How to Create a Slate for a Casting Call (With Examples & Pro Tips)

If you’re submitting for a film, commercial, or fashion project, chances are you’ll be asked to include a slate—a short video introduction where you present yourself on camera. While it seems simple, your slate is often the first impression a director or casting team gets. Done right, it can get you noticed. Done wrong, and you might be skipped before your audition even begins.

Whether you're new or experienced, this guide will walk you through exactly how to create a professional slate, what casting directors want to see, and how to stand out.

What Is a Slate?

Traditionally, a slate is a brief video clip at the beginning or end of a self-tape audition. It typically includes your name, age, height, location, and agency (if applicable). Depending on the project, they may also ask for full body shots, profiles (left and right), or specific information like availability or union status.

✅ What to Include in a Standard Slate:

1. Full Name

2. Age

3. Height (in feet & inches or cm)

4. Location (city & province/state)

5. Agent/Representation (if any)

6. Profiles (turn left/right to show your face in profile)

7. Full body shot (step back so they can see your full frame)
   

🔑 6 Helpful Tips (What Directors Really Want to See) 1. Keep It Natural, Not Robotic

Don’t act. Just be yourself. Directors want to get a sense of your personality and energy. Be calm, confident, and speak clearly.

“Hi, I’m Jasmine Lee, I’m 23 years old, 5 foot 7, based in Vancouver, and I’m represented by XYZ Talent.”

2. Dress Simply & Neutrally

Avoid logos, bold patterns, or anything too flashy. Directors don’t want to be distracted by your outfit—they want to focus on you.

3. Use Natural Lighting or a Clean Setup

Film in a well-lit room, ideally with natural light from a window. A plain wall (gray, white, beige) is perfect. No clutter or messy backgrounds.

4. Look Directly Into the Camera

For the slate, maintain direct eye contact with the lens. It creates a stronger connection and makes you appear more confident.

5. Frame Yourself Correctly

Start with a medium close-up (shoulders up) when you introduce yourself, then zoom out or step back for the full body. Avoid extreme closeups or distant framing.

6. Stay Within 20–30 Seconds

Your slate should be short and sweet. Rambling or adding unnecessary info will bore the casting team. Practice it once or twice before recording.

2 Great Slate Examples on YouTube:

In my mind, there are 2 ways to slate. There is the straightforward approach which is all business. It shows you are professional and to the point. Then there is the casual/personal approach. Neither are wrong. I tend to appreciate it when actors and models share a bit of their personality in a slate. It helps make a good impression and you can never go wrong coming off as friendly.

1. A clear, professional male slate that hits all the key details. To the point and professional. Comes across as serious which is often a good thing.
   

   
   

2. Female model slate that is both simple and shows personality—perfect for fashion or lifestyle casting but can work very well for an acting slate, too. Notice she uses photos for the thumbnail image and uses the video to show personality.

   
   
   
   
   
   

Remember, be Yourself

Casting directors and filmmakers watch hundreds of slates—most of them forgettable. But if yours shows clarity, confidence, and professionalism, it can instantly elevate your chances of landing the audition or role.

Take your time. Record multiple takes. And remember: you’re not auditioning in your slate—you’re introducing yourself.

💼 Need to Submit a Slate?

If you're applying for one of our casting calls (fashion films, short films, or commercials), follow the steps above and send your video to our official submission page:👉 dcbrandonfilms.com/actorswanted or dcbrandonfilms.com/modelswanted