Polaroid 72" Premium Tripod

A tripod is necessary to mount your recording device and elevate it to eye-level. Be sure to take your height into account when purchasing a tripod, as you'll need one that can reach your height. This 72" tripod from Polaroid is a great option.

Ailun Phone Mount

If using your phone as your recording device, you'll need a phone mount to secure it to the tripod. This simple mount from Ailun allows you to adjust for various phone sizes. You may find some tripod kits that include a phone mount accessory.

Neewer 700W Softboxes

Softboxes are a popular choice for self-tapes, as they create consistent, even lighting.

Neewer 600W Umbrella Lights

Similarly, umbrella lights create consistent, even lighting.

Neewer 18" Ring Light Kit

Ring lights are a good option as they are less expensive and don't take up as much space as umbrella lights or softboxes. Many are dimmable, and can be adjusted to create either warm or cool light.

Selens 5x6.6' Blue Grey Pop-Up Backdrop

This backdrop from Selens is reversable (either blue or gray) and foldable for easy storage.

Julius Studio 6x9' Fabric Backdrop

Fabric backdrops such as this one from Julius Studio are available in a variety of colors.

Neewer Adjustable Backdrop Support Stand

You may wish to purchase a support stand, especially if using a fabric backdrop. You can easily clamp the fabric to the top of the T-stand.

Apple iMovie

Free for most Mac users, iMovie is a simple video editor. This is a wonderful tool to use as you learn how to edit.

Adobe Premiere

Premiere Pro, a paid software from Adobe, is a bit more complex than iMovie. As you progress further in your career and self-generate your own films, you may wish to utilize a video editor such as Premiere that comes with more features.

OpenShot

OpenShot is free for both Mac and PC users, and another great video editor to use as you learn how to edit simply and easily.

This Sony ICD-PX470 Digital Voice Recorder is a great tool for memorizing lines. Learning by listening helps avoid trying to picture the lines as they appear on the page.

Bonnie Gillespie's book Self-Management for Actors "will help you take control of the business side of your creative career. By learning how to build your brand, target your buyers, create content that showcases you best, and pitch like the rockstar you are, you'll build a fulfilling career (wherever you live) that helps rocket you to the next tier. Balance is key, and the tips in Self-Management for Actors will put you well on your way to having the best manager you deserve: yourself!"

In Jenna Fischer's book The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide, she "spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle."

"Backstage’s In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast features intimate inspirational interviews with some of the most exciting film, television, and theater awards contenders working today."

The Hollywood Reporter's Behind the Screen podcast is hosted by Carolyn Giardina, Tech Editor for The Hollywood Reporter. She "extends her coverage of the filmmaking crafts. She will be talking with the cinematographers, editors, production designers, composers, visual effects supervisors, and other leading artists that bring the magic of motion pictures to theaters."

In Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused, you'll hear from "the biggest movie stars and filmmakers on the planet. Each and every week, you’ll hear in-depth, career-spanning conversations...with A-listers like Anna Kendrick, Tom Hiddleston, or Kristen Stewart (all HSC regulars)."

"Hosted by SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the podcast features in-depth interviews and insights into our union and the entertainment and media industries."

In Off Camera with Sam Jones, Sam shares "conversations with a myriad of artists, actors, musicians, directors, skateboarders, photographers, and writers that pique his interest."

In Life is Short, podcast host Justin Long promises to "get personal with all kinds of people, from actors to musicians to deep thinkers who fascinate me."

"Through humorous rants and reflections, host Mike 'Box' Elder extracts insightful commentary from Los Angeles based professionals on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry."