SELF-TAPE AUDITION EQUIPMENT
FOR ACTORS
At Actors Gear, I recommend a wide range of audition equipment and gear for beginning and professional actors to focus on performance and create professional-looking self-tape auditions. Explore my collection of cameras, lighting, microphones, tripods, acting books, rehearsal supplies, and much more.
For self-tape equipment setups, reviews, tips & tricks,
check out the blog section!
ACTORS GEAR
Cameras
A good camera should allow you to adjust exposure levels and zoom in and out for full, mid, and close-up shots as needed for your self-tape auditions. It should also have good resolution, allow for an external microphone (lavalier), have an autofocus option, and connect to your laptop for easy file transfer and monitoring. The cameras in this collection meet these requirements. Don't forget to get an additional AC power adapter so you don't have to recharge batteries.
TRIPODS
Whether you have a DSLR camera or a smartphone, you definitely need a tripod or a mount to keep it steady and at eye level. The tripods below each have different functionality depending on your self-tape audition setup.
LIGHTING
Lighting may be the single most important element for self-tape auditions that stand out. Good lighting helps separate your face from the background and helps your eyes stand out. The ideal setup is three-point lighting, but as long as you get good overall coverage (even from a nearby window), your audition tapes will look just fine.
MICS
The built-in microphones on most cameras aren't great at picking your voice in a way that sounds professional. Adding an external microphone can do the trick. Miniature shotgun mics and lav mic mounted near your face do a great job.
BACKDROPS
A backdrop is a great way to separate yourself from background clutter during your self-tape session. It also allows you to move around your space to where the light might be better. While a bedsheet or a blank wall will suffice, you'll see a big difference with a dedicated backdrop.
KITS
A good kit can take some of the guesswork out of deciding which self-tape equipment to use, and it ensures that all the parts will work well together. Many of these kits can also be used as travel kits for auditioning on the road. Keep in mind that some lower priced kits may skimp on mic quality.
EDITING SOFTWARE
If you're using your smartphone to record your self-tape audition, you may have an editing app already, such as iMovie. But if you're using a DSLR and a laptop, you'll need software.
BOOKS
Who doesn't love a good book about the acting industry! The books in this collection are interesting and informative. Get them in paperback, Kindle, or audio!
SCRIPT MARKUP
Spending some time with the script and marking it up is an important part of the audition preparation process. Keep it simple with a highlighter and a pencil.
MAKEUP
You don't have to go overboard with makeup, but a little pressed powder to knock off the shine helps a lot. Got a pimple on audition day, conceal it!
COMPUTERS
If you only have a smartphone, you can edit your self-tape on it well enough. But if you have a DSLR or if you want to make your laptop double as a monitor, you'll need a computer. The laptops in this collection have a 15"+ screen, HDMI ports, at least 32MB of RAM, and at least 1TB or harddrive space to hold your videos.
WORKSTATIONS
A workstation isn't a necessity, but if you have a place that you can dedicate for self-taping, it helps. Use a adjustable height workstation to raise the desk when standing or lower it for sitting.
MISCELLANEOUS
Here's where you can find actors gear that doesn't fit into the other categories!
Check out my blog posts for setup recommendations reviews, tips & tricks!
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