Top Self Test Tips

Many MCTV members will be familiar with self-tests. Even before lockdown, self-tests were a popular way for casting agents to view submissions. A self-test requires you to film yourself performing a scene. A brief is emailed to you which will contain details of the scenario, wardrobe requirements and script. The great thing about self-tests is you get to do as many takes as you like to get it right. The other great thing is they are generally for the bigger paying jobs (usually over $1000), for featured roles where movement or speaking may be involved, so it pays to do a good test.

Important tips when self-testing from Paul, our head booker:

• Get the light right – good natural light is best
• Set up your space, no dirty clothes on the floor, no unmade beds and no one else in your test
• Use your phone in landscape not portrait
• Make sure you do your ID (name, agent, age, height etc) clearly at the end of your self-test
• Submit your file in the correct format and by the due date

Try to relax and have fun and let the real you come through!