We are excited to announce the launch of our Self-Tape feature on Spotlight. This will allow casting directors to request and receive self-tapes directly through the Spotlight website making it a far easier process for casting directors, agents and performers. This is currently in a Beta phase meaning that this new feature is being tested in a live environment with a small number of casting directors. We will be collecting feedback and streamlining the process before releasing it to all our casting members in the near future.
Our team has put together a comprehensive guide along with a few help videos to show how our new self-tape feature works: Self-Tape Guide for Casting Directors.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below. If this does not answer your question, please Submit a request and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
How do I send a Self-Tape request?
How can I submit a Self-Tape request through my Shortlist?
How do I send a tape request to a performer who has not been suggested for a role?
Can I upload tapes that were not sent on Spotlight?
How can I change the expiry date for a tape request?
Can I send Self-Tape requests in bulk?
Can I request an audio clip instead of a video?
Can I request a photo/image along with a video request?
Where can I manage my Self-Tape requests?
How will I know when a Self-Tape has been submitted?
Why does it say “Beta” next to my Self-Tape tab?
How do I send a Self-Tape request?
Our team has put together a comprehensive guide to show you how to send your tape request: Self-Tape Guide for Casting Directors.
How can I submit a Self-Tape request through my Shortlist?
Requesting a self-tape can only be done through the relevant breakdown. It is not possible to request a self-tape through a shortlist. This is because the self-tape needs to be attached to a specific role on a specific breakdown.
How do I send a tape request to a performer who has not been suggested for a role?
At this time, self-tape requests can only be sent to performers who have been submitted for the role. You can either ask the performer/agent to submit for the role in order to send the request or you can revert to the traditional way of requesting a tape by contacting the performer/agent via a shortlist or profile. It is also possible to request a tape outside of Spotlight.
Can I upload tapes that were not sent on Spotlight?
Yes, you will still be able to upload tapes in the Media Section of your project folder. Please see our Spotlight Casting Media Platform FAQs for more information.
How can I change the expiry date for a tape request?
Once the self-tape request is submitted, it is not possible to extend the expiry date or to close a request early. You can, however, send a new tape request.
Can I send Self-Tape requests in bulk?
It is possible to send bulk submissions within each role but not for an entire breakdown. Tape requests are issued on a role by role basis, by selecting performer cards that have been suggested for a given role, you can bulk send to all performers in one go via one tape request form.
Can I request an audio clip instead of a video?
Our Beta test is limited to only uploading video while we test the system. The ability to request audio clips will follow soon after.
Can I request a photo/image along with a video request?
At the moment it is only possible to request a video file but we hope to add the ability to include a photo or image in the near future.
Where can I manage my Self-Tape requests?
From the left hand menu you will see a new option called Tape Requests - this is where you will find an overview of the self-tapes requested and whether a request has been Accepted, Declined or Received. Clicking into the received self-tapes will take you to the submitted self-tapes for that role.
How will I know when a Self-Tape has been submitted?
The status will show on each performer’s card as soon as a tape has been requested, when the performer has accepted or declined the request and when a tape has been submitted.
Why does it say “Beta” next to my Self-Tape tab?
As this is a new feature, this means that we are testing this feature in real time and the functionality of the feature may change following on from the feedback we receive and while we develop this feature further. Feedback can be submitted from within the self-tape page, just look out for the feedback pop up or you can submit your feedback directly through our feedback form.