Beautiful people! So many of you have asked if you can call me to get acting advice after watching this video. You absolutely can! I’m available for 1-2-1 consultations and would love love love to meet some of you, watch your tapes, give you feedback, help you edit, write to agents, whatever you need! Fill out this form on my website and I’ll send you a link to book your session 😊 www.severinehowellmeri.co.uk/1-to-1-sessions
Hey everyone! Thanks so much for coming over to watch this video, I worked super hard on it for you all and I hope it's useful. Feel free to skip around to the parts you need some advice on. Time stamps are here too: 1:47 - what is a self tape? 2:14 - how can you use a self tape? 2:54 - lighting 5:51 - cameras 6:59 - sound 8:35 - tripod 9:02 - plain background 11:24 - breakdowns 13:22 - partners 15:51 - slates / idents 17:13 - eyeline 18:26 - action / movement 18:54 - editing 22:46 - what to wear 24:10 - My Audition for Hanna Season 2
You are the only creator and actor on here that doesn't make it seem so impossible or like you have to move to LA off the bat. Bless you for this, as someone from the middle of no where Kansas, this makes dreams seem so obtainable
Love this girly! thank you for breaking down and explaining the necessity of making a self tape. I'm actually interested on becoming an actress but is lost and confused on how to start, where to sign up and what to do. I really appreciate this soo much and I will do more research, try to find more videos etc on what to do next. I'm from Jamaica btw and is 16 years of age, my particular school doesn't include such classes & curriculums for acting so I'm left baffled on what to do. I really appreciate this! :)
I've been 7 years in the business and you teaching me things :D :D Amazing video mate. One tip for finding a partner especially atm is to ask someone to help you over Zoom. Not the best sure, but at least you have someone there. Looking forward to the next video!
Yesss definitely!! Thank you so much for sharing this, I've done this too when noone is around and given the time we're in, casting directors will definitely understand
I just love this video! Not only very engaging and funny but so helpful! I'm just at the beginning of my journey with acting and there are many pearls here. Thank you so much!
I did my very first self tape yesterday and honestly had I not seen your video yesterday - I would've been lost. Thank you for this. It was amazing. Sending you lots of love from South Africa 🇿🇦
I've been doing self tapes for years and this is so useful! Thanks for sharing all this cool stuff. Your focus during the tape is really interesting - very specific. I can see why you book/get recalls.
This is excellent, and really creative. The best video demonstration II’ve seen. Thank you for sharing your self tapes, which I was excellent, and helpful, your hard work paid off . Congratulations o your new role. Thank you !
The level of your tutorial is impressive and also fun to watch :), loved the effects and humor. If this tutorial I were a director already could see what types you could play. I am over 40 learning acting skills for a non-acting-career goal for now and amazed at how many great vloggers talk about the acting topic.
You are a fine looking actress with Miles of personality and very well informed about the business, I will be watching more of tour videos and making notes.
Jah kno, I love love love LOVE this video! Your personality is everything I will be watching this again, bless up yuh self! Congrats on booking the job, one day I"ll see you at work!!! keep making videos, more abundance!!
Loved this thanks! Did you tape the Hanna tape at your own place, or have an actor friend read in? He sounded legit great compared to any relatives I have reading in aha. Congrats, keep them coming!
Thank you so much! Yes the person reading was my partner who's also an actor, he's great and you heard him read in all the other examples too. The tape for Hanna was filmed last year and pre covid so it was filmed where he was living, but if you have actor friends you'd rather read with, you could ask them to read over zoom! Casting directors are really understanding about self tapes having to be done a bit differently atm, so if you need to do that instead of asking relatives, that's totally reasonable ☺️
This is super helpful! What are your thoughts about what to wear for tapes for period roles? I'm taping for a fantasy series and don't know if I should wear a tunic/cloak, or just a button-up shirt. Thoughts?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable but still suggests the character. Sometimes I go all out, sometimes I don't. I think a tunic is more suggestive and definitely a bolder choice but if you feel it's too much then don't go for it. Try both and see which is best. Ultimately, if your performance is sick, it won't matter. But definitely wear something that comes across as intentionally dressing to look like the person.
This is weird .I know u from tiktok that scene.I'm making a self tape for percy jackson.Plsss I don't know.I can't find the scenes.How long do u think the tape should be .BTW I loved watching the scenes at last
thank uu video was really helpful!! I am in the process of trying to film my video reel. I know how to set it up and everything and edit, but i’m having trouble of finding monologues and scenes to put in it. (because i don’t have any tapes from things i was in) so i’m not sure where to find really good scenes from to put it in. do you have any idea?
Hey! In my latest video, a covered a section about where to find material for showreels / to submit to agents. The time stamps are in the description, you can find it here m.th-cam.com/video/tTiAsx3Bwb8/w-d-xo.html
Hi. I have a question. This is the first time I’m doing a self tape. I’m planning to get a Samson C03 microphone like you suggested but wondering whether you need an extra sound mixer or any other device to connect the mic to a laptop. Can I just plug the mic in to my laptop through a USB portable? Thank you!
Yes it plugs straight in because it’s just a USB condenser. If you have a Mac without a USB port, only extra thing you’ll need it an adapter for it to work
Hey 👋🏽 if they haven’t asked for one, I usually don’t include one. But I always put a title card with my name, agent / contact details, the role and project name like I did in the edit section of the video
Very helpful and interesting video! Thank you so much! I was wondering if you have any tips on how to join an agency and what agency are you with? Also, do you go to a drama school? I have been acting for years and keep getting rejected :( Many Thanks! Wish you more success xx
Hey! Just made a video about finding an agent. Keep going, this industry is tough and it can take years to build a career in it but that doesn't mean you should stop th-cam.com/video/tTiAsx3Bwb8/w-d-xo.html
Hi! Yes my agent secured me an audition for it but always keep an eye out on casting directors socials if you don't have an agent / manager. Shaheen Baig cast season 2 of Hanna and the breakdown for it would have likely been on spotlight as well 🥰
@@SeverineHowellMeri got it!! Thank you so much. Yeah that’s what I’ve been doing is looking at casting directors socials. I just signed up for a zoom audition actually which is how I found your account :)
Great question. If you recorded the audio on your phone, I’m pretty sure you can. Although I haven’t tried it myself so please don’t take my word for it. I have sent over document files through snapdrop though, so files like mp3 should work too
Hey, I have a question! I have taken a few classes but because of corona everything just kind of stopped. I want to submit my headshot, resume and a demo reel to an agency but I haven’t done any work on camera yet. Could I make a demo reel out of monologues)
Yes 100% you can. Keep the monologues short, maybe 2 monologues that are no longer than 30 secs - 1 min each. One monologue is also fine, but 2 can show more range. Make sure you film it in good lighting and with good sound. You don’t need set or a crazy costume, so long as you can be clearly seen and heard against a plain background, that’s the most important thing. Filming on an iPhone, with affordable studio soft box lights OR good natural light (no direct sunlight) will work just fine. Good luck!
🙋🏽♀️hey sis! I don’t need this at all but you are so gosh darn cute with a great personality that I had to leave a comment & a like. Hope this helps your channel. Good luck on all your endeavors. 👍🏽
You can ask someone to read with you on zoom, FaceTime or Skype. Casting directors understand that a lot of us need to complete our tapes that way these days ☺️
Beautiful people! So many of you have asked if you can call me to get acting advice after watching this video. You absolutely can!
I’m available for 1-2-1 consultations and would love love love to meet some of you, watch your tapes, give you feedback, help you edit, write to agents, whatever you need! Fill out this form on my website and I’ll send you a link to book your session 😊
www.severinehowellmeri.co.uk/1-to-1-sessions
Hey everyone! Thanks so much for coming over to watch this video, I worked super hard on it for you all and I hope it's useful. Feel free to skip around to the parts you need some advice on. Time stamps are here too:
1:47 - what is a self tape?
2:14 - how can you use a self tape?
2:54 - lighting
5:51 - cameras
6:59 - sound
8:35 - tripod
9:02 - plain background
11:24 - breakdowns
13:22 - partners
15:51 - slates / idents
17:13 - eyeline
18:26 - action / movement
18:54 - editing
22:46 - what to wear
24:10 - My Audition for Hanna Season 2
A living legend. A generous Queen. I just love you. So so so so helpful, thank you Sev! Sending all the love to you
baby girl I am so glad it was helpful to you and I love and adore you too! xxxxx
You are the only creator and actor on here that doesn't make it seem so impossible or like you have to move to LA off the bat. Bless you for this, as someone from the middle of no where Kansas, this makes dreams seem so obtainable
Awww 🥺🥺 you don’t have to move LA off the bat, start where you are and build it from there!
