How To: Self-Tape Tips for Kids

Are you searching for some helpful self-tape tips and advice for your child? The modelling industry is quickly becoming more digital, and one of the biggest shifts in the industry is the rise in the use of self-tape requests and zoom castings; the first round of auditions is increasingly being done in a digital format.

For child modelling and acting, brands are now normally asking for self-tapes in replacement for in-person castings due to the large volume of applicants that they have to go through. We understand that self-tapes can be a little tricky, especially if it’s your first time creating one or your child is young, but our easy step-by-step guide and self-tape tips should make the process a little easier for parents and help your child to stand out from the crowd.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

You may be thinking that your child's self-tape needs to be filmed on a high-quality camera, but one of the most important self-tape tips is that there is no need for you to rush out and buy expensive equipment; a smartphone or tablet will be absolutely fine. Make sure it is on the landscape when filming.

GOOD LIGHTING

When filming your child’s self-tape, the lighting is important as casting directors need to be able to clearly see your child’s face in the shot, so make sure wherever you are is well-lit. We don’t expect parents to replicate a studio setting, but filming in a neat and tidy room with as much of a plain backdrop as possible will make it more aesthetically pleasing for casting directors to watch. Having your child sit on a stool works well, as it can help them to keep a good posture as children often have the tendency to slouch, lean back and fidget on a comfy sofa.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Another one of our self-tape tips is that your video should show your child in their natural environment, as this will help our casting team to get to know your child’s personality better, and that they can follow a few simple instructions. It is common for children to feel shy when they first visit studios or go on shoots as they are surrounded by new people and unusual equipment, and this can be the case when filming a self-tape video in a place that is not familiar to them.

DRESS CODE IS KEY

We expect our child models to dress for self-tape filming as if they were meeting the Casting Director in person!

Unless your booker has given you special instructions on what your child needs to wear, we would strongly advise for a smart look; clean, ironed clothes. A smart neutral outfit with no bright colours or large brand logos! Hair should be freshly washed and styled naturally (unless advised otherwise).

Another one of our vital self-tape tips is that we do not like to put makeup on children, the casting team always wants to see the child looking natural, so makeup is not necessary.

RECORD THE SELF-TAPE IN GOOD TIME

We appreciate how busy parents and families are; however, when requested to submit a self-tape, please always respond to the request in a timely manner.  It’s a good idea to let your booker know that your child will be submitting a self-tape and to get it in as quickly as you can to ensure that your video gets sent to the casting director in time.

Our friendly team of model bookers are always on hand to answer any of your questions, and we promise no question is a silly one, so please do not be afraid to ask for advice.

CHECKLIST

 Your child’s self-tape video needs to include the following:

• Shoot the film horizontally (landscape).
• Where possible, no background noise.
• Only the child requested to tape should be in the film (unless a very young baby/toddler is taping and needs adult supervision, of course).
• Good natural lighting – curtains open and lights on if needed.
• Children are required to introduce themselves to the camera; name, age, and state that they are represented by Sandra Reynolds Agency.
• If the child taping is a baby/toddler, where possible, we request that a parent/guardian clearly and concisely ask the child what their name and age is or the parent can say it for them (babies).
• Lines/dialogue – if required; children are to film any lines or act out any scenes separately from their introduction.

Another one of our self-tape tips is that at the end of the video, it’s a nice touch for children to sign off with a personal note to the Casting Team (or something similar): “Thank you so much for the opportunity, I would love to work with you on this project”.

Bonus self-tape tips directly from Team SR:

“Self-tapes are a really great way for us to see your child’s personality, and they are often very fun to film, as your child can experiment and get creative! The more tapes that you and your child do, the more comfortable you will become. Practice makes perfect!”