GENERAL SELF TAPE INSTRUCTIONS — Place the camera on a tripod or steady surface. A smartphone camera is acceptable. Always shoot horizontally. Sound must be loud and clear. Please be sure that the mic is directed toward the actor. Smaller rooms with furniture, rugs, etc will reduce echo and improve the quality of your sound. Lighting should be good enough for us to see the color of your eyes. Use soft lighting if possible — avoid stark white light, or dim, shadowy light. Please tape auditions in front of a bare wall or backdrop that is a solid, preferably muted color. Avoid having anything behind you that will distract the viewer’s eye such as furniture, pictures, windows, etc. A clean solid wall, or backdrop is best. Please don’t add any effects or features to your self tape (IE fading in, fading out, transitions, text on screen). Frame your self tape like a headshot — include your head and shoulders. The frame should cut off no more than an inch above your head and just above the middle of your torso. Play to the other character as though they are slightly to the left or right of the camera. Don’t talk directly to, above or below the camera. Speak to whomever you’re speaking to as though they are right beside the camera. Burbage Theatre Co P.O. Box #1498 Pawtucket, RI 02862 |