Why I Go All In On My Self-Tapes (And Why I Always Will)

Every time someone tells me my self-tapes are “too much” or that I put “too much effort” into them, I can't help but feel surprised.

Because for me, this isn’t just a side hustle or a hobby. This is my life. I’ve been on this path for over 20 years—actually, even longer. I knew I wanted to be an actress back in kindergarten. That dream never wavered. There was never a Plan B.

So when I get the opportunity to put myself on tape and to tell a story, to step into a character, to show what I can do—why wouldn’t I give it everything I have?

Self-taping is one of the very few moments in this career where I, as an actor, have full control. Total creative freedom. No distractions, no interruptions, no time limits. Just me, the character, and the work.

In almost every other aspect of being an actor, control is an illusion. You can book a role and still get edited out. You can do a great job and end up as just the back of someone’s head in the final cut. When you’re auditioning in the room, anything can throw you off—timing, energy, nerves, or even something as simple as the reader’s tone.

Don’t get me wrong! I love meeting casting teams and directors. But ideally, I’d rather that be at the callback. At that point, we all already know I’m right for the role. Now we can collaborate, refine, and dive deeper together.

I know a lot of actors worry they might not deliver what the team wants, and they fear that’s why they’ll miss out on a role. I get it. But I have a completely different approach. And maybe it sounds arrogant, but honestly, I don’t care about hitting the brief exactly. I’m not trying to guess what they’re looking for. I’d rather show them my version, in full. No holding back. No second-guessing. They can take it or leave it, and if I get the part, amazing! I’m absolutely open to collaboration and adjusting once we’re in the process. But at the self-tape stage? That’s my space to bring the character to life my way.

Ironically, ever since I adopted that philosophy, I’ve been booking more roles. Because there’s power in committing fully to your interpretation. There’s something magnetic about authenticity and confidence—about trusting your instincts and letting go of the need to “please.”

I know it’s scary to put that much effort in, because it hurts so much more when you don’t get it. It’s safer not to try as hard. That way, if you don’t book it, you can rationalise it to yourself:
“Oh, it’s not that I wasn’t good enough… It’s just that my tape wasn’t perfect.”
Have you ever done that? Have you been guilty of that kind of self-sabotage?
I have. We all have at some point. But I had to let that go. Because if I'm not giving it everything, what am I even doing this for?

So no, my self-tapes aren’t “too much.” They are the clearest reflection of how seriously I take this craft—and how deeply I respect the opportunity to tell a story, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes on camera.

I love this work. I honour it. And I’ll always go above and beyond for it.

I recommend doing the same :-)