Nothing surges anxiety quicker than seeing a self tape request due in less than 24 hours. Speedy turnarounds can be stress-inducing and hard to manage, but they’re part of the business. Here are some measures you can take to make last-minute self tapes less miserable and turn around a great self tape audition on short notice.
Insights: Quick Self Tape Tips for When You’re in a Bind
- Keep audition outfits and a list of emergency readers or self-tape studios ready for quick access.
- Aim for a solid, “good enough” performance rather than perfection, and use relaxation techniques to stay calm.
- Know your limits and communicate with industry professionals if you need an extension or must decline.
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Get Out of Your Head
This is not the time to panic or be hyper-critical of your work. Rely on your training and your instincts. Before your self tape audition, do whatever you need to do to get out of your head: a quick dance break, five minutes of meditation, whatever works for you. Also, don’t forget to have fun! If you’re uptight and rushed, it will show on the self tape.
Have an Emergency Reader on Hand
Getting a reader is arguably the most stressful thing on short notice. It’s good practice to have a trusted friend (or better yet, several of your fellow actors) who you regularly read with that you can call up in a pinch. Desperate times call for creative measures. If no one can meet you in person, try having someone read on Zoom for you instead.
Keep Go-to Outfits Ready for Last-Minute Self Tapes
Having a clean, basic audition outfit on hand can be a lifesaver for short notice self tapes. You don’t want to wait on laundry when you’re rushing to get your audition video out. Try organizing your closet where you can find clothes for self tapes at a moment’s notice (e.g., a section with spare suits or dresses, jeans, solid color shirts with no graphics or logos and a basic costume or two).
Keep Track of Any Self Tape Studios Near You
Even if you have space to self tape in your home, life may not always want to cooperate. For example, you may have unwanted background noise from a noisy neighbor or construction sabotaging your self tape, your power or light sources might go out (if you can self tape during the day, access to a space with natural light can help). You also might not have a reader available. Research self taping services near you and have a couple of numbers on hand for emergencies (for example, if one is closed on Monday, make sure you have another on deck that books appointments that day).
Accept That “Good Enough” is OK to Submit
You don’t want to turn in sloppy work or a tape with poor video quality or poor sound quality, but if you find yourself getting hung up on turning in the perfect self tape, try to let it go. You don’t have time to tape take after take after take. Remember, you still have to edit the audition tape when you’ve chosen an acceptable take. Trust the audition process, make strong choices and don’t worry about getting the perfect self tape. Move with confidence, get the take that’s good enough and move on.
Know When to Call It
Sometimes it is simply not doable. There will be those days you can’t get out of work in time, don’t have access to equipment or just can’t make it happen. Contact your agent first to see if the casting directors can grant an extension. Most entertainment industry professionals will understand and appreciate the heads-up. If not, respectfully decline the audition. You can’t win them all. There will always be another audition waiting for you.
Last-minute turnarounds are a pain, but they’re not undoable! Take a breath, keep a cool head and do the best you can. The more you prepare for these circumstances ahead of time, the less panicked you’ll be when they inevitably arise.
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