What tapes are you sending to your agents & managers?
As an actor, submitting self-tapes to your agent or manager is an vital part of advancing your career. In today’s digital age, self-tapes have become a dynamic tool in the casting process. They allow actors to showcase their skills and talent, regardless of their location, and provide a convenient way for agents and managers to pitch their clients to casting directors and producers.
However, not all self-tapes are created equal. A poorly executed self-tape can do more harm than good, leaving a negative impression on your agents and managers and potentially hindering your chances of landing a role.
That’s why it’s important to follow some essential DO’s and DON’Ts when submitting self-tapes to your Reps.
DO -Only submit your BEST work: Quality over quantity is key.
First and foremost, only ever submit your best work. Your reps don’t want to sit through a ton of mediocre tapes. They want to see your best work, so take the time to prepare, rehearse, and perfect your performance before submitting.
Remember that your self-tape is often the first impression you will make on casting directors, so you want to make sure it is your best work.
DON'T - Limit yourself to one type of performance.
It is important to show range in your self-tape submissions. If you only submit dramatic monologues, for example, your agent or manager may not be able to see your comedic chops.
So, make sure to include a variety of performances that showcase your range as an actor. This will demonstrate your versatility and increase your chances of being considered for a wider range of roles.
Your reps want to see what you can do, so make sure to showcase all your talents.
DO - Follow the submission guidelines provided by your team:
It’s crucial to follow the submission guidelines provided by your agent or manager. These guidelines may vary from agent to agent, so make sure to read and follow them carefully.
It’s important to be specific and deliver exactly what your agent or manager is asking for. Make sure you understand their expectations and deliver a self-tape that meets their criteria. This shows that you are attentive to detail and respectful of your reps’ time and effort.
DON'T - Submit vague or unclear submissions.
Sending vague or unclear submissions make it difficult for your reps to review. Be specific and deliver exactly what your reps are asking for.
If you’re unsure about their expectations, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
DO - Keep your set simple.
When it comes to the actual self-tape, keep it simple. A well-lit room with a plain background is all you need. You don’t need expensive equipment or editing software. The focus should be on your performance, not the flashy background elements.
For more self-tape set up tips, check out our previous blogs.
DON'T - Forget to Double-check your work:
Double-checking your work is an important step to take before submitting any work, whether it’s a video or audio recording. This step can help you catch any technical issues or errors that may have gone unnoticed during the creation process, and it can also ensure that your final product is polished and professional.
Double -checking your work can involve reviewing the content to ensure that the audio is clear and free from any static or background noise. You should also ensure that the video is in focus and that there are no distracting elements in the background, such as clutter or people moving around.
DO - Keep your Reps Updated:
Keeping your reps updated is a crucial aspect of maintaining a successful working relationship with them. By providing them with timely updates about your accomplishments and credits, you are giving them the necessary tools to effectively pitch you to potential employers and clients.
Additionally, by sharing your achievements with your reps, you are also demonstrating your commitment to your career and your willingness to take an active role in the representation process. This helps to build trust and a sense of partnership between you and your reps, which can lead to better communication and collaboration in the future.
DON'T - Inundate your reps with too many submissions.
Submitting too many self-tapes can be overwhelming and counterproductive for your agents and managers. While it’s important to showcase your talent and range as an actor, inundating your reps with a flood of tapes can actually hinder your chances of landing roles. It’s important to be selective in what you submit and only send your best work.
The reason sending too many self-tapes can be problematic is that it takes up valuable time and resources for your reps. They have many other clients to manage, and reviewing countless self-tapes can detract from the time they could be spending on other tasks, such as pitching and submitting you for roles. Not to mention that sending too many tapes can also dilute the impact of your best work. When you send a overflow of tapes, your reps may struggle to remember the standout performances or may have difficulty distinguishing your strengths as an actor.
By submitting only your best work, you can help your reps focus on your strongest qualities and increase your chances of being considered for roles that are the best fit for you.
DO - Be Professional
Remember that your reps are working hard to help you advance your career. Be respectful of their time and effort and communicate with them in a professional and courteous manner. Showing gratitude can go a long way in maintaining a positive and productive relationship.
Remember, you and your Representatives are a team with the same goal – to get you work.
So make sure you are only ever giving your best work so that your team can pitch and submit you for the best roles.