The slate is the shortest part of a self tape and it causes the most worry. It is just a few seconds of you saying who you are, but it is also the only moment in the tape where casting sees you as yourself rather than the character. Get it right and it quietly helps you. Get it wrong and it is the first thing they skip.
As an actor who self tapes and a filmmaker who shoots them, this is my simple guide to the self tape slate: what to say, how to film it and what to leave out.
The short version
- Always follow the casting instructions first. They override everything here.
- If there are no instructions: name, height, where you are based and your agent.
- Film it as a separate clip unless asked otherwise.
- Be yourself, warm and brief. Ten seconds is plenty.
- Add full length and profile shots only if they are requested.
What to say in a self tape slate
Casting briefs often spell out exactly what they want. Read the breakdown and the email from your agent carefully, because some castings want no slate at all and some want a very specific one. If nothing is specified, this is a safe standard for UK castings:
Name
Your name as it appears on SpotlightSaid clearly, not rushed.
Height
Only if asked or standard for the jobCommercials and some screen jobs like it.
Location
Where you are basedUseful for local hires and travel.
Agent
Who represents youIf you have an agent.
Some castings also ask for the role you are reading for, your playing age or a quick answer to a question like “tell us about a hobby”. If they ask for a personality slate, that is a gift. It is a chance to show who you are, so pick something you actually enjoy talking about.
How to film a self tape slate
Film the slate as its own clip, in the same setup as your scenes, unless the brief asks you to put it at the start. Use a medium close up for the words: chest up, eyes near the top third of the frame, light on your face and a plain background. I cover lighting, sound and framing in more depth in self tape audition tips.
Look into the lens for the slate. It is the one moment where you talk straight to casting, so eye contact matters. Then smile, pause for a beat and stop recording.
Full length shots and profiles
Some castings ask for a full length shot and left and right profiles, especially for commercials, costume heavy jobs or roles with a physical brief. When asked:
- Stand far enough back that your whole body fits, with a little room above your head and below your feet.
- Turn slowly to each side, holding each profile for a couple of seconds.
- Wear fitted clothes that show your shape, not baggy layers.
- Keep the camera at around chest height so you are not distorted.
Slate mistakes that cost you
Too long
A slate that runs to 30 seconds makes casting reach for the skip button before your scene.
In character
Slating in the character’s voice or energy. Casting want to meet you here.
Ignoring the brief
Adding a slate when they asked for none, or leaving out what they asked for.
Poor sound
Mumbling or echo. If they cannot hear your name, it is harder to remember it.
Label and send it properly
Name your files the way the casting asks, usually your name, the role and the project. If you send a link, check it works in a private browser window and does not need a password unless you have included it. Small things like this make you look easy to work with, and that counts.
Before you send
The slate
- Matches the casting brief
- Separate clip, under 15 seconds
- Eye line to lens, clear sound
The files
- Named as requested
- Profiles and full length if asked
- Link tested in a private window
Questions actors ask about slates
What do you say in a self tape slate?
Follow the casting brief first. If there are no instructions, say your name, height if relevant, where you are based and your agent. Keep it warm and brief.
Should the slate be a separate video?
Usually yes, unless the casting asks for it at the start of your scene. A separate clip lets casting jump straight to your read.
Do I look at the camera during a slate?
Yes. The slate is the one part of a self tape where you speak directly to casting, so look into the lens.
How long should a self tape slate be?
Around ten seconds is plenty. Anything much longer than 15 seconds starts to work against you.
More guides for actors: self tape audition tips, your Spotlight profile and getting showreel scenes.
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