@@SeverineHowellMeri You are an angel seriously thank you for the advice. I am totally going to take it and enjoy the ride for now
obsessed with the editing in this!!! can’t wait for the next one 🥰
It's coming soon angel! Thank you so much for watching xxx
Love this girly! thank you for breaking down and explaining the necessity of making a self tape. I'm actually interested on becoming an actress but is lost and confused on how to start, where to sign up and what to do. I really appreciate this soo much and I will do more research, try to find more videos etc on what to do next. I'm from Jamaica btw and is 16 years of age, my particular school doesn't include such classes & curriculums for acting so I'm left baffled on what to do. I really appreciate this! :)
Your self tape was fire🔥🙌🏾Also very informative video. Made me subscribe keep up the good work💪🏾❤️✊🏾
Thank you!
I AGREE READ THE WHOLE SCRIPT YOU MUST !!!! IT HELPS A LOT WITH YOUR CHARACTERRR
yes yes yes
I've been 7 years in the business and you teaching me things :D :D Amazing video mate. One tip for finding a partner especially atm is to ask someone to help you over Zoom. Not the best sure, but at least you have someone there. Looking forward to the next video!
Yesss definitely!! Thank you so much for sharing this, I've done this too when noone is around and given the time we're in, casting directors will definitely understand
STAMPEDE! Came here straight from a Kelly Stamps vid lol You're dope! Keep on Keepin on!
Thank you fellow stampede student 😭😭😭😭
I just love this video! Not only very engaging and funny but so helpful! I'm just at the beginning of my journey with acting and there are many pearls here. Thank you so much!
This is the most useful video I’ve ever watched on youtube please never delete
Hahaha I won’t 😂
super duper useful video!!! and the editing is so on pointttt!!!
I'm so glad it was helpful for you! Thank you so much ♥️♥️♥️
Damn - you killed those self tape scenes! Thank you for all your helpful advice!
I did my very first self tape yesterday and honestly had I not seen your video yesterday - I would've been lost. Thank you for this. It was amazing. Sending you lots of love from South Africa 🇿🇦
I’m so glad to hear it! Well done!
Thank youu for this! I'm a 10 year old auditioning for films without an agency so I really needed this!
Good for you! I’m so glad it helped
I've been doing self tapes for years and this is so useful! Thanks for sharing all this cool stuff. Your focus during the tape is really interesting - very specific. I can see why you book/get recalls.
Thank you!
Ahh wow, this is amazing!!! Possibly (definitely) the best advice video on TH-cam! Wow, the knowledge 👏Need to binge all your videos now 😭
Thank you for the love and support!
I absolutely love this girl. My son is doing self tapes. So I came here to get trained! Would love to keep touch. This video was HILARIOUS 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The editing is all mirth imo. Thanks for sharing.
thank you for watching!
So glad I found this vid and this channel
Firing up my headshot and resume again after a long hiatus for school
Excited but still 😩 lol
I'm glad you found it helpful! This is such an exciting time for you, you'll kill it! Congratulations! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This is excellent, and really creative. The best video demonstration II’ve seen. Thank you for sharing your self tapes, which I was excellent, and helpful, your hard work paid off . Congratulations o your new role. Thank you !
Thank you so much for watching! Glad you found it so helpful 😊
The level of your tutorial is impressive and also fun to watch :), loved the effects and humor. If this tutorial I were a director already could see what types you could play.
I am over 40 learning acting skills for a non-acting-career goal for now and amazed at how many great vloggers talk about the acting topic.
Youre self tape was so good. ♥️
You rock so much. Hope to see you in more TV projects in the future.
Thank you!
Pure gold dust, thank you, these self tapes are going to be more pricey then I thought.
You got this! The investments are worth it
You are a fine looking actress with Miles of personality and very well informed about the business, I will be watching more of tour videos and making notes.
I'm in the middle of upgrading my self-tape situation and I found this video super heplful thankssss
So glad it could help!
Jah kno, I love love love LOVE this video! Your personality is everything I will be watching this again, bless up yuh self! Congrats on booking the job, one day I"ll see you at work!!! keep making videos, more abundance!!
I'm so glad you loved it! Thank you for watching
Thanks for your self-tape! It was very helpful! ALL of it was very helpful!
So so helpful you are a life saver!! And you seem so kind
Haha so glad it could help!
The intro is iconic 💅💅
great tape young lady - very useful - good luck with your career - Hanna is great. Congrats
Thank you so much!
This video is fabulous and YOU are fabulous! Thank you!!! Kisses from Brazil! 💜
Thank you so much fo this video. I'm so happy I found your channel! I'm your fan
So glad it could help! Thank you for subscribing
Amazing Sev, loved this!
Thank you so so much for watching bro!
Amazing Love! This was such an informative & fun vid :) LOOVEE xxx
For some reason I’ve only just seen this comment but thank you so much Angel!
