How to Name Self-Tape Files (The Convention Casting Prefers)
The exact format casting offices want — and why getting it wrong hurts you.
File naming feels trivial until you learn that casting offices sort by filename and a badly named tape ends up unwatched at the bottom of a folder of 400 submissions.
The convention most offices want
Unless the brief says otherwise: Role_LastName_FirstName. For example, Detective-Ward_Okafor_Ada.mp4.
If you send a separate slate, match it exactly and add a suffix: Detective-Ward_Okafor_Ada_Slate.mp4.
Rules that keep files openable
- Underscores or hyphens instead of spaces — spaces break some upload links.
- No punctuation beyond hyphens and underscores; apostrophes and slashes fail on Windows.
- Keep the .mp4 extension visible.
- Never include take numbers, dates, or 'FINAL_v3' in a submitted file.
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The brief always overrides the convention
If the notice asks for LastName_Role_Project, use that, exactly, including capitalisation. Casting associates build folders around their own scheme, and following it is the cheapest professionalism you will ever demonstrate.
Name your own archive differently
Keep your local copies as YYYY-MM-DD_Project_Role so your own folder sorts chronologically. Rename only at the moment of upload.
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