Self-tape gear, books & classes
Everything we recommend in Why Not You?, the free WNU actor's playbook, in one place. Start small and upgrade as you book.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, WNU Studios may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and it goes back into making films with young actors and crews. As an Amazon Associate, WNU Studios earns from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and change often.
Lighting
Starter
NEEWER 18" ring light kit
One-light setup. Daylight and warm settings, comes with a tall stand and phone holder, so it doubles as your phone mount.
about $120–140View on Amazon
Mid · the casting favorite
NEEWER bi-color LED panel 2-pack
Two matching soft panels with stands for the two-light setup most casting directors like.
Elgato Key Light Air
Soft, app-controlled panel. Great at a desk or for a close seated self-tape.
Pro
Amaran 100d
A professional key light used on real sets. Pair it with a softbox.
Softbox for Bowens-mount lights
Turns a hard light into the soft, flattering light you want on your face.
Godox SL60IIBi 2-light kit
A complete two-light kit for key and fill.
Small LED panel for a hair light
A dim light behind you that separates you from the backdrop.
Sound
Clip-on wireless mics
DJI Mic Mini
Tiny, light, and works with phones and cameras. The easiest audio upgrade you can make.
about $89+View on AmazonRØDE Wireless ME
The receiver has its own mic, so it can pick up your off-camera reader too.
about $149View on AmazonRØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3)
Two channels for you and your reader, plus backup recording that saves a take if the levels clip.
about $299View on Amazon
Camera-top mic
RØDE VideoMic GO II
A light shotgun mic. Keep it within 2–3 feet of your mouth.
about $95–110View on Amazon
Kill the echo
Moving blankets
Hang 2–4 behind the camera and at the sides of the room to soak up echo.
Acoustic foam panels
A cleaner, permanent fix for a dedicated self-tape room.
Backdrops
Brandon's top pick
Kate collapsible backdrop, blue and gray (5x6.5 ft)
Built for self-tapes. Pops open in seconds, with blue on one side and gray on the other, the two safest casting colors. Folds flat to store behind a door.
Westcott X-Drop backdrop kit (gray or blue)
Collapsible, wrinkle-resistant, and sets up in seconds. Gray and blue are the safest casting colors.
about $140View on AmazonGray muslin backdrop
The budget version. Steam out the wrinkles before you tape.
Seamless paper roll + stand kit
The cleanest, most even background for a pro setup.
Tripods and mounts
Full-height tripod with phone clamp
It has to reach your eye level when you're standing.
Fluid-head video tripod
Smooth and sturdy for a camera setup.
Books for actors
The craft
Brandon's top pick
Acting for the Camera, by Tony Barr
The practical handbook for on-camera work, from 40 years of teaching actors in Hollywood. How film acting differs from stage, plus exercises on listening, focus and character that pay off in every self-tape.
An Actor Prepares
The foundation of modern realistic acting.
Sanford Meisner on Acting
Truthful listening and reacting.
Respect for Acting
Practical exercises for making any role personal.
The Power of the Actor
A 12-step method many Hollywood actors use.
Acting in Film
On-camera technique from a legend.
A Practical Handbook for the Actor
Break a script into playable actions.
True and False
A short, provocative read on the craft.
Auditions and the business
Audition
The 12 guideposts casting directors still quote.
How to Get the Part Without Falling Apart
Audition and cold-reading technique.
Self-Management for Actors
Run your career like a business.
Acting Is Everything
The day-to-day business of acting.
The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide
Honest encouragement for the early grind.
Making your own work
Rebel Without a Crew
Making a feature with almost no money.
Classes you can take on Zoom
Check each studio for this session's schedule and price. Many offer a free audit.
Scott Sedita Acting Studios
Audition, self-tape and TV comedy, live on Zoom.
Margie Haber Studio
On-camera auditioning, open worldwide on Zoom.
The Ivana Chubbuck Studio
The Chubbuck Technique, many classes online.
Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop
Foundations and a self-tape lab on Zoom. Free audits.
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Classic technique, live on Zoom.
Lesly Kahn & Company
Text-driven technique and comedy, many classes on Zoom.
Actors Connection
Classes with working casting directors and agents on Zoom.
Actor's Edge
Weekly on-camera class on Zoom.
Drama Inc. (Atlanta)
Audition, on-camera, Meisner and the business, on Zoom.
Casting sites
Actors Access
Film and TV, union and non-union. Self-tapes through Eco Cast.
Backstage
Indie, theater, commercials and non-union work.
Casting Networks
Commercials, film and TV. Big with agents.