Showreel and Self-Tape Basics
The absolute minimum you need to know to film yourself
Equipment You Need #
- Smartphone or basic camera
- Tripod or stable surface (books work)
- Quiet, brightly lit, room
Technical Rules #
- Always film in Landscape Mode hold your phone sideways — like watching TV, not like texting.
- Frame Yourself that's upper chest and head. Your face should fill most of the screen.
- Good Sound get close to your camera. Good sound is very important.
- Simple Lighting so we can see your face clearly and brightly
- Clean Background which means a plain wall behind you. No clutter. Nothing moving behind you.
Quick Setup Checklist #
- Phone in landscape mode
- Camera at eye level
- Can you see your face clearly?
- Can you hear every word?
- Is the background clean?
- Are you close enough to the camera?
Edit It #
Then, when you are finished, edit your video. This means: get rid of anything except you from the beginning and the end of the video. Casting Directors should wait no longer than a single second or so before you start the scene or present yourself.