Best Self Tape Backdrops for Actors

A great home self tape studio set up is a must have for any auditioning actor. A key part of that setup is a self tape backdrop! A great backdrop provides a distraction free space for you to film. It helps casting focus completely on you and provides a flattering background so that your performance can really shine. In this article, we’ll be going far beyond the plain white wall. We’ll break down the top options for your self tape backdrop. Read on for all the top tips and specific product recommendations.

What Kind of Self Tape Backdrop is Best?

There are heaps of great options for self tape backdrops available to purchase! But, before you make a final decision, be sure to get your head around a few key desirable features.

The following are non-negotiable elements to consider before you make any purchase decisions. Your backdrop should be:

• Completely free of wrinkles or folds in the fabric.
• A neutral colour.
• Large enough to fill the frame of your self tape.

Make sure you check dimensions, materials, and reviews before any purchases to ensure that the product will fit your space and satisfy your requirements.

What Colour Self Tape Backdrop Should I Get?

Choose a neutral colour backdrop that provides a good contrast for your skin tone, hair and clothing. Great colour options are grey and blue. Even light brown can be a great option if you choose to use an abstract or patterned backdrop, like some of the options below. Street clear of bright colours like green, pink, purple, etc. Additionally, avoid pure black and white, as they throw off the white balance in your camera settings.

Collapsible Self Tape Backdrops for Actors

Starting with the #1 most popular option among actors, collapsible backdrops are perfect for small spaces, a collapsible backdrop allows you to set up and pack down your backdrop with ease. Their portability and the ability to store them between taping sessions makes these a super popular option! Just remember that you may need some sort of a stand or mounting system to prop them up, especially if you want to use the backdrop anywhere freestanding. Though, I have plenty of actor friends who just use a trusty ironing board and lean it against the wall, so it’s by no means a requirement!

Popular options include backdrops with different colours on each side, including this Blue/Grey backdrop where one side is grey and the other blue. Multiple options exist for these colour ways. The options range from a plain coloured background like the ones above, to a more textured or abstract patterned appearance, like this Abstract Grey/Blue Backdrop. There are also additional colours available, like brown and blue, which can provide a great cinematic look for certain tapes and skin tones!

In the past few years, there have been a lot of actors moving from the plain coloured backdrops to these neutral abstract patterned ones. Choose for yourself which you prefer. And if you can’t decide, it never hurts to have two backdrops and expand your options!

Professional note: if you are unsure I would personally stick with a simple block colour, and our preference is always a grey or blue.

Hydraulic Backdrop East Set Up

A hydraulic background takes about 10 seconds to pull up and pull down. These backdrops are super easy to use and (as long as you have somewhere to put the base) pack away with ease. This backdrop is in a thick material with a nice neutral grey colour. Its an excellent option for actors who want a super quick self tape set up, reducing any friction to getting in front of the camera and knocking that self tape out of the park.

Permanent Self Tape Backdrops

The second category of backdrops are more permanent self tape backdrop solutions. They require more setup and initial investment, but might be perfect for you if you’re ready to create a dedicated studio. These permanent set ups are perfect if you are lucky enough to have a dedicated self tape space. Typically, these will involve fabric or paper backdrops and some sort of stand or mounting system. The stand may be freestanding, or it may be installed on your wall or ceiling. Below, we give a brief guide to what you’ll need to set up your studio!

Freestanding Self Tape Backdrop

A freestanding self tape backdrop will require two key components: the backdrop material and a frame to hold it. These can take up quite a bit of space, as you will want to make sure the backdrop is wide enough to fill the entire background of your self tape. We recommend at least 2 metres wide, to ensure you aren’t limited in your filming options!

Equipment for a Free Standing Studio Set Up

One possible option for a self tape backdrop is a fabric backdrop. You can get these online or in physical stores and you can easily change out the colours (just watch that with fabric they can crease easily). There is also the option to buy rolls of photography paper, which are retractable! This is actually my main recommendation as they look really professional and don’t crease!

There’s no need to be too brand loyal when it comes to paper roll backdrops, as you will eventually replace them. You’re free to experiment and find what works best for you.

Finally, there are lots of options for backdrop stands. Do your own research here, but most will be appropriate. This is another similar backdrop stand. Most are adjustable in height and width. Just make sure you buy one that is large enough to accommodate the width of whichever backdrop or paper roll or backdrop you purchase!

Wall Mounted Self Tape Backdrops

If you’re looking for a permanent setup, especially with multiple backdrop options, try a roller wall or ceiling mount! We’ve included a wall mount option that would get you started.

Once you’ve chosen your mount, and whether you’d like 1, 3, or 4 rolls on it, you can start to investigate the backdrop options for the photography paper rolls. One paper photography backdrop option is listed here.

You might also want to purchase a metal crossbar so the paper backdrop rolls don’t buckle in the middle! The crossbar goes through the cardboard centre of the paper backdrop roll. The extension bars then go into the crossbar, and are added to the wall mount with the chain.

What Kind of Backdrop Should Actors Use for Their Self Tapes?

As you can see, there are so many wonderful options for actors when it comes to the backdrop to their self tapes. Investing a little up front really pays dividends to upping the professional quality of your tapes, and helps you audition with confidence. For actors seeking an easy, affordable solution, the collapsible backdrops listed above offer a great starting point. For actors with the inclination or desire for a more permanent solution, options abound to create more bespoke setups that they can mount in their homes or that will serve them for years to come. And if you’re keen to practice your self taping skills, come join us in StageMilk Scene Club.