Self-Tape Glossary: Every Term Actors Need to Know
Every industry has its language. Here are the key self-tape and audition terms defined clearly — so you're never confused when a casting director uses them.
Sides
The specific pages of a script sent by casting for an audition. Usually 1–3 pages of dialogue, sometimes just a scene. You will almost always audition with sides rather than a full script.
Slate
The introduction you give at the beginning of a self-tape — your name, the role, and any information casting has requested. Delivered directly into the camera in your own voice, not character.
Self-Tape
A filmed audition recorded by the actor outside of a casting office, typically at home. Now the primary audition format for most film, TV, and commercial work.
Reader
The off-camera person who delivers the other character's lines during your self-tape. Can be a friend, fellow actor, or AI scene partner. Critical for reactive, authentic performance.
Callback
An invitation to audition again, usually in person or on a live video call, after your self-tape was selected from the initial submissions. A callback means you made the short list.
Casting Director (CD)
The professional hired by a production to find and select actors for roles. CDs receive and review self-tape submissions and decide who advances.
CSA
Casting Society of America — the professional organization for casting directors. "CSA" after a name indicates membership, a mark of professional credentialing.
1080p
Video resolution of 1920×1080 pixels — the standard for self-tape submissions. Always export at 1080p unless the file size requires dropping to 720p.
Frame Rate
How many frames of video are captured per second. Standard for self-tapes: 24fps (cinematic) or 25fps (European broadcast standard). Avoid 30fps or 60fps for auditions.
Key Light
The primary light source in a lighting setup, placed slightly off to one side of the camera. The brightest of the three lights in a 3-point setup.
Fill Light
A softer, secondary light placed on the opposite side from the key light to reduce harsh shadows. Typically half the intensity of the key light.
Lavalier Mic
A small clip-on microphone that attaches to clothing near the collar. Picks up voice clearly and reduces ambient room noise.
Shotgun Mic
A directional microphone that mounts on top of a camera. Focuses on sound directly in front of it and rejects noise from the sides and rear.
Backdrop
The background surface visible behind you in your self-tape. Should be plain, neutral-colored, and free of distractions.
Color Temperature
A measurement of light color in Kelvin (K). Daylight is roughly 5500K (cool/blue). Tungsten is roughly 3200K (warm/orange). All lights in your setup should match color temperature.
Work through the full 17-chapter guide from Chapter 1.
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