NEW SAG-AFTRA Self-Tape Rules!

We are SO excited about the industry changes brought on by ongoing contract negotiations. One major topic of conversation between actors, directors, casting professionals, and producers has been regulating self-tapes. The SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement has addressed long-standing concerns held by the actor community through the following changes. And, some special rules for our young actors too!

Self-Tape Changes You Need to Know!

• Pay to Audition?

  • Any and all self-tape requests must be free for the auditioner to view and submit

• Shot Requests / Set-up Requirements

  • Producers are allowed to ask for a full body shot in “portrait mode”, but any requests for horizontal body shots, or shots where the auditioner is required to take video panning up and down their body is now considered a contract violation. Additionally, a self-tape audition cannot require multiple shots, angles, or setups

• Technical Requirements

  • Casting and producers are no longer allowed to require any technical features beyond the ability to “see and hear” your audition. This means that any backgrounds, colors, or HD specifications are considered a contract violation

• Memorization Requirements

  • Casting can no longer require that an auditioner memorize their lines for a self-tape audition! If you need to use your sides or a teleprompter to complete your self-tape audition, your contract is protecting you!

• Turn-around Time

  • Have you ever received a request for a self-tape with a same-day due date?! Never again! The new rules require a minimum turnaround of 48 hours for adults and 72 hours for minors (not including weekends OR holidays)

• Page Limits

  • Initial or first-time auditions must be limited to 5 1/2 pages of lines and content.

  • Callback auditions are limited to 12 pages of content

• Live Audition Rights

  • Producers and casting must provide an opportunity for you to audition live. This may mean scheduling an audition in the room, or virtually. This ‘live audition’ right will require productions to provide reasonable options for actors who do not want to, or are unable to, self-tape

• Production is Now Prohibited from:

  • Requesting any nudity as part of your audition

  • Sharing self-tape materials with the public

  • Requesting any stunt work via self-tape

• Production is Now Required to:

  • Provide any music necessary for a dance audition

  • Store self-tape media securely

  • Provide comprehensive information about the role a self-tape is auditioning for

If you have questions about self-tapes, give us a shout. We’d love to chat and answer your questions! Scroll down to contact us via phone or email.