Self tape Auditions - Purchasing the right equipment
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- This is an old video! New updates on my profile. IGNORE THE CRAPPY SOUND!
www.TheDeanWest.com
UPDATED VIDEO • Self Taping - Update 2020
Hey guys! This video is a little dated and, until I can do a new one for you guys with some of my updated thoughts and personal preferences and why, I am going to drop some links to a t5i Canon and why I liking it over the t3i as of now.
I will also link a lavalier mic and wire as I am recommending them more for Auditions now than the Directional mic and I will explain why!
www.thedeanwest.com
Instagram: @thedeanWest
Instagram: @DwActingStudio
My recommendations on purchasing equipment to make a great looking self tape audition so that casting wants to watch it!
Ok guys, I have made some changes to my set up since the time of this video was shot.
Here is the link for the T5 which is a little cheaper and the t6i which I recommend if you plan on shooting some of your own projects.
amzn.to/2qqjjqk - T5
amzn.to/2GT5ECl - T6i
This one is the video kit that comes with a Rode directional mic.
amzn.to/2qsRj4n
That is a great kit for FilmMakers.
Following this will be a video extension chord for an audio lavaliere mic. I will also link a great lavaliere. I would recommend the Lavaliere mic for auditions as it focuses to the actor auditioning, but also pics up just enough of the reader. New video coming soon!
amzn.to/2IQB3lz - Just a lav mic to clip to your chest.
amzn.to/2HwsLj4 - Extension to run from camera this one is 15ft, but you have the option to get larger or smaller at checkout!
OK guys, I hope this helped and feel free to subscribe as a new updated video will be coming soon!
As an actor I really hate the direction the auditions are going. It's hard enough to be an actor, now we have to be the director, camera crew, and actor.
Yup, but keep in mind the one thing I can promise is life will change and continue to expand. That being said, we can get caught up on what we don't like about the changes, or we can learn and push and figure out how we can take advantage of this ever changing industry. Embrace the change and rock it out! I think actors should learn filmmaking as well. It's 2018 and there is no reason not to be creating your own content and your own path.
@@TheDeanWest_ Do you have to have three lights?
On the upside, self-recording gives you the opportunity to do as many takes as you need until you nail it. You don't get that opportunity at live auditions.
@@TheDeanWest_ Totally agree Dean. Nothing but positive's with self taping and now that I see your vid was before COVID, anyone who learned about it was ahead of the curb. I like natural light on self taping, if I can get it and fill in with light where needed. Self taping works your chops and gives you a chance to get good at self critique. It's got a learning curve, is a pain sometimes, yada...but all of that makes you a better actor and will make you better in the room...win, win, win...
I’ve seen MANY, MANY self-tape auditions without all that very expensive equipment. The giant microphone sounds echoey vs a lavalier mic. I’ve received multiple compliments and pins on my self-tapes and I had been using my iPhone, lavalier mic, and natural light. But I still upgraded to a better Sonycam video recorder. There are way less expensive lighting options too that provide superior lighting. Sometimes, expensive isn’t always better. Or even necessary.
I would add, don't wear bright colors. For example, you have a green shirt but it's a muted green not a bright, in your face green. So you don't want something in the frame pulling attention away from your face,
Carl Johnson Great note Carl! Always be aware of wardrobe it helps character as well!
Your audio needs improvement, but other than that ,its good audition video. Try booming the audio mic right over your dead in the front and just out of camera frame
.
That would be the next step, I have an over head light currently up there, and running the boom will be a little more of a setup for such a small space. It will be included in the next updated video of Self taping.
Updated.. ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
The dean west is my godfather :)
It's not 'art' mate, casting directors are not expecting 'Christopher Nolan' from you. Just act well and BE truthfull in your self tapes. No disrespect but all the 'tech' that you superfluously use is utterly over the top. I've been a professional actor for 25 years btw.
Haha.. I tape people, and also produce film along with being an actor for over 20 years myself. The flossy :) isn't necessary, but this video wasn't to show you how to stand in-front of a mirror. Also If you haven't shot tape for casting directors outside of LA or NY then you have no clue! The casting directors out of the Southeast ask for quality tape, or your audition will not get seen. Trust me, it goes a long way.
