Self-Tape Pre-Submit Checklist

Your tape is good. Don’t lose it on a checkbox.

Most rejected tapes aren’t bad - they’re wrong format, wrong file name, or missing a slate. The pre-submit checklist exists to stop that.

The work, step by step

1. Watch full take in headphones. Sound issues only show in headphones. Spend 90 seconds doing this.
2. Verify format. MP4 H.264 1080p unless told otherwise. Check the breakdown.
3. File name. LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ROLE_TAKE.mp4 or whatever the breakdown specifies.
4. Slate matches scene energy. A bored slate before a heightened scene reads inconsistent.
5. No background distractions. Door open? Pet visible? Tape moves to the bottom of the stack.
6. Eye line consistent. Across all scenes, same side, same height.
7. Audio levels. No clipping. Peaks at -6 dB.
8. Wardrobe matches breakdown. Don’t over-costume; the right neutral works.
9. Date stamped. Some breakdowns require a hand-written date in the slate. Check.
10. Upload to correct portal. Cast It, Vid Cruiter, Wix, email - verify before you upload.

Common pitfalls

• Submitting before the checklist.
• Trusting the file name auto-generated by your camera app.
• Forgetting region/encoding requirements for international productions.

How Actry fits in

Actry helps with everything before submission. The checklist is the bridge from "good take" to "tape they actually watched."

Frequently asked questions

Filed under Self-Tape. Tagged: self-tape, checklist, submission.