How to Create an Easy, Affordable Self-Tape Setup

Frustrated with your self-tape setup?  

After posting a video HERE on IG of my self tape setup that included a little clip of the audition that landed me a guest star on a hit network TV show, I got a lot of DMs asking for more details.

I used to half dread getting an audition because the setup was so frustrating, and I was never that happy with how my auditions looked and sounded.  

The last thing you want when you are about to film your audition is to be futzing around with your equipment and setup.  

Now, I can get excited when I get a self tape audition. With an easy self tape setup, my focus will be more on the performance and less on the equipment and tech.

Not only that, shortly after putting this easy, inexpensive self tape setup together, both my husband and I booked guest-starring roles on hit network TV shows! The proof is in the pudding!

Take a tour of my setup

And, because you asked, I’ve created a shopping list just for you! 

This is my ever-growing list of products and resources I recommend for creating a basic, easy self tape setup. I mostly recommend products that I actually use myself, but I have included a few others that I think you might find helpful based on reviews from others.

Pro tips

Background colors

I love the charcoal grey for myself. It’s less harsh than black, and my lighter skin and hair pop off of it. If you have dark skin and hair, you might consider going with a lighter color like a medium grey or blue, so you pop off of it too.

I would not go with pure white. White tends to throw off the white balance on the iPhone camera making your skin look underexposed and muddy. It would probably work if you were lighting the background as well as you (the subject), but it’s doubtful you’ll be lighting your background.

Royal blue is a very common color for backdrops in casting offices, so you can’t go wrong with that. It might even subconsciously suggest to casting that it’s a more professional audition because of that familiar royal blue color.

Where to stand

In general, I stand about 4 feet from my camera. I usually have to zoom in on my iPhone to about 1.4. I also try to be at least a foot or so away from my backdrop. That way I don’t create as much of a shadow behind me, which can be distracting.

Mic + Sound

You could skip the microphone if you need to save on money. The iPhone has a decent mic if you are standing close enough. What I notice with it is that there is less echo in the sound.

Try to use a room that has other furniture and drapes so that there isn’t too much reverb in the room. If you don’t, then it can make the sound even more echo-y.

Go break a leg!

I’d love to hear your comments! Let me know if you’d like an audition cheat sheet, acting tips, what-to-wear tips etc. I’ll keep adding!

And, PS. I know this isn’t a high end set up. It’s not meant to be. It’s meant to be simple, affordable, and easy to put together.