:) I am not sure why your other comment isn't coming up, but I apologize if you were offended, that was not my intention. I was laughing at your Nolan joke. I also wasn't talking down about London, not sure how that even came into the conversation. When I spoke of Los Angeles and New York, I was saying that casting is NOT as particular about how the tape is filmed as much as the casting directors out of the SOUTHEAST are. Meaning, Atlanta, Louisiana, Carolina's etc.
I was agreeing with you that your audition does not have to look like Nola shot it, but the CD's out of the southeast are very specific in the tapes they will forward to the director, and if they are not shot with quality in mind then it will not make it past their desk.. I hope that clarifies my reply. No disrespect or arrogance meant. I wish continued luck in your career. Even if it is in the backwoods of London :) Joke..
@@TheDeanWest_ Cool man, and thanks for your message, I appreciate it and it was obviously just a misunderstanding. I have no knowledge of the specifics of taping requirements in the US market, and you clearly do, I can see that! In the UK if you're well lit, with a neutral background, shoot obviously landscape, not portrait, casting people/directors are more than happy to receive an actors tape shot on a recent edition iphone (which is what I use) and I think that in my initial comment, I was referring to the UK market that I'm used to, and I can see now that your market in the US does demand a much more cinematic experience from self tapes received from US actors. I think that's basically down to hugely different budget scales between the US and the UK. It's highly likely that the self tapes that you shoot are better in technical quality than a lot of our TV that goes out daily on British channels!😂 Best of luck with everything too Dean, cheers.
Shaun Stone 😆. That’s funny. (About the shows). If I were you I would think about bumping up to a better camera even if they do allow you to submit however. I mean no matter what a better looking tape makes you feel like it is a higher level or actor, or quality. Don’t get me wrong if you just suck at acting it doesn’t matter. 🤣. But shooting on a lens that isn’t wide angle will also give a more true angle of your jaw line etc. the wide angle makes our faces look oval. Never hurts to be a step above the rest 😉. And again my apologies. 🙏🏽
#truth
Thanks. This is very helpful. Excellent piece
Thank you so much this is very helpful 😃❤️
Very welcome! Be sure to check the updates to this video! :) All on my page.
@@TheDeanWest_ oh yeah great! Xc
This video is super helpful! Thank you!
My Pleasure Samantha! I am also starting an ongoing year round class that you can do do from anywhere, if you didn't subscribe to www.thedeanwest.com go for it, and you will get the email when I have it set up! You can find the acting studio page on instagram as well at @dwactingstudio
Here are some updates Samantha! I hope your career is popping! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Thanks for this, sir!
My pleasure! Here is an update to this video! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
the adorableness is strong with this one 2:45
😂😂😂🙏🏽😊. It is very appreciated
What exact color did you paint that wall behind you as speak thru out the video it looks good on camera an the lighting
Great question man! I would have to look and see if I still have the name some where. Here is the thing to keep in mind though, depending on the light you put on the wall it will change what you see on camera. I light it up a bit for comedies and keep it dark for drama.
lol great stuff, thanks for making this
This is an older video, so keep in mind there are some updated suggestions that may be better suited depending on the actor.
I like how the screen on the T3i can swing out so you can see yourself in the frame. However, if I buy a Canon that doesn't have that feature, say, the EOS Rebel T6, is there a separate screen I can buy and plug into the camera as an accessory?
Great video, Dean!
Hey Brett! I am posting an update to this video, sorry I am just seeing your question. Some of the newer cameras have apps you can connect, bluetooth or wifi. Depends on age of camera! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Great video. Where did you get the backdrop you’re using at :40? It perfect - grey, but a dark grey that’s not all pale and washing you out.
Hopefully by now you also have better audio. Nice lighting though.
Yes I do thank god! I had threw this one together while traveling and of course it would be the one that everyone decided to tune into..
Hey Dean. Great vid. What’s backdrop we’re you using ?
