With continual lockdowns, agencies and clients usually have no choice but to ask new models to submit their self-tapes so that they can make their hiring decisions easier. Even though this is not a new concept in the industry, many models struggle to record a standout video to impress clients and agencies. So how to self-tape?
Here are 7 self-tape tips to make your taped auditions soar!
1. Don’t shoot in 4K
This might sound strange, but it’s actually reasonable. Why? Because model agents need to upload your video to casting servers or attach it in their emails. Therefore, if your video has high resolutions, it might be impossible to upload it to their servers. So what is the optimal resolution then? In order to ensure the quality of your video, 720p is the most compatible resolution to go for.
2. Record in landscape mode
Shooting your video in landscape mode helps avoiding the risk of stretching it or having it upload sideways. It’s recommended that you shoot from your waist up. If agencies or clients request to see the full body, you still record in landscape mode, but adjust your camera far enough to fit your body in.
3. Make Files Under 100Mb In Size
Anything above 100Mb automatically gets compressed upon receipt. Therefore, this can cause a lot of work for the model agent to upload it. To prevent this problem, shooting in 720p and exporting as .mp4 is the best way to go. You can also manually compress your video before sending to ensure there is no quality loss.
4. Follow Instructions
Most of the time, a modelling agent will give you specific instructions for your self-tape. Make sure to follow them even if you think there may be a better way to do it. The ability to listen and follow directions is an essential skill in the modelling industry.
5. Make sure the lighting is good
You don’t need a ring light to do a self-tape, but make sure to record your video at a bright place. Natural lighting tends to create more well-lit videos. Also, consider adjusting lighting in your camera or phone to get the best lighting possible.
6. Speak clearly
At the beginning of the video, you need to introduce yourself, so make sure to enunciate your words and speak at a volume and speed that can easily be heard. Besides that, pay attention to if there are any background noises during the shoot so you can avoid noise interference.
7. Be confident
Take the chance to show a bit of your personality when introducing yourself in your self-tape. If you pull this off, you will make a good impression on your agents or clients. Remember, be confident, be yourself!
Find our full tutorial on how to self tape.
And that’s everything you need to make a perfect self-tape. If you want to see an example, check out the video on our Instagram and TikTok, and don’t forget to follow us for more modelling tips!
Now that you have all tips, go and GET Discovered!
About ORANGE Model Management
Established in 2006, Orange Models is now a leader in the industry and has quickly grown to become one of Canada’s largest and most diverse modeling and acting agencies with a vision to find and represent the very best models and talents. With offices in Toronto and Montreal, Orange Model Management is an international agency that works with clients from varied industries in countries all around the world, which will help you to boost your career not only in Canada but also internationally.
Orange Model Management has an unimpeachable and responsible attitude towards every aspect of its business and in the discovery, development, and welfare of its model/talent(s). We not only manage talent, but we also build careers and relationships by providing a wide spectrum of model/talent(s) services including Fashion, Print, Commercial, Promotional, Kids, Music Videos, Infomercials, TV promo, Fitness, and Film & Television.