THIS BLOG HAS BEEN MOVED TO OUR NEW WEBSITE. GO READ IT HERE.

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.

Easy Self Tape Shopping List

ITY Knit Stretch Jersey at Fabric Wholesale Direct
$4.99/yard This is the exact fabric I purchased, but it took a few weeks to arrive. This might have been because it was at the very beginning of the pandemic though. Also, it looks like they are sold out of this color, so I listed an option below at Amazon. They do have Royal Blue, a color I also recommend. Three yards will take you from ceiling to floor in most cases.

Charcoal Grey Jersey Knit, Fabric by The Yard
$9.75/yard at Amazon. You might get it faster from here, as I had to wait a couple of weeks to get it on Fabric Wholesale Direct.

Ravelli APLT6 72" Light Weight Aluminum Tripod with Bag Includes Universal Smartphone Mount
$36.96 + $10.10 shipping We wanted the 72” tall one because my husband is 6’2”, so the shorter one would shoot up at him or we’d have to fuss with finding something to put it on, and that just makes it a pain.

Inkeltech Ring Light - 18 inch 60 W Dimmable LED Ring Light Kit with Stand - Adjustable 3000-6000 K Color Temperature Lighting for Vlog, Makeup, YouTube, Camera, Photo, Video - Control with Remote
$79.95 After working with this light for the last 6 months, I am happy with it overall. The remote control is a little finicky sometimes, but it works and the light looks great. I also find the camera mount has to be tightened up often when I’m using it, but I actually use a tripod, so it doesn’t really matter to me.

Saramonic SmartMic Mini Condenser Flexible Microphone for Smartphones,Vlogging Microphone for iPhone and YouTube Video, Mic for iOS Apple iPhone 7 7s 8 X 11 6 6s iPad and Android Phone
$25.00 I had an iPhone 6 when I bought this, so that’s why it has a headphone jack. I bought the adapter below when I upgraded my phone, and it works great.

[Apple MFi Certified] 2 Pack Headphone Jack Adapter for iPhone, 2 in 1 Lightning to Charger Port + 3.5mm Headphone Aux Audio Dongle Splitter, Compatible with iPhone 12/11/X/Xr/Xs/8/8Plus/7/7 Plus
$11.99 I love the ability to charge my phone while I’m shooting just in case it’s running low. Nothing worse than running out of juice while you’re in the middle of shooting an audition.

USB-C Mic, Saramonic SmartMic UC Mini Condenser Flexible Microphone Plug&Play Mic Compatible with iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy, LG, HTC Google, and Other USB-C Type Devices for Vlogging YouTube Video
$40.00 I don’t own this because when I purchased my mic I had an iPhone 6 with a headphone jack, so when I got a new phone with the lightning connector, I purchased the above headphone jack to lightening adapter. This is made by the same company, but I can’t make a recommendation from my own experience.

Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone for iPhone/ipad/iPod via Lightning Connector, Professional-Quality $149.00 Digital Stereo Condenser Mic for Vloggers, Filmmakers, Music Makers & Journalists, Silver
I’m throwing this in here for you if money is not an issue. While I haven’t personally used this, if I wanted to upgrade to something more pro than the $25 Saramonic Mic, I’d get this Shure. The reviews on Amazon are fantastic.

** Please note that I am an affiliate for many of the resources listed above. As an affiliate, I may earn a referral fee if you purchase these products based on my recommendations.

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.