For most acting jobs, the first-round audition is done in the form of a self-tape. You film this at home and we send it into the casting team so that they can shortlist their favourites and invite them into an in-person audition or casting. So, it is super important that you film a good family self-tape and make a good first impression!
You usually start with an ident (also known as a slate or introduction). This is where you will all introduce yourselves and say your name, age, where you are based, and your agency.
They also sometimes ask to see profiles and hands. For this, make sure your hair (if long) is behind your ears. Turn both feet to face one side, then the other side to your right and left profiles. Then hold your hands up to camera and show the front and back (a couple of seconds each side!).
Sometimes the casting team send a script for you to tape, other times they send a scenario and sometimes they just want you to chat to camera.
This is your chance to show the casting director what an amazing family you are so let your personalities shine through and leave them wanting more.
You never know what your tape might lead to a Caribbean cruise or a ride on a theme park.
General Taping Rules
1. Shoot Horizontally (LANDSCAPE)
Your audition tape should always be shot horizontally (unless specified otherwise). If the casting director requests a full-body slate/shot, place your camera far enough away to get your entire body in frame. If you don’t have enough space to do so, make sure you pan the camera down to your feet.
2. Stay in Frame
You should always film in a medium close-up… head and shoulders only. Don’t cut off the top of your head in the shot or leave too much empty space above you. Be careful not to move around too much during your scene and accidentally step out of focus or out of frame.
Your camera should be placed at eye level. If you are reading a script, working with someone to read the other lines, have them stand directly to the left or right of the camera so you can actually speak to them. Except when you slate, you should never be looking directly into the camera. If your scene partner is reading for multiple characters, set your eye line at a slightly different place for each one, the way you would look between multiple actors on set.
3. Keep Your Background Clear
Keep your background clean and uncluttered so the focus stays on you as a family. Since you’ll likely be filming at home (for example, at the dining table or on the sofa), make sure the space you’re using is tidy, simple, and free from distractions.
4. Shoot in good lighting
If you’re using natural light, position the family so the window is in front of you—this helps avoid backlighting and shadows on your faces. A ring light can also be helpful if you have one. Try to minimise background noise, such as traffic or barking dogs, so the focus stays on your family—unless you’ve been specifically asked to include things like a family pet.
5. What to wear
Choose simple, solid-coloured clothing without logos, graphics, or bold patterns. Avoid anything that could be distracting, such as heavy jewellery, hats, accessories, or excessive makeup. The focus should remain on your family as a whole—not your outfits—unless you’ve been specifically asked to wear certain items.
6. Submit a Single Video
After you’re happy with your takes, be sure to edit all your clips together (unless your agent has asked for them separately!). In addition to your ident, you may be asked to prepare more than one scene.
iMovie or CapCut are the easiest editing softwares to use!