Red Management / Making a self-tape
A short introduction.
Entirely you.
Let your voice, posture and personality come through. A clear task and a calm recording can communicate a great deal in a self-tape or introduction video.
Read the article ↗Explore the possibilities ↓An introduction, a specific task or earlier work?
An introduction video says who you are: your work name, direction and relevant experience. It gives the recipient an impression of how you present yourself and communicate, and can complement a portfolio when the recipient welcomes it.
A self-tape records a specific casting task, such as a text, short scene or requested presentation. The brief sets the content, length and framing. A polished general video does not replace that task.
A showreel combines earlier work to demonstrate relevant experience. Use material you may share. It is different from a new recording for one casting and need not accompany every application.
Know why the recording is requested
This guide concerns professional presentation for adult models, creators and performers. You do not need to make explicit material for an ordinary introduction. If a request is unclear, ask first about the purpose, recipient and use. Assess the call before preparing material.
Decide what you want someone to remember
Write down three prompts: who you are in your work, the direction you want and what you bring. Choose information relevant to this recipient. A complete life story usually makes an introduction less clear.
For an open introduction, you might practise roughly thirty to sixty seconds. That is not a casting rule: a specified length always takes priority. Say the words aloud a few times and use language you would choose in conversation. If you are new, say so and explain what you want to develop. Do not invent assignments or skills. Keep the spoken introduction consistent with your written application and photographs.
A starting point for your introduction
“Hello, I’m [work name]. I focus on [direction] and am available in [region]. I have experience with [relevant example], or am developing my work in this area. My style is [description]. For this introduction, I would like to show [relevant point].”
Make it personal. Leave out irrelevant parts and do not include your home address or other unnecessary private information.
Keep the recording setup simple
A quiet background and an audible voice help the recipient concentrate on you. Spotlight recommends soft light, little background noise and landscape recording for ordinary self-tapes. Always check the particular brief: another use may call for portrait video.
Face a soft light source; a bright window behind you can leave your face dark. Put the phone on a stable support around eye level, make a test frame and follow the requested crop. Listen for ventilation, traffic and echo. Record a few seconds of speech before the full take.
Give yourself space to record
Choose clothing that feels comfortable and fits the task. Busy patterns, rustling jewellery and strong effects can distract. An introduction does not require a complete photoshoot styling session.
For a direct introductory message, look into the lens. For an acted scene, an eyeline beside the camera may be more appropriate; follow the directions. If someone reads lines with you, make sure your own voice remains clear. Record a few versions and choose the one that communicates well. A small natural pause need not mean starting again. Stop if you only sound increasingly tired.
Review the final file as the recipient will see it
Does playback work from the beginning, and can you hear your voice clearly? Watch the exported file, not just the recording inside an editing app. Trim a long lead-in or failed start, but do not add music or filters that make assessment harder. Moving and still images complement one another: keep the video focused and include only the requested casting photographs.
Follow the specified file type, maximum size and delivery method. Use a clear filename such as workname_introduction_project.mp4. For a shared link, check that the intended recipient has access. A non-public link does not guarantee that nobody can save or forward the video. Discuss its purpose and do not automatically put a casting recording on your public website.
Your final five checks
Check that you follow the requested content, length and orientation. Check that your face is visible and your voice audible. Watch the final file from start to finish. Confirm the filename and link access. Make sure you know who will receive it and for what purpose. These are checks for your own preparation, not a submission to Red Management.
Do I need a professional camera?
A phone may be enough for a simple introduction. Check the recipient’s requirements and record a test. Light, clear sound and a stable image are important.
How long should the video be?
Follow the brief. Without a specified length, practise a short introduction of around thirty to sixty seconds. A self-tape containing a scene may be longer. Do not shorten it by omitting required parts.
Must I use my real name or add music?
For an initial presentation, use an appropriate work name if you prefer, and arrange any required information separately. Your face and voice can still make you recognisable. Music often distracts from a spoken introduction; follow a specific task if it requests music. A montage for your own website serves a different purpose.
Can Red Management help with the recording?
We can discuss presentation, photography and video. Share the brief or explain how the recording will be used. That conversation does not guarantee a casting or assignment.
Adapted from our Dutch practical guide. The photographs illustrate style and presentation. Read the original in Dutch ↗