DEMO REELS

Demo Reels.

You only get one first impression.

This is your commercial, you are the product.

Do you want to pay for you after watching your demo reel?

Some of you are looking into making demo reels or have enough tape to start one.  Lets start with this, just having a demo reel isn't always good.  If you have footage but it's not that good, and please ask more than your mom if it's a good scene or not.  If the footage doesn't show you as an amazing actor, or the quality of the film doesn't make you happy, then don't put it on a reel.  A reel can hurt you if it isn't showing you in a good light.  I am not saying stop doing independent films, do them for the practice.  However, once you have done enough then start getting picky.  Make sure that the professionals shooting the film are going to capture you in a good light. Work with people that are at par with what you want.  Find out what kind of camera they are shooting on, see if you can find any other films by that director or production company.  If you are not getting paid but are getting tape and credit then you want to make sure your "payment" is worth it. Again if your acting is't up to par yet then don't put it on a reel.

The reel should only be about 3 minutes max.  It can even be 1 minute.  You can do a long one for fun or just to show all your work, but as for actors access or casting directors make them quick, and entertaining!  You have to leave them wanting more, not wanting to punch their computer screen!  Quick clips and something to hold your attention, casting directors don't have a lot of time.  They don't want to watch a movie, they want to see you on screen and see that you can and have acted professionally.

When looking for someone to cut your reel ask them to see others they have done.  Watch them and see if they keep your attention.  You should be on screen more than anyone else.  Yes if you are in a scene with a big name make sure you get to see them, but over all we want to see you.  If it is a scene where you do not talk, then don't put it on your reel.  Unless you are going through a entertaining situation that we want to see. If your an extra in the scene then that is a no go..  Go online and look up professional reels in Los Angeles and New York.  Look at reels of actors that are working.  Then you have an idea of what a good reel is.