Self tape Must-Haves →
Self Tape Must-Haves
A ring light has been a standard for a while, as have been the big box lights. I found something that’s like, a mix of the two but better. My ring light broke a while back, we had a good run since 2014. And after I tried to resuscitate and salvage my longest relationship to date, I let him go. Ringoooo Star, you were a real one. He was the whole package; the light, the mount, the stand, all of it, I didn’t have to worry about anything else. So upon parting ways, I had to find another solution.
Well. I upgraded and love my. new set up. It’s much more slim, compact, and can hide it in my bookshelf much better than I was able to hide my ring light. Here are some current Amazon faves that I’m using on the daily.
This is a great post if you’re wanting to update your self tape set-up… so you can share this link with someone and drop a hint for gifts. #GiftGuide #You’reWelcome
I love these lights! They are slim, compact, rechargeable and I love they add so much more ambiance than a ring light. The ring light works great, but find this gives me a more balanced feel and I’m not staring directly into the blinding light. I’m honestly surprised my vision is still 20/20 after staring into the ring-light trying to connect with my reader. Not only can I adjust them easily height wise and as far or as close apart as I need for a fully-balanced effect, but I can adjust the temperature and make them cooler or warmer and softer or brighter. I tend to light a softer light with a neutral tone and my self tapes have been looking beautiful, not so blown out. I was on a call with a casting executive and she said that she’s been loving how creative people have been with lighting, and that the ring light puts a little orb around the eye which makes it hard to see your eyes and reactions. So thought that was interesting.
They’re also great if you’re shooting in other spaces other than a backdrop. I’ve utilized my entire apartment for the past few tapes, and love how I can detach the single light head and have it as a fill light, they’re just easy to maneuver and work with.
Everyone needs an adjustable tripod. It works great for cameras and iPhones (which is what I use to record), is easily adjustable for sitting or standing. You can get plenty of height coverage, head to toe and close up footage.
In Atomic Habits, I learned I need to utilize different devices for different functions. I know it’s a luxury item, but has been so useful in my work and play. It’s great to read scripts, sides, do your homework, work on Canva, etc. I am trying to minimize clutter and reduce printing and only print after I’ve read a script at least once and know I’ll need to study and mark it up and read it a few more times. I use this primarily for FaceTime/Zoom self tapes. It’s super fast, clear, and I can place it perfectly on my stand. I like the 11”. The 12.9” is really big to carry around in your bag. The 11” is almost as large as my older MacBook and the associate told me it was meant to replace a computer. I still find it different from a laptop but great to have, especially for travel!
4. This Desktop Workspace Stand
The best investment I’ve made. I was shuffling side tables and shoe boxes for months before I realized I needed this to read with someone. It is adjustable to sitting to standing and holds a laptop. It’s absolutely sturdy and feel safe with it holding my electronics. Great for reading with someone for a selctape and a game changer for live callbacks! Hightly suggest. 10/10.
LOVE. Works great for my desktop and great for on top of the workspace stand. It can hold a tablet or iPhone vertically or horizontally, and if it’s vertical you can charge it at the same time. I usually have this on my desk while I’m working at my laptop and use it for other functions that I allocate specifically to iPad like social media.
I hope all of these help. Again, there are not hard and fast rule for self-tapes. You use what you have that makes sense for you at home. At the end of they day, all they want is to be able to hear and see you and know that you’re invested and connected to story. Enjoy! Have fun!
xox
