self-taping
taking the hassle out of shooting yourself
self-taping
taking the hassle out of shooting yourself
initial consultation
Once you've booked your session and sent over the scene that we'll be working on, we will have a discussion by phone, Skype or email about what you want to get from the scene. We will also discuss specifics such as a particular mood you want from the lighting, if you would like me to read in another character or if you will be bringing someone along (either are absolutely fine), how quickly you need the completed tape and where the tape will be sent (either to yourself or the casting director/agency).
on the day
Everything will be set up when you arrive, so you can relax, have a cuppa and get yourself prepared. There is a bathroom with a large mirror available for you to do any last minute hair and/or makeup checks, and a separate room if you want a few minutes to get yourself into character. After reading the scene through a couple of times, we will record a few takes of the scene. Once you're happy we will review the takes so you can pick a favourite.
what happens next?
You will pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and get yourself home. In the meantime I will edit your selected take for colour and sound in Adobe Premiere Pro, and add any titles you would like. Once it’s done, which usually takes around an hour, I will upload it to Vimeo for you to have a final check, and then send you a copy via WeTransfer at the size and resolution you require and/or the casting director has requested. If time is of the essence, I am happy to send it direct to the casting office once you've approved it.
self-taping
faq's
how long does it take?
It varies from person to person, but ideally we would do 3-4 takes; after that performances tend to lose energy. The key is to be prepared, so you are confident when you step in front of the camera. Recording usually takes around 45 minutes, but we will only stop when you feel you have the take you want. It takes around an hour to edit the footage, after which I'll send you a link to the tape. Once you're happy, I'll send you and/or the casting office the final version, with the whole process from start to finished tape in your inbox taking as little as 2 hours.
how much does it cost?
There is no hourly rate; we're finished when you're happy. There is a flat fee of £30, which covers the recording, editing and sending of the tape.
what equipment do you use?
l film you - sitting in front of a neutral grey backdrop - on a Canon t6i, with a 50mm prime lens. Sound is recorded on an isolated Rode videomic pro, to minimise background noise and ensure vocal clarity, and I use softbox key and fill lighting, plus an LED backlight, to make sure you look and sound fantastic on camera.
what are your operating hours?
Obviously it depends on existing commitments, but whether weekday or weekend, bright & early or last thing at night, if you need a tape and I'm free then I'm all yours!
do you offer urgent same day bookings?
I will always try to accommodate urgent bookings. Please do contact me even if at short notice, and if I'm free then we'll get that tape done & dusted in next to no time.
where can i find advice on self-taping?
There's a wealth of fantastic self-taping advice on Spotlight. I follow all the technical advice when shooting and editing, but there are some great tips for performers too. Be sure to check it out so you're comfortable with what is expected of you and what you should expect from me.