Equity launches self-tape guide for commercials

A code of best practice for self-tape and Zoom auditions for commercials is now available.

Launched by Equity, it is the first of its kind for commercials in the UK and follows a best practice guide for scripted dramas released last August.

It includes a recommended two-day minimum turnaround for self-tapes, avoidance of anti-social hours for taping, and safeguarding guidance on requests for artists to audition fully or partially nude. 

The union hopes the guide will lead to improved standards in commercial auditions, which tend to be less regulated than other areas of production, meaning terms and conditions can be less favourable.

It follows notifications from Equity members of short requests for turnarounds on commercial tapings, often coming in late on a Friday and expected to be returned by Saturday lunchtime.

The union says it supports the use of self-tape and video conferencing apps for auditions which, it adds, increased during the pandemic.

“If used well, this can encourage a much wider and more diverse representation of artists to enter the industry, including those who live outside of London.”