Lighting Kit (Amazon UK)

3. Check Your Sound Quality

Clear audio is just as important as visuals. Echo or background hum can distract from your performance.

To improve sound:

• Turn off fans and anything that makes a constant hum

• Record a short test and listen back for clarity

• Use soft furnishings like cushions, curtains, or a duvet to dampen sound

  
  

4. Frame the Shot Correctly

Most casting directors want a mid-shot from just above the head to mid-chest, but always check the casting instructions!

Framing checklist:

• Always film in landscape by default unless otherwise stated!

• Camera should be at eye level

• Centre yourself and make sure you fill the frame

• Keep the frame steady using a tripod or stable surface

5. Where to Look (Eye Line)

Let's talk about eye line and where your focus should be during the self-tape.

• Eye line guidance:

  
  

  • Slate/ident: You can look directly into the camera when saying your name, agent, and any other information requested. You may also be asked to provide profiles, hands and a full-length.

  • Scenes/sides: For the performance, position yourself so you are facing just off-camera to the left or right. Place your imaginary scene partner (or reader!) slightly set back (so they are not in shot) to one side of the lens. This creates a natural angle and helps you stay connected without looking into the lens.

• Avoid:

  
  

  • Looking directly into the camera during the scene

  • Be careful not to look too far off camera, the casting director still needs to clearly see your face and eyes

  • Performing to an empty space with no fixed point. Mark the eye line if needed so your focus stays consistent

    
    

5. Use a Reader When Possible

Reading with someone live helps your performance feel more connected.

Reader advice:

• Readers should be neutral and supportive, not distracting (they don't need to be an actor!)

• Make sure they sit behind the camera just off centre to match your eye line, this will make playing the scene more natural!

• Make sure their voice is not louder than yours (they will be positioned closer to the mic!)

  
  

7. Keep Your Editing Simple

Casting directors aren’t looking for a cinematic masterpiece. They don’t expect polished edits, just a clear, uninterrupted performance.

Editing tips:

• Read the casting director's notes carefully and do as they ask! There will be guidance on file sizes, formats and if they want to see the ident/slate first or the scenes/sides.

• You can provide a couple of take options if the scenes are short. This is often requested.

• Trim the beginning and end of each section to cut out any camera adjustment or moving into place.

• Don’t add effects, titles, or fancy transitions

• Name your file exactly as requested by casting so it doesn't get lost, even if you are sending to your agent!

• Use a simple editing tool, there are plenty of free options.

  
  

Recommended editing tool used by me!: Adobe Express (Free & Web-Based)

8. Props and Costume Choices

Casting directors are focused on your performance, not your wardrobe or set dressing. Keep things simple and let the work speak for itself.

Props:

• Only use props if they genuinely help the performance. For example, use a cup if the character is drinking

• Avoid anything distracting, noisy, or overly staged

Costume:

• No need for full costume! Choose something that nods to the character, like a smart shirt for a lawyer

• Stick to solid colours that suit you and contrast with your backdrop and avoid logos or bold patterns

The goal is to suggest the world of the character, not fully recreate it.

Final Advice

Casting directors aren’t expecting cinematographers or editors. All that fluff just gets in the way of seeing your work as an Actor.

Set yourself up with:

• A consistent easily cleared or dedicated space to reduce self-tape stress

• Soft lighting that ensures you can be seen clearly

• Clean and clear audio so we can hear you!

• Good framing

• Honest, simple presentation