LOVE LOVE this! This tripod stand is my favorite new discovery. Sessions with my clients who have one of these go smoother and quicker. No more juggling the script, laptop, phone, camera etc. When recording a self tape, use this stand to hold your recording device (laptop, phone, etc) at eye level. It also works well for simple zoom calls with casting directors or your acting coach! Simply place your laptop on the stand and raise it to eye level. If you want to film the session or self tape, place your recording device(phone) in the retractable arm. Move the arm so that your camera is right beside the laptop. You’ll have a perfect shot.

The only thing to note is the retractable arm only comes with a clip that fits phones. So if you plan on filming with an iPad you will need to buy a bigger attachment to screw on. But this is inexpensive and easy. See link below for IPad Tripod Mount Adapter.

ONLY necessary if you plan on recording yourself using an iPad.

This is a basic and inexpensive option to hold your camera (cell phone) for your self tapes. It gets the job done and can be purchased for different heights making it perfect for even a very tall person.

This can be used for a zoom call with your acting coach or casting director, however, personally I prefer using a laptop of something with a bigger screen. This makes connecting with your reader easier. Keep in mind if you are doing a coaching remotely and want the coach to be the reader in the self tape this might not be the right option for you. Since this can only hold one small device, that means you will need something else to prop up the other device or you will need to rely on that steady hand for the 2nd device. In that case you might want to consider the FOUR UNCLES Projector Tripod Stand (also listed on this page.

It is important that casting see's only you in your self tapes or zoom calls. That means there can be no clutter or distractions in the background. Things I like about it: Easy to put up and easy to store. Fits under your bed. Flattering colors on both sides. It can be used horizontal or vertical depending on how much movement will be in the scene. It can be placed anywhere in your house! This means you can stick it easily in even a tight space where you have nice light and good sound.

I suggest you purchase the tripod as well, so you can easily set it up anywhere otherwise you will need to be able to lay it against something such as a tall chair or wall.

This allows you to place the collapsible backdrop anywhere you like. No need to have a wall to prop it up against. This comes with 2 extra clips as well in case the one that came with your drop breaks.

If you have the space for it, this is a great tool to have, but its not a must. The benefit to this large backdrop is you are guaranteed to show only backdrop in your shot even when you pull out to a wide, full-body shot.

This is so much better than a ring light! It provides the perfect light on the actor so you can film day or night and be seen perfectly. Bonus feature: Depending on the time of day you are filming you can change the color temperature to match. Day is more of the white light, evening switch to the more yellow light.

*For Newer iPhone models with USB-C Port* - An external microphone improves the sound of your self-tapes because it is directional so it reduces noise coming from the sides or back of the camera and focuses on what's in front of the camera. The reader standing to the side of the camera will still be heard but they won't be overly loud which can be an issue without an external mic. Proximity matters. Since the actor is several feet away, the sound won't be as good as it would be if you had a mic that is within a couple feet of the actor (hanging boom mic or wireless lav mic) but it's a noticeable improvement from using the built-in phone mic at a relatively low cost. It also has a bonus headphone port built in so you can monitor the audio as you record.

This only works with iPhone models with a USB-C Port. If thats not you choose one of the models below.

Use with Older iPhone models (iPhone 14 or older) with Lightning Port*

Purchase if using Camera with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount