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.