Hey Naron. I actually painted the wall, but I am linking a few options. Take a look and see which fits with your budget and room size.
amzn.to/3s4FIJY
amzn.to/3I5JEjj
Nice!
Btw dont be like this guy. Audio quality is bun cheeks.
🤣 the video is from 2017
The equipment does not have to be fancy. Use a gray bedsheet, led light phone stand from Amazon, and a simple mic. Later, you can update the equipment after you have enough to spend. But please don’t spend above ur means.
Also use your iPhone camera if the quality is good or a simple digital camera
Absolutely! I have a video explaining how to shoot and edit on the iPhone. Getting a tripod from a thrift shop, so many ways to save. This is a very old video as well. Check the page for updates. Thanks for reminding people that though. So many people get stuck because they want to wait until they have “XYZ”. Most of us have things that will work! I will remind people, iron the sheet and clean the iPhone lens! 😆. Both make big differences. 🙏🏽. Thanks again.
Great information! -Handsome as well...
I am not known to turn down a complement or two.. Or three. Ok, I am fishing now.. anyway, here is an update to that video! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Hey! I have the same camera and lights. Can you tell me what settings you have your camera set to? I was told to change the white balance on my camera as the tone is looking yellow in my self tapes. Also what type of bulbs/colour/watts are you using for the key light? Thanks in advance! T.
Tianna Nori Is you are new to the camera. Just keep it in auto. As for watts, It shouldn’t matter as you can change up your ISO if it’s not bright enough.
But if you so choose, I like the 5000k bulbs
Here is an updated video to the last one! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html How is the career going!?
What’s the link to your Gray backdrop
Hey Renina! GO check out the follow up video to this one, it should be in the recommended.. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Where can I get your light set up?
thedeanwest.com/self-tape-auditions-buying-equipment-bookit/
The Dean West . Com Are you in Los Angeles?
Here is an updated video to this as well! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
@@Dupri227 I am at times, but based out of the Southeast. ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
can you mention what the light kit is called that you use of 3 soft lights please
there are no links to that?
thedeanwest.com/self-tape-auditions-buying-equipment-bookit/
Some updates ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Also here is an updated version of this video! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Oh wow, I didn't know that you habe a youtube channel. Im subscribed!
ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Hey man thank you for the information! I’m still on the fence if I should go in on a T7i or SL3.. I have been using my iPhone 10 with my 3 soft box light set up and it’s hard to tell if the DSLR would be worth it in terms of quality. I was curious on your input how that would stack up against the IPhone
Hey Luke! So the video quality is obviously going to be better with the SL3 being that it shoots 4k, They are both crop sensor and the t7i is a 100 more expensive. I guess my question is, would you be using the camera for more than just auditioning? Do you need the 4k? The t7 has some wifi capabilities that you wouldn't get on the SL3. T7 has a better focus, 45 dots compared to 9 on the SL. Honestly you will never use the 4k for taping, so you will be shooting them both in 1080. So now that I was super unhelpful :) haha.. Your lighting and or lens will make more difference once you hit a good 1080 camera.
@@TheDeanWest_ Thank you! I was considering going the DSLR route as opposed to using my I-phone 10, but with good lighting the phone does do the job. So I was curious how much better those options are! Thanks again!
Luke Carlson I feel ya. I would say the camera Optus going to be nicer quality. Plus with the phone your for shape will look more round because of the type of lens on the cell phone.
Sorry guys, it seems I’m one year behind on your messages. If you do manage to read this I’d appreciate it if you could tell me if the black magic4k pocket camera would make a good choice on the self tapes and the iPhone 13 pro.
Many thanks
Jel
I did a movie with Jason London lol
Nice! Nola actor or Atl?
Can you recommend a light kit? Also a microphone kit please that can attach to a camera? If we have to wind up using our cell phones due to last minute issues is there a stand you also find is best? Thank you. I have found this video very helpful.
