ActorBook resources

Your self-tape setup.

A simple guide to setting up your self-tape.

A self-tape room: a phone on a tripod faces the actor, with a gray backdrop behind them, a lantern light to one side, a reflector opposite, a mic on their collar, and a sandbag at the light stand’s base. Numbered placement tips follow. — Adjust your framing to match the audition instructions.

Phone + tripod
Set the lens at eye level. Turn your phone sideways and frame chest-up.
Light + lantern
Place beside the camera, facing you, slightly above eye level. The lantern softens the light.
Clip-on mic
Clip near your collar. Keep fabric from rubbing it and check your sound.
Backdrop
Leave space between you and the backdrop to reduce shadows. A plain wall works too.
Reflector · optional
Place opposite your light to soften shadows. Use the white side.
Sandbag
Drape over a light-stand leg for added stability.

The gear

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Black RØDE Wireless Micro kit in its open charging case

Audio · USB-C

RØDE Wireless Micro

Two wireless mics + charging case. USB-C phones only.

Black RØDE Wireless Micro transmitters and Lightning receiver

Audio · Lightning iPhones

RØDE Wireless Micro

Two wireless mics + charging case. For iPhones with Lightning.

RØDE Wireless Micro Camera Kit with two transmitters, camera receiver, and USB-C phone receiver

Audio · Cameras + USB-C

RØDE Wireless Micro Camera Kit

For cameras with a 3.5 mm mic input. USB-C phone receiver included.

Godox SL60W daylight LED light

Lighting

Godox SL60W

60W daylight light. Stand sold separately.

Godox CS-50D lantern softbox

Diffusion

Godox CS-50D

50 cm lantern for softer light. SL60W sold separately.

SYNCWIRE adjustable tripod phone mount

Phone mount

SYNCWIRE Tripod Phone Mount

Tilt and rotate your phone on a tripod. Tripod sold separately.

SmallRig CT-10 tripod and monopod configurations with phone holder

Tripod

SmallRig CT-10

Adjustable camera tripod with a ball head and phone holder.

Blue and gray sides of the NEEWER collapsible backdrop

Backdrop

NEEWER Blue/Gray Backdrop

Reversible 1.5 × 2 m backdrop. Folds into a carry bag.

NEEWER ST-280SS stainless steel light stand with mounting adapter details

Light stand

NEEWER ST-280SS

Stainless steel stand for your light. Extends to 9.2 ft.

Four black NEEWER photography sandbags

Stand weights

NEEWER Sandbags · 4-Pack

Add weight to steady your stands. Fill not included.

Five surfaces of the NEEWER collapsible reflector with carry bag

Reflector

NEEWER 43-inch 5-in-1

Bounce, soften, or block light. Folds into a carry bag.

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