Requests for self-tapes/video submissions are becoming more and more frequent.  There are times when casting wants to see tape on talent prior to bringing them in for auditions.  Or sometimes projects will book completely off of self-submitted tapes and no auditions will be held.  If you’re not planning on going to a studio to tape, here are some tips for what you can do at home …

• Most of us have some kind of smartphone with video capability.  You do not need a professional video camera to tape a self-submission.  Watch this helpful PSA for smartphone video taping! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt9zSfinwFA
• Ensure you are filming in an area with good lighting.  If a project is going to book off tape, casting and production MUST be able to see what you look like!  Experiment with indoor vs. outdoor depending upon the time you are going to tape.
• In addition to the ability to see your face, casting and production must be able to hear you!  Be cognizant of background noise and make sure you are speaking loud and clear.
• Acting 101 but it’s often forgotten – always start a self-submission with a slate.
• It’s a good rule of thumb to start a self-submission offering a full body shot – then come in close for the slate and copy.
• File sizes can become very large, especially if there’s a lot of copy.  Casting is much more likely to view submissions that include links to YouTube, Vimeo, etc., as opposed to 12 mb attachments that take forever to download.  Learn how to upload to the various video sites and make sure the links work and aren’t set to private, etc.
• Read the role details and any instructions that have been provided by casting.  Make it a no brainer that you’re a strong contender for the role.
• Very important – be cognizant of deadline.  If you are sending your submissions to your agent first, don’t submit at 3:45 pm for a 4:00 pm deadline – this leaves no opportunity for correction – and if a video is simply not right, your agent is not going to submit.