Self-tapes.

You’re doing more self-tapes these days.

Many interesting points to consider while doing them.

Who you do the self-tape with is important. If it’s a friend or colleague watch it doesn’t get soft and they start being coaches or directors. That’ll divert you. 

Also, if it’s in a casting studio the same thing can happen with the reader/operator. You give them authority by asking them ‘What do you think?’ because they’re the only ones in the room. They’re used to being asked and are used to giving answers. Do you want to hear their answers? 

Learn to know your own work.

Don’t do too many takes. Usually where you’re at with the audition is where you’re at and unless you’re an actor that really does improve after many takes just do four or five.

More is not necessarily better.

It’s normal you’re a bit nervous for the first couple of takes, but you’ll quickly drop in. 

Watching the takes back is also something to consider. Do it if you want to, but as soon as you don’t like how you look or the sound of your voice – stop.

You’ll know which takes were good. There will be very little difference between take three, four or five, so don’t beat yourself up by trying to pick ‘the best’.

Just because you’ve booked an hour doesn’t mean you have to work an hour.

Pluses for self-tapes is that you can choose where to do them, control the time and amount of work and channel the energy in the room.