Just found your channel. Make more videos! You're so good at it. Hope you're busy in the industry. Much love.
thank you!
THANK YOU for showing some of the editing! This is the hardest part for me and it has been impossible to find examples of how to do this.
I’m so glad it could help!
So happy I found your channel! You're a delight to watch and I Appreciate the detailed information 📚👍🏾🔥 subscribed!
Thank you! I’m hosting a giveaway on my latest video to offer more personal advice to my subscribers 🥰 take a look
this helped me so much. I had so many questions and you answered them all!! thank you so much!
I'm so glad! Thank you for subscribing!
So glad I found you 👍great information 🙌👏
Thank you so much for watching and for being here!
You are hilarious and super talented. Well deserved!!!!! Thanks for your authentic + beautiful energy. xoxoxo
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it
This is amazing sis! Soooo Proud 🙌🏽✨
Love you long time bro 😭😭
Love the energy! Thanks so much for the tips. You're awesome 🤗😎👍
You’re so welcome! Glad they helped
Quality content, quality advice, keep ‘em coming 👌🏾
Love you long time beautiful
Great video this. So helpful for me as I’m learning!
I'm glad it was useful!
This was so incredibly useful for making my first self-tape. Thank you!!
That makes me so happy! Thanks for subscribing
You are super awesome! this was super helpful! All the best with your career.
I’m so glad it helped! Thank you, you too!
THIS WAS REALLY HELPFUL THANKS! you're such a great actor too :)
I’m so glad! Thank you! XX
B R A V O !!! Well done! You have a very considerable talent stack! I wish you much success and thank you for this very helpful video!
thank you so much!
At 9:54 That role in that self tape gives me maze runner vibes. Your acting is amazing as well.
Haha thank you so much for watching! Really appreciate your words
@@SeverineHowellMeri no problem
Loved this thanks! Did you tape the Hanna tape at your own place, or have an actor friend read in? He sounded legit great compared to any relatives I have reading in aha. Congrats, keep them coming!
Thank you so much! Yes the person reading was my partner who's also an actor, he's great and you heard him read in all the other examples too. The tape for Hanna was filmed last year and pre covid so it was filmed where he was living, but if you have actor friends you'd rather read with, you could ask them to read over zoom! Casting directors are really understanding about self tapes having to be done a bit differently atm, so if you need to do that instead of asking relatives, that's totally reasonable ☺️
Your American accent is so good
Thank you so much !
I loved you're video! Thanks!!!
Thanks so much for subscribing!!
Fantastic!! You were so helpful. Thanks so much.
I’m so glad! Thank you for subscribing
Thank you for sharing and CONGRATULATIONS❣️
Thank you! You’re so welcome
Beautiful work😀Thank you so much 😊 very very helpful 😊
I’m so glad! Thanks for subscribing
Using your tips - love the accent
This is amazing!!! Thank you so much, this is so useful during this pandemic. Just shared it with my whole Acting class.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear it! I hope they find it useful too
This is super helpful! What are your thoughts about what to wear for tapes for period roles? I'm taping for a fantasy series and don't know if I should wear a tunic/cloak, or just a button-up shirt. Thoughts?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable but still suggests the character. Sometimes I go all out, sometimes I don't. I think a tunic is more suggestive and definitely a bolder choice but if you feel it's too much then don't go for it. Try both and see which is best. Ultimately, if your performance is sick, it won't matter. But definitely wear something that comes across as intentionally dressing to look like the person.
@@SeverineHowellMeri Thank you so much for your advice!
Great video and good advice
Thank you so much! glad you found it helpful
Really really helpful thank you so much
You’re so welcome!
Thank you so much!!!!! This has helped me too much!!!
I’m so glad!!
This is weird .I know u from tiktok that scene.I'm making a self tape for percy jackson.Plsss I don't know.I can't find the scenes.How long do u think the tape should be .BTW I loved watching the scenes at last
Thank you!!
Really helpful - thank you :)
My pleasure!
thank uu video was really helpful!! I am in the process of trying to film my video reel. I know how to set it up and everything and edit, but i’m having trouble of finding monologues and scenes to put in it. (because i don’t have any tapes from things i was in) so i’m not sure where to find really good scenes from to put it in. do you have any idea?
Hey! In my latest video, a covered a section about where to find material for showreels / to submit to agents. The time stamps are in the description, you can find it here m.th-cam.com/video/tTiAsx3Bwb8/w-d-xo.html
Hi. I have a question. This is the first time I’m doing a self tape. I’m planning to get a Samson C03 microphone like you suggested but wondering whether you need an extra sound mixer or any other device to connect the mic to a laptop. Can I just plug the mic in to my laptop through a USB portable? Thank you!
