These are my favorite basics for a home and travel self-taping.
There are many variations and brands of these products online. I have provided a direct Amazon* link, but a general search also gets the job done.
Click below for the full list, or search individually below.
This tripod is super sturdy, easy to adjust, and has a balance meter on it for guidance. It will also flip for vertical filming, which is helpful for full-body 360 slates and social media videos.
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MINI SCREEN MONITOR
This is so nice to have when you want to use your good 'back camera' but you're taping alone for commercials or taping with someone over Zoom. It provides a real-time view of what is being recorded, so you can ensure your lighting and framing are good.
BOX LIGHTS
You will love the efficiency of this light that comes with an adjustable tripod. I have one box light mounted higher for overall flood lighting, as well as one on the floor/tripod to adjust with natural light that varies during the day. Easy to travel in the car, but not as easy for air travel. See below for that!
COMPUTER STAND- ADJUSTABLE
No need to stack pillows on top of books on top of pillows and small furniture the next time you have a live callback or virtual parter for an audition. This is a super sturdy adjustable stand that is perfect for eye-level zooms. It also makes a great table for an audition when you need a desk or table in the scene.
GREY DROP/BACKDROP
You have many choices for a backdrop. I painted my wall, but this drop travels with me every time I leave town. I cut it in half because it's so large! I keep one in a bag ready to go, and one in my closet as backup. It's a great, deep grey color and steams easily. ​
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GREY & BLUE POP UP
Mixed opinions on the blue (ask me, I have mine!), but this is also a good option for travel or a home setup you cannot leave up all the time. Good luck folding it. Some people are a wizard at it... as for me, it's a comedy routine every time. There are many videos on Youtube, btw.
LAVALIER LAPEL MIC
This is not a necessary item if you have good sound in your recording space, but it certainly levels up your self-tapes. I also find it helpful when recording social media videos, especially instructional. These last a very long time on one charge and come with two mics.
LED PORTABLE SELFIE LIGHT
If you have online meetings or auditions often, this is super helpful! I am a filmmaker, so I frequently meet with other creatives to talk about projects. I am also using social media to promote my business and my career, and this little light is great for the phone. It's bright, changes from cool to warm and adjusts to different levels of brightness. I bought two!
LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL TRIPOD
Another tool that is not necessary, but can be very helpful. This is a travel tripod that adjusts to up to 63" tall. It folds easily and is lightweight. I carry a travel tripod with me every time I leave on an overnight trip. There are many different options out there!
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SMALL FLOOR LIGHTS
These are helpful for backlighting a wall that is catching a lot of shadows. Placing one on each side of the wall, about 3 feet back and aiming up behind the subject (you), is a great way to help blur the shadows and make you stand out.
