How to nail the audition.

Record in landscape unless the casting instructions explicitly ask for something else.

Keep your recording device directly in front of you and frame yourself cleanly so casting can focus on your performance.

Your recording device (whether it is a smartphone, computer, or video camera) should be positioned at eye level, so that you’re not looking up to your camera or down at your camera. It should also not be positioned too far to the left or right of you.

Your eye line should be directly to the right or to the left of your recording device’s lens, which should be placed directly in front of you, as explained above in ‘2 - Framing’ and ‘3 - Camera Angle’. Do NOT deliver your lines into camera.

Your recording device should be stationary and NOT handheld. If you do not own a tripod, mount, or stand for your device, create a secure location for your device to sit using household items such as books, etc.

If possible, please record your self-tape in front of an uninterrupted, solid-coloured wall or backdrop.

Do your best to avoid shadows. Do not tape standing in front of a window as you will be backlit and appear in silhouette. Ideally, you would invest in some soft-box or ring lighting, if possible. For audio, record in a quiet space with minimal background noise, and make sure your voice is clear, natural, and easy to understand without echoes, music, or distractions.

See this cheat sheet for guidance on shot sizes. NOTE: for people who use mobility aids, it may be best to choose a slightly bigger shot to showcase any mobility devices or prosthetics.