
“How To Make A Netflix Level Self-Tape”
by Nikky Athan
An intensive 3-day cinematic acting masterclass in Thessaloniki
22 to 24 June 2026
18:30-21:30
Actor and producer Nikky Athan comes to Thessaloniki for a unique 3-day acting intensive dedicated to modern on-camera acting and professional self-tapes for television, film, and international productions.
“How To Make A Netflix Level Self Tape” is a practical masterclass based on the real demands of today’s industry, giving actors the tools to create truthful, cinematic, and professional self-tapes that stand out.
In an era where most auditions take place online, the self-tape has become an actor’s most important first impression. The masterclass focuses not only on technique, but above all on truth, instinct, and cinematic presence in front of the camera.
During the workshop, participants will work on:
– Truthful on-camera acting
– Self-tape technique & camera presence
– Subtext and instinct in performance
– Script & character breakdown
– What casting directors are really looking for
– Professional self-tape setup
– Direction and personal feedback
– Tricks & tips for international auditions and self-tapes for abroad
– How castings work in England and international productions


Drawing from personal experience in international productions and auditions, practical advice will be discussed on how an actor can approach the international market, how to set up a professional self-tape from home, and what truly makes a tape stand out to international casting directors.
At the end of the masterclass, each participant will have the opportunity to create and receive their own professionally filmed self-tape, ready to also use as a Showreel.
The masterclass is aimed at professional and emerging actors, drama school students, performers, and anyone who wants to develop their on-camera work in a more contemporary and internationally-oriented way.



CORE FOCUS OF THE MASTERCLASS
The goal is for actors to:
1. Understand what casting directors are really looking for
2. Learn to create truthful, specific, and cinematic performances
3. Develop a clear system for approaching every self tape
4. Stop “performing” and start reacting with truth in front of the camera
The focus is on:
– Instinct
– Presence
– Subtext
– And how all of these translate into a strong, professional self tape
OUTCOME
After the masterclass, participants will:
1. Have a clear method for every audition
2. Feel confident in front of the camera
3. Know how to stand out in self tapes
4. Be able to create work that commands attention
DAY 1 – CONNECTION, CHARACTER & INSTINCT
– Group connection & personal goals
– Character analysis (Stanislavski questions)
– Script breakdown & beats
– Triggered words & hooks (instinct work)
– Subtext through “secrets”
DAY 2 – CAMERA TECHNIQUE & INDUSTRY PRACTICE
– Self tape setup (framing, lighting, sound, eyelines)
– How to perform for the camera (not for theatre)
– What casting directors really want to see
– How to make your performance look effortless & truthful
– How to set up, record, and submit a professional self tape
DAY 3 – FILMING & FEEDBACK
– Self tape filming
– Direction & adjustments
– Personal feedback for each actor

Bio
Nikiforos (Nikky Athan) is a London-based actor and producer, working across international productions between the United Kingdom and Greece. He has been involved in projects including campaigns for global brands such as Puma, as well as productions connected to platforms such as Netflix, Hollywood, and the Bollywood industry.
Alongside his acting work, he develops film projects as a producer, with a focus on contemporary, internationally oriented stories. His work centres on truth, instinct, and detail in front of the camera, and through his masterclasses he shares practical industry knowledge, bridging the gap between acting training and the real demands of auditions.
Information:
📍Date: 22 – 24 June 2026
🕡 Seminar time: 18.30-21.30
📍Location: Lemon Art Studio — Ptolemaion 26, 4th floor, Thessaloniki
💰Participation fee: 220 euros
⏳Duration: 3 days / 9 hours total
With the support of TerrArte
🎭 Places are limited.