Natalie McClure MFA, AEA
Self-Tape Equipment Reccos
Decent self-tape equipment can take your auditions to the next level, but it can get very expensive to outfit your home studio. Here are Natalie's affordable recommendations for high quality equipment. For coaching in how to use this equipment, contact Natalie for to book classe for your studio and one-on-one coaching sessions.
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Torjim Soft-Boxes
These lights are very user friendly. They come with remote controls to change the color and brightness but you can adjust them with a button on the cord as well.
GVM RBG LED Panel Lights
These lights are not as user friendly as the Torjim Soft-Boxes, but there are many more options to play with such as various color saturations and an app you can connect to the lights to operate them from your smartphone. You can set the mood of your auditions much more easily with these multi-use lights. Also, there is no bulb to have to replace since these are LED. They also pack down and out of your space well.
NEEWER 9" LED Video Light Panel
This is a smaller light and comes with a tabletop tripod. You'll need to purchase an additional light stand if you want to use these at standing height. Reviews say this has a good battery life so you don't have to worry about cords tripping you up. They would be a good option for travel.
NEEWER 13" LED Video Light Panel
A really good value for two lights that comes with stands, unlike the 9" Neewer light.
NEEWER Collapsible Backdrop
This is one of the more affordable backdrops I've found. I really only use the grey side as it is the best neutral color for auditions.
EMART 8.5 x 5ft Backdrop Stand
This backdrop stand is incredible for the price. It holds my backdrop mightily and if I'm being honest, has changed my self-tape life.
74"-Camera-Tripod with Smartphone Holder
I'm going to be honest--I haven't tried this tripod but the reviews are great and I love that it comes with a smartphone holder. You're going to need that with any tripod so to have it bundled in the price is a good deal!
Magnus Tripod
This is the tripod I own and I love her. It does not come with a smartphone holder so you will have to purchase that separately.
​Universal Phone Tripod Mount Adapter with wireless Camera Remote
This is an inexpensive smartphone holder to affix to your tripod. It also comes with a bluetooth remote so you can start your self-tape without having to move to your phone every take.
PoP voice 16 Ft. Lavalier Microphone
This very inexpensive lav mic has a very long cord so you have a lot of room to play in your self-tapes. It's also small which makes it barely detectible in an audition. You will need a dongle for your smartphone if you're going to use this.
Wireless Lav Mic with 150 ft Range
This wireless mic is pretty great. I like that I can still charge my phone through the adapter that connects to my phone if need be. There are two mics if you're recording for a while and one loses juice.
Lap-Top Stand
If you need a virtual reader, you're going to need a laptop stand to set near your camera. This one adjusts up to 63.5 inches and has a gooseneck phone holder as well.
Music Stand
I also like to use a music stand to hold my ipad if I need a teleprompter or this can convert to a laptop holder for a bit more versatility.
Travel Tripod
Actors always say if you want an audition, go on vacation. This tripod packs down so it's super small in your suitcase but it extends to 60" and it's super sturdy. It comes with a bluetooth remote and turns into a selfie stick as well.