Yes it plugs straight in because it’s just a USB condenser. If you have a Mac without a USB port, only extra thing you’ll need it an adapter for it to work
I loved this!
I'm so glad!!
Thank you so much! Sincerely, you have been a great help and inspiration (:
I’m so glad! Thank you for subscribing
Hi, I'm auditioning for a role but the self taping instructions are really vague. Should I include a slate or not?
Hey 👋🏽 if they haven’t asked for one, I usually don’t include one. But I always put a title card with my name, agent / contact details, the role and project name like I did in the edit section of the video
Very helpful and interesting video! Thank you so much! I was wondering if you have any tips on how to join an agency and what agency are you with? Also, do you go to a drama school? I have been acting for years and keep getting rejected :( Many Thanks! Wish you more success xx
Hey! Just made a video about finding an agent. Keep going, this industry is tough and it can take years to build a career in it but that doesn't mean you should stop th-cam.com/video/tTiAsx3Bwb8/w-d-xo.html
Had to like and subscribe you are brilliant at content!! Thank you so muchh😁😁
Thank yooooou for being here!
Very entertaining and fun tips Severine. Great job! Hugs, 'Iolani Grace
Thank you for watching 🥰
Thank you for the very helpful information!!! How did you get the audition for Hanna?? Did you have a manager?
Hi! Yes my agent secured me an audition for it but always keep an eye out on casting directors socials if you don't have an agent / manager. Shaheen Baig cast season 2 of Hanna and the breakdown for it would have likely been on spotlight as well 🥰
@@SeverineHowellMeri got it!! Thank you so much. Yeah that’s what I’ve been doing is looking at casting directors socials. I just signed up for a zoom audition actually which is how I found your account :)
@@Jr-wy9qm congratulations that's great news! I hope it goes really well.
@@SeverineHowellMeri thank you girl! Wishing the best for you as well, keep killin it
Hey just a quick question with editing as I most of the time don’t have a reader , can I do the same editing process with audio on snapdrop??
Great question. If you recorded the audio on your phone, I’m pretty sure you can. Although I haven’t tried it myself so please don’t take my word for it. I have sent over document files through snapdrop though, so files like mp3 should work too
@@SeverineHowellMeri thanks I kinda have an idea of how I should make it work , thanks and congrats on Hannah ✨👏🏾
Such a helpful video
I’m glad ! Thank you for watching
I love you😍 thank you so much for this video. You are so funny and really engaging 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
thanks for the clothing tips 🤣🤣🤣
Hey, I have a question! I have taken a few classes but because of corona everything just kind of stopped. I want to submit my headshot, resume and a demo reel to an agency but I haven’t done any work on camera yet. Could I make a demo reel out of monologues)
Yes 100% you can. Keep the monologues short, maybe 2 monologues that are no longer than 30 secs - 1 min each. One monologue is also fine, but 2 can show more range. Make sure you film it in good lighting and with good sound. You don’t need set or a crazy costume, so long as you can be clearly seen and heard against a plain background, that’s the most important thing. Filming on an iPhone, with affordable studio soft box lights OR good natural light (no direct sunlight) will work just fine. Good luck!
@@SeverineHowellMeri Thank you so much for the advise! I actually ordered an affordable ring light today!
@@alischa7559 my pleasure! That’s great 😃 it’ll work perfectly. Hope the speeches go well
Thank youuu❤️
My pleasure!
🙋🏽♀️hey sis! I don’t need this at all but you are so gosh darn cute with a great personality that I had to leave a comment & a like. Hope this helps your channel. Good luck on all your endeavors. 👍🏽
Thank you so much! that's really kind
I just 😍 so informative 🥺
You are an angel on this earth 🥺💚
PLSSS U GUYS R SO FUNNYYYYY WHA YU DOIN DOWN HEREEEE🤨🤨🤨
hahaha
you kind of remind of Michael Jackson and his family gene features! Very beautiful.
Woah! My last name is Howell 😲
my main problem is that I don’t have a reader (◞‸◟) any tips about that??
You can ask someone to read with you on zoom, FaceTime or Skype. Casting directors understand that a lot of us need to complete our tapes that way these days ☺️
Hi Sèverine ☺️
Hiii!
😃😃😃
I like her.
🤣😂🥰😍
Talks too fast !
cheers babe!! loved this video!
Such a helpful video. Thank you so much!!
You’re welcome!!
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing xxx
Thank you so much for watching so much of my content! I appreciate you