Self-Tape Equipment Shopping Guide
by Owning IT Acting Studio
These are products I personally recommend, use, or have used when creating professional self-tape setups. You absolutely do not need to buy everything on this list. Choose the equipment that works for your space, your needs and, most importantly, your budget.
BACKDROPS
If you want to achieve that signature Owning IT look, I often use curtains rather than traditional photography backdrops. They are affordable, easy to store and can look fantastic on camera.
IKEA BENGTA Curtain
This is probably my most-used curtain to date and a brilliant, affordable option for self-tapes.
Buy-Backdrop
This is a great website that I have personally purchased from many, many times. They have a huge selection of colours and styles.
Please note: Delivery can take up to approximately three weeks as orders are shipped from China, so don't leave this one until the night before your audition!
ECONIUS Photography Backdrop
A great option if you're in a hurry and need something quickly. Depending on availability, next-day delivery may be available.
BACKDROP STAND
HolaDream Background Stand
A great price point and very sturdy. I personally own two of these and have been very happy with them.
LIGHTING
Your lighting will make a huge difference to the overall quality of your self-tape.
Key Light
For your key light, I recommend a softbox rather than a standard LED panel. A softbox will generally give you a softer, more flattering light on the face.
This is a great option that I personally use on a weekly basis.
Hair Light
A great compact hair light at a very reasonable price point. I've had mine for years and it still works perfectly.
Backdrop Light
A useful additional light for illuminating your backdrop.
Please note: This light only reaches approximately 120 cm in height, so keep that in mind when planning your setup.
Gel Light Filters
A great way to start creating that signature Owning IT look. I use gels in pretty much every lighting setup I create.
Wall Light
A simple way to make a boring, plain wall look much more interesting on camera.
Wall Light Ring
An even cheaper option for adding a projected lighting effect to a plain wall or backdrop.
SOUND
Microphone
If you want professional-sounding audio on a budget, this microphone is a great choice.
If you're filming your self-tapes on a phone rather than a camera, you may need to purchase an additional compatible cable or adapter.
TRIPODS
Here are three options depending on your budget and how you plan to use your setup.
All three come with a phone holder and cold-shoe attachment, which is particularly useful if you want to mount a separate microphone.
Beginner
A good affordable option for getting your home setup started.
Advanced
A more substantial option if you're looking to invest a little more in your setup.
Travel
A useful option if you need something compact and portable for self-taping while travelling.
CAMERA
Before spending money on a camera, remember that you do not need an expensive professional camera to create a strong self-tape. Lighting, sound, framing and knowing how to use your setup are incredibly important.
Beginner Camera
A brilliant budget-friendly option that includes a lens and microphone, giving you a great starting point if you want to move beyond filming on your phone.
Advanced Camera
I don't usually recommend actors spend this much money on a camera purely for self-taping. However, if you want to take your setup considerably further, this is the camera I personally use in my studio.
Lens
This is the lens I recommend to accompany the advanced camera setup.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This guide is designed to help you choose what equipment to buy. It is not a tutorial on how to recreate my professional studio setup.
Lighting placement, distances, camera positioning, settings, backdrop lighting and how all of these elements work together can vary enormously depending on your room and the equipment you're using.
If you would like me to help you build or improve your individual self-tape setup, you can book my 1-Hour Personal Self-Tape Setup Consultation and we'll work through your space and equipment together.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no additional cost to you.
My recommendations are based on products that I genuinely recommend and/or personally use for self-tape setups.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.