Hey Brandy! I would say it kind of depends on your space and budget. I will link an option below... You can also check my other videos for one just about taping with your cell phone..
www.amazon.com/dp/B00KRN0SEI/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_17TZZDRZRPTGZ54HBM0C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml2&tag=themichellewe-20
just starting to make my home studio, can you tell me what color you use for the back drop? its striking!
New Update to this video will be up by tonight or tomorrow, but probably later today! Hang tight!
This video helped so freaking much ! Thank you! But where are the links you said that were down below ??
Added the updated links, but stay tuned and hopefully next week I will have a new video going into more detail of why the camera switch! You can also follow @dwactingstudio on insta for constant tips and positivity along with www.thedeanwest.com or www.deanwestactingstudio.com
Thank you! You added all the links except the lights lol could you add that one
@@nijahbrenea thedeanwest.com/self-tape-auditions-buying-equipment-bookit/
@@nijahbrenea some updated info my friend! How is the career? ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
What mic is this??
thank you, I bought everything you posted
Will be doing an update very soon!
Here is an updated version of this one just incase you are interested.. How is the career going?
ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Hello Dean, I am having a hard time finding Blue or Grey back drop. I would really like to find soft Blue or Grey back drop.
Hey Uni! Hang tight actually! My update to this video is posting in about 5 minutes or less!
ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Why would you not use a microphone or lavalier?
Hey Jason.. We want to hear both the actor and the person reading opposite them. We of course want the actor to show up the most. The direction puts their voice in front and the reader a little lower. The lavalier plugged into camera, depending on the law mic will probably take most of the readers voice and drop it low plus with cheaper lavs record in mono and can be a little confusing for the every day user. I am not against a lav, but it would depend on the lav, camera, and editing software.
Hey Dean. Yes! Love this video, and yes, okay, love your eyes too:) My question: You didn't talk about backgrounds?? What's your suggestion if you can't paint your wall grey? Much appreciated. Neal
Hey ! Thought I had replied to you already! So sorry! I am actually posting a video in just a few that will have some of that updated info!
ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
And thank you I have been fishing hard for a complement lately! Freaking COVID! haha
i expected a prop to hide the background.
:) I would keep in mind most of the time, I would advise to keep props off screen in general. The more advanced you become it won't matter as much but while you are in your early years of acting props in self tapes can cause more harm than good at times. Keep in mind I am not sure where you are in journey.
Hey Dean do you still use the same set up? what backdrop are you using?
Hey Sabrina! I use a few different things now, I need to update since this was shot a long time ago.
@@northwest5272 could you? That would be amazing!
@@Sabrina-hp6ls Updated video to this one! How is the career going!? ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Did you have a link to the 3 lights you’d suggest?
Here is an update to this video! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html How is the career going?!
What lens are you using with your T3i?
Welder Santos Hey man! Anytime I am taping I usually just use the kit lens as when we slate it helps to have a zoom
Thanks for sharing it was helpful!
My pleasure, here is an updated one!
ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Where to buy this equipment
Sorry just seeing this, but there are some links in the caption, and Here is an updated video to this older one! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Do you have recommendations for lights for small places?
For super small you can you use a white wall to bounce and order some 5000 lumen light bulbs for what ever exciting light fixture you have in the house and play with that and a bounce, or two of the clip on lights put in the correct places of course.
Here is an updated video to this one and it has some links to smaller lights and ideas. ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Hey man. Super helpful video! What's the wattage of each your lights?
I like the 5000k Even for my office fan, I use them. Keeps my energy going ;)
Updated info to this video! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Could you ad links to purchase the equipment? You mentioned it was below but I don't see it?
Hey Gina! Added the updated links, but stay tuned and hopefully next week I will have a new video going into more detail of why the camera switch! You can also follow @dwactingstudio on insta for constant tips and positivity along with www.thedeeanwest.com or www.deanwestactingstudio.com
thedeanwest.com/self-tape-auditions-buying-equipment-bookit/
an updated video! ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html
Loved the video. Very informative. What kinda lense do you use?
for auditions I just use the kit lens
Hope the career is going well my friend! Here is an updated video to this one.. ua-cam.com/video/z8CMZdHRlmk/v-deo.html