A REEL
tight arse
We hear it all the time from acting schools, "just grab some friends, shoot scenes on your phone, and make your own reel." While well-meaning, this advice can actually hurt your career. Successful actors don’t land their big break from self-shot iPhone footage.
Now, before you challenge me, let me say—smartphones are great for shooting on the go, but if you want a film career, it has to look professional. You’re not trying to be a YouTuber. Let me explain why smartphone-shot scenes won’t cut it in the industry.
A successful actor lands their big break because their reel hits the 3 must-haves: they can act, they’ve got screen presence, and they look like a professional.
I can almost hear you saying: Yeah, i can act. ✅ I got screen presence. ✅
But can you honestly say the last video you shot on your iPhone looks professional? (Go on... check it out, I'll wait.)
Building a creative career isn’t easy—it’s a mix of wins and losses. You’ll feel like giving up a million times, but we realise we just can’t - we love it and we just can’t stop. You have to believe in yourself So why should you settle? Is self-shot iPhone footage going to get you your dream?
THERE ARE SOME AMAZING MOVIES THAT HAVE BEEN SHOT ON SMARTPHONES - SO IT'S POSSIBLE RIGHT? Your iphone videos will never look like the ones Apple shows you. Why? Because smartphone companies are guilty of glorifying video features by displaying them through the lenses of those who have spent decades mastering the craft of filmmaking. They want people to see how capable these smartphones can be in filmmaking so they collaborate with famous directors like Ridley Scott (Galaxy S23 Ultra). Don’t be fooled by the marketing, I assure you these incredible directors were not a one man band, and they sure as hell didn’t just hold the phone and hit the record button. Each one of these smartphone company films goes through rigorous production processes that most consumers will never replicate. I’m talking lighting equipment, specialised lenses, stablisers, extensive post-production services and the list goes on.
Yes there have been a few award-winning films shot on an iphone. (Unsane, High Fantasy and Uneasy Lies of the Mind.) It can be done. But you need to take into consideration that these were made with all the bells and whistles when it comes to accessories and additional equipment, and full professional production crews with lots of experience. These films work because the footage works for the type of story being told.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE?
A smartphone (and let’s be honest, it’s probably not the latest either), plus you maybe have a selfie stick, tripod and a ring light. It's not quite the same is it.
The pitfalls of smartphone filmmaking - explained!
Lenses and Sensors
Smart phones have tiny cameras and sensors, which means they’re not great in low light and they can’t handle high contrasting scenes. They are getting better all the time, but, then so are the professional cameras.
Yes, you can add adapters and lenses to get the cinematic depth of field.
(cha-ching $$)
You can add lights, if you have the knowledge and expertise. (cha-ching $$)
Ergonomics and Camera Shake
Small cameras are difficult to stablise or hold comfortably for long times, which means you are going to have shaky footage. Depending on the look you’re going for, it may work out fine, but generally it means your footage lacks that professional feel.
Yes, you can get accessories like a gimbal or tripod to help you get steady shots (Cha-ching $$)
Limited Creative Control
Smartphones give limited manual controls when it comes to controlling shutter speeds and aperture. You’re going to need to be able to brighten or reduce the exposure while you’re filming (shutter speeds) and get that beautiful depth of field (aperture) for a more cinematic feel.
Yes there are pro apps that expand your control over the image like Filmic Pro (cha-ching $$), but you’ll never have the level of control that a professional camera will give. Do you have the skills and knowledge how to control the shutter speed, aperture and white balance?
Limited Recording Options
Frames per second help filmmakers control the look of a film and give it that professional feel. Smartphones are restricted to shooting in 30fps or 60fps. Which means when your shooting here in australia you’re going to get those awful flickering lights under some artificial lighting.
Composing the Shot
Cinematographers spend their whole careers mastering the craft to envoke feelings for the character with dynamic angles. A high shot or low angle shot, Medium Close up. What angle does your scene need? Yeah, it sounds simple, just point and shoot with a smartphone, but it’s not that easy especially if you can’t see what your shooting while you're shooting it.
Yes, there is a fix for that too -a monitor or swivel screen (cha-ching $$)
Phone audio is limited
Phone audio is limited. Smartphones have small omnidirectional microphones (they pick up sounds coming in form all directions). Meaning it will pick up every background noise and not be a clear where you need it on the lines being delivered.
Yes it can be overcome by attaching an external microphone. (cha-ching $$) Don’t forget that you can’t monitor the audio while your shooting either. Trust me when we say, it is frustrating when you give the best performance of the day and the sound recording doesn’t capture it right.
Don’t forget to add overheating, short battery life while shooting video and limited file storage to the list of challenges to overcome.
The Real Secret:
Good tools, not just good vibes.
Now, don’t panic. You don’t have to drop a ton of cash on fancy equipment to get a great self-tape. It’s all about using what you’ve got wisely—and maybe investing in a few tricks to make your video look less “homemade YouTube video” and more “I’m ready for the big leagues.” Here’s what you can do to up your game:
- Lighting: You don’t need an Oscar-worthy lighting setup, but a cheap ring light or softbox will work wonders. If you’re on a super tight budget, just shoot near a big window during the day (natural light for the win - this is our go to solution!). But whatever you do, avoid standing directly in the sun unless you’re going for that “lobster chic” vibe.
- Audio: Bad audio is the dealbreaker. If your self-tape sounds like you’re talking through a pillow, casting directors will lose interest faster than you can say “technical difficulties.” A clip-on mic or a directional mic can make a huge difference. Trust us, they’ll thank you for it.
- Stability: Don’t try to be the next action star while holding your phone with one hand. Grab a cheap tripod or phone mount to keep things steady. Otherwise, you might end up looking like you’re auditioning for the role of “person trying to juggle their phone while reading lines.”
- Remote control: Want to walk into frame like a boss without having to awkwardly touch your phone and ruin the moment? Get yourself a remote control for your phone’s camera. It’s a game-changer for those suave entrances where you stroll into the scene like you own it. No more anxiety level spiking or frantic scrambling to hit the record button, just a zen focus when you’re ready to start your monologue.
Confidence is Key.
Here’s the thing: Casting directors don’t just want to see your lines—they want to see you in your element. When you look like you’ve got everything under control, it’ll show in your performance. You want them to see a confident actor who knows what they’re doing, not someone who’s scrambling to adjust their phone or wondering if they’re even in frame.
A professional-looking self-tape doesn’t just come from good gear. It comes from you looking like you belong in that scene. That means getting comfortable with your environment, using your tools wisely, and working with people who get the vibe you’re going for.
Check out the confidence oozing from Louis during his self tape for "Nautilus" - watch the video here.
Pro Tip: You don't have to go it alone
Look, you’ve got the talent. You’ve got the passion. We don't say it enough, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. The film industry is all about teamwork and community, so don’t be afraid to reach out for a little help. If you want to really level up your self-tape, working with people who know how to make you look your best can make all the difference. With just a few simple upgrades, you can go from looking like a DIY project to a pro in no time—even if you’re working with a budget.
Next time you grab your phone to shoot your self-tape, remember: You don’t need to break the bank to look like a million bucks. With the right lighting, good audio, and some creative problem-solving, you’ll get the most out of what you’ve got. It’s all about making the best of your resources and showing off your true potential.
And hey, if you want to take the stress out of the process and let someone else handle the tech side, we’re always here to help at Bright Llama Productions. We get it—sometimes you just want to focus on your performance, and if that means getting a little extra help, we’ve got you covered without draining your wallet. Whether it’s a DIY setup or a helping hand, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.
