Submitting Your Audition

You've found an audition, read the brief, and prepared your performance. Now it's time to record and submit your self-tape. This guide walks you through the submission process and shares tips for putting your best work forward.

Before you record

Review the requirements

Before setting up your camera, double-check the audition's technical requirements:

Maximum duration — most auditions specify a time limit. Going over can count against you, so rehearse to fit within the window.
Framing — some casting teams prefer a specific shot (medium close-up, waist-up, etc.). If not specified, a standard medium close-up is usually the safest choice.
Slate — check whether the audition requires a slate at the start of your tape. A typical slate includes your name, agent (if applicable), and location.
File format — Castora accepts most common video formats (MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM). MP4 with H.264 encoding is the most reliable.
Additional materials — some auditions request a headshot, CV, or other files alongside your self-tape.

Prepare your space

A good self-tape doesn't require a professional studio, but a few basics make a significant difference:

Background — use a plain, uncluttered background. A solid-coloured wall or a simple backdrop works well.
Lighting — face a window for natural light, or use two soft lights positioned at 45-degree angles. Avoid overhead lighting that creates harsh shadows.
Sound — record in a quiet space. Turn off fans, close windows, and silence your phone. If possible, use an external microphone rather than your camera's built-in mic.
Framing — position the camera at eye level. Leave some headroom but don't frame too wide — casting teams want to see your face clearly.
Reader — if the scene involves dialogue with another character, have someone read the other lines off-camera. A flat, neutral read from your reader keeps the focus on your performance.

Recording your self-tape

Multiple takes

Record several takes with different choices. You might want to submit your strongest single take, or the audition might allow multiple takes showing range. Either way, having options gives you flexibility in the editing stage.

What casting teams look for

While every role is different, casting teams generally evaluate:

Authenticity — does the performance feel genuine and lived-in?
Preparation — have you made clear, intentional choices about the character?
Technical quality — is the audio clear, the framing appropriate, and the lighting flattering?
Direction potential — do you show range and the ability to take adjustments?

Common mistakes to avoid

Looking at the camera — unless specifically directed to, your eye-line should be just off-camera to your reader, not directly into the lens.
Over-editing — keep it simple. Fancy transitions, background music, or colour grading can distract from your performance.
Rushing — take your time. Breathe. Let moments land. A slightly longer, more considered tape is better than a rushed one.
Ignoring the brief — if the casting team asks for something specific, do it. Showing you can follow direction is as important as the performance itself.

Uploading your submission

Step-by-step

Open the audition link from your invitation email or dashboard.
Click Submit Audition.
Upload your self-tape video by dragging it into the upload area or clicking to browse your files.
If required, upload any additional materials (headshot, CV, etc.).
Add an optional note to the casting team — keep it brief and professional.
Review your submission details.
Click Submit.

Upload specifications

Maximum file size — varies by audition, but typically up to 500 MB for video files.
Supported formats — MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM for video; JPG, PNG, PDF for documents.
Upload speed — large files may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection. Don't close the browser tab during upload.

Processing

After you upload, Castora processes your video to ensure smooth playback for reviewers. This usually takes 1–2 minutes. You'll see a progress indicator and a confirmation message once processing is complete.

After submitting

Confirmation

Once your submission is processed, you'll receive:

An on-screen confirmation with your submission details
A confirmation email with a summary of what you submitted
Access to view your submission on your performer dashboard

Can you resubmit?

Whether you can resubmit depends on the audition settings:

Resubmissions allowed — you can upload a new self-tape that replaces your original submission. Your new tape will be reviewed instead.
Resubmissions not allowed — your first submission is final. Make sure you're happy with it before clicking Submit.

Check the audition details to see which policy applies.

What happens next

After the submission deadline closes, the casting team reviews all submissions. Review timelines vary — some casting teams work through tapes within days, others may take several weeks for large casting calls.

Castora doesn't currently send outcome notifications automatically. Casting teams may reach out directly if you're shortlisted for callbacks.

Tips for a strong submission

Submit early — don't wait until the last hour. Technical issues happen, and you want time to troubleshoot if your upload fails.
Watch your tape before uploading — review it on a different device than the one you recorded on. Check for audio issues, focus problems, or distracting background elements.
Follow the brief exactly — if they ask for 60 seconds, keep it under 60 seconds. If they ask for a slate, include a slate. Attention to detail matters.
Keep your note brief — if you include a note to the casting team, keep it to one or two sentences. They're reviewing hundreds of submissions and appreciate conciseness.
Name your file clearly — use a format like "FirstName_LastName_RoleName.mp4" so your file is easy to identify if downloaded.
Check your submission — after submitting, visit your dashboard and verify that your video plays correctly and all materials are attached.