You’ve filmed your self tape, you chose your best takes, and you hit send. So now what do you do? First, let's talk about what actually happens on the other side.
What happens after you submit
Once your tape is in, it goes into a pool of submissions that casting directors will review - sometimes within days, sometimes over a few weeks or even months, depending on the project's timeline. They're watching a lot of tapes, shortlisting performers who fit what they're looking for, and cross-referencing with the director, producers, and sometimes the network or studio. There are a lot of moving parts, and most of them have nothing to do with you.
The Callback/ Chemistry Test
If your tape lands well, you'll usually hear back in one of a few ways. The most common is a Callback - either with a new set of sides to tape again, or an invitation to audition in person. A callback isn't a guarantee, but it means you're genuinely in the conversation. Sometimes casting will also ask for a chemistry read, where you'll audition alongside another actor they're considering for a different role. That's a good sign too!
The Straight Offer
For some roles - particularly supporting or daily parts - casting may go straight from your self tape to an offer without a callback at all. It can feel surprisingly quick when it happens, but it's completely normal. Well done you!
The Screen Test
For bigger high-profile roles, especially leads, you might be asked to do a Screen Test - a more formally filmed audition that sometimes involves costume, hair and makeup, and reading with other cast members. This usually happens later in the process once the shortlist is very narrow. It's a significant step and means they're seriously considering you!
What "No News" actually means
More often than not, if you don't get the role - you simply won't hear anything. It's not ideal, but is unfortunately quite the standard industry practice. Silence doesn't mean your tape was bad - it might mean the role went a different direction, the casting directors made choices to balance out the ensemble, or the project stalled. Don't read into it too much and be proud of what you have put out there! They may not go with you for this particular part, but they would have seen your great performance and can keep you in mind for future roles.
Asking for Feedback
If you have not heard back, it's okay to reach out to casting directors and ask for feedback only for the bigger roles that you felt really strongly about, or those you have progressed a few rounds in. If you do, just keep it light - a simple "would you have any notes for next time?" goes a long way. Just be prepared that sometimes the answer can be “no feedback available”, and that's okay too. If you were one of the top choices for a bigger role and was let go, you may find the casting directors will give you a quick feedback without you even prompting.
The Bottom Line
Send the tape, trust the work, and go live your life. The waiting is one of the hardest parts of this industry, so try your best to steer away from fixation and think about your overall progression: if you feel you are improving with every self tape opportunity, that’s already a big gig!
For more acting and auditioning knowledge, book an Acting Coaching session with Self Centred Studio and we can give you a personalised session catered to your needs.