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Quick answer: A slate is the short introduction at the start of an audition or self-tape: you look into the camera and say your name, plus any details they ask for, such as your height or the role. An intro video is a longer version, about a minute, where you also talk about your training and experience so casting can see your personality and how you come across on camera.
The word comes from the clapperboard, or slate, used on film sets to identify each take: when you slate, you’re labeling your own audition. Along with your headshot, resume and reel, it’s part of the materials a casting call may ask for, and it’s smart to have a good intro video recorded before a casting call comes out. Our guide on how to prepare your audition materials shows you how to put the whole kit together and send it.
What is a slate and when do you need one?
A slate lasts just a few seconds. At an in-person audition, the casting team may ask you to slate when the camera starts rolling; on a self-tape, the instructions tell you whether to slate at the top of the video, in a separate clip or not at all. Casting teams use it to keep their footage organized and to get a first sense of how you look and sound.
A basic slate is your name, said clearly and with confidence, for example: “Hi, I’m your name, and I’m reading for the role of character.” Depending on the request, you may add your height, the city you’re based in or your agency. Commercial auditions sometimes also ask for your profiles (turning to each side) or a look at your hands. Minors usually state their age; adults generally leave it out unless the instructions ask for it.
What is an intro video and when is it requested?
It’s a short video, about a minute long, where you talk to the camera naturally about your name, where you live, your acting training and your experience. Casting calls ask for it so the person casting gets to know your personality and how comfortable you are on camera before inviting you to an audition. Some talent agencies ask for one too when you apply for representation.
Its job is to give a first impression of your energy, your voice and the way you come across on camera. Casting directors receive huge numbers of photos and resumes that look alike, and a well-made intro video helps them remember you.
What to say in an intro video
The same things your acting resume sums up, but told out loud, in about a minute, in a natural tone and without reading:
- Full name: say it clearly and with confidence.
- Age, if they ask for it: your real age, without taking off or adding years.
- City or area: where you’re based right now.
- Training: your most relevant studies, in a few words.
- Experience: two or three highlights. If you’re just starting out, talk about what drives you and what you’re working on now.
- Special skills: if you have one that adds something, like a language, an instrument or a sport, this is a good moment to mention it.
If the casting call asks for something specific, such as your height or your profiles, follow those instructions to the letter.
Slate and intro video vs. acting reel
Your reel shows how you act: it brings together your scenes from different projects. A slate or intro video shows who you are: you talk to the camera as yourself, with no character and no script. They complement each other, because one makes you human and the other proves your acting ability.
| Slate | Intro video | Acting reel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Who is auditioning | Who you are, out of character | How you act, in different roles |
| What it includes | Your name, plus any details they ask for (height, location, role) | You talking to the camera: name, location, training and experience | Scenes from projects you’ve been in or recorded for your reel |
| Length | A few seconds | About a minute | One to three minutes |
| What it’s for | Identifying your audition | Showing your personality, your voice and your ease on camera | Proving your acting ability |
For the full definition, see what an acting reel is. And if you don’t have one yet, our guide on how to make an acting reel takes you through it step by step.
How to record a good slate or intro video
The idea is for whoever watches it to feel like they’re meeting you in person. For that, take care of both the technical side and the acting side.
The technical side
- Background: plain and neutral, with no distractions.
- Light: in front of you and even. Avoid backlighting.
- Sound: in a quiet room without echo.
- Camera: horizontal, framed as a medium shot or a close-up.
It’s the same setup as a self-tape, the scene you record at home for a specific casting call. Our guide on how to record a self-tape walks you through building a home setup with your phone.
The acting side
- Look into the camera: at the lens, not at the screen or off to the side. Think of the camera as the casting director.
- Talk without reading: keep the key points in mind, but leave your notes aside. It has to sound natural and fluid.
- Slate as yourself: save the character for the scene; the slate is you.
- Genuine energy: without overacting or getting too formal. Show your real personality.
- Length: a few seconds for a slate; about a minute for an intro video, and never more than two.
Tip: Record several versions of your intro video and ask someone you trust which one best shows your personality. Sometimes the first take has the freshest energy, but it’s worth exploring.
Frequently asked questions
What is a slate in acting?
It’s the short introduction at the start of an audition or self-tape: you look into the camera and say your name, plus any details the casting team asks for, such as your height, your location or the role. It takes a few seconds and labels your audition so the team knows who they’re watching.
What is an intro video for actors?
It’s a short video, about a minute long, where an actor introduces themselves to the camera naturally: name, location, training and experience. Casting calls and agencies ask for it to get to know your personality and how comfortable you are on camera, beyond your photos and reel.
What is the difference between an intro video and an acting reel?
The intro video shows you as you are, talking to the camera naturally with no character. The acting reel shows you acting in different projects. They complement each other: the intro video makes your submission feel human and the reel proves your acting ability.
What should I say in an intro video?
Your full name, where you’re based, your most relevant training and two or three highlights from your experience. If you’re just starting out, talk about what drives you and what you’re working on now. If you have a special skill that adds something, mention it. All in about a minute, in a natural tone and without reading.
How long should a slate or intro video be?
A slate takes just a few seconds. An intro video should run about a minute, and never more than two: enough to say who you are, what you studied and what you’ve done, and to let your energy on camera come through. If the casting call asks for a different length, follow it.
How do I record a good intro video?
Use a plain background, light in front of you, a quiet room and your phone held horizontally, framed as a medium shot or a close-up. Look into the lens, talk without reading and show your real personality, without overacting. Record several versions and choose the one that represents you best.
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