Demo Reels 101: How to Get More Acting Roles

Demo Reels 101: How to Get More Acting Roles

Demo Reels 101: How to Get More Acting Roles

Carmela Hayslett
Carmela Hayslett
10 years ago

I started my journey into acting and filmmaking in 2007 as an actress. I found myself interested in all facets of filmmaking because, honestly, being in front of the camera just was not enough for me. I wished to contribute much more to every production I could come to be a part of. This would eventually lead me towards editing and more specifically – becoming a demo reel editor.

A lot of my peers at the time didn't see a reel as being a necessary tool to market themselves. Meanwhile, I was getting all of these roles , specifically because of my demo reel. Not just that, but because I was one of the very few who even had a demo reel. To my surprise, sometimes having a demo reel avoided me having to audition all together. That's always nice, right?

After holding just about every job in the industry, from acting to directing to producing to casting – I decided that maybe my best contribution to the industry would be to edit demo reels. I invested a lot of time and money into finding out what casting professionals want to see in demo reels. I've went as far as paying top casting directors to critique the reels I've done. This led me to being one of the most successful demo reel editors I know. Now I can say I'm really contributing to this business and helping my peers shine. The knowledge I've gained is what I wish to share with all of you.

Typically, the most stressful part about putting together a demo reel is not knowing how to put together a demo reel. It's frustrating when you don't have the answers and it’s even more frustrating when you don't know what kind of questions to ask.

Let's start with the most basic question:

What is a demo reel?

A demo reel is your resume in motion. This is a video (usually between 30 seconds to 3 minutes) of your best work to show your experience, your range, and your abilities as a performer. This video is sent along with your head shot and resume when you are applying for roles. This is how you make an impression before you even get to the audition. In the luckiest of circumstances, some actors score roles off of their demo reels alone and completely get to bypass the audition all together.

What should I put in my demo reel?

The best thing to do is let your agent or manager choose which of your work goes into your demo reel. After all, they are the ones who will use it to market you and get you work. If you do not have an agent, you have the decision to let your editor choose or to choose the work yourself. If you want to choose what goes into your reel, you'll have to detach yourself from being biased. Ask yourself, "What is it about this scene that makes me marketable?" "What is it about this scene that stands out from the others?" "What is it about this scene that will make a casting professional choose me?" If you're choosing a scene where the sound is terrible, but your hair looks good... you might want an editor to choose your scenes for you.

Choose scenes where you are the main focus. Choose scenes where you have lines. Choose scenes where you share screen time with name actors. The viewers should be able to clearly see your face without having to look around the screen for you. The viewer should also be able to clearly hear you. Choose scenes that are different from each other by range of performance. Remember, you have 30 seconds minimum to 3 minutes maximum to make a great impression.

What are the guidelines?

The guidelines differ depending on who sees the reel and who's using your reel to market you. Typically, an agent will want you to have a one-minute reel. This is because the big rule of demo reels is that if you can't engage the viewer in 30 seconds, they’ll shut it off and move on. Showing a lot of yourself in a short time is key. The minimum for a reel is 30 seconds and the maximum is 3 minutes. I know 30 seconds doesn't sound like a lot, but a great reel can show so much in 30 seconds. Time is critical for a casting professional and a short reel shows appreciation for that. If they want to see more from you they will see it when they call you in. Just be sure to never exceed 3 minutes.

TIP: If you do a lot of low-budget, independent films you can go the full three minutes. Usually the director and producer are involved with the casting and will be happy to watch the entire reel. They’re not casting professionals, so they’re happy to have anything that will help them make a confident casting decision. I work with a production company full-time and we appreciate creative reels just as long as we see what we need to see as well.

The visual slate is the block at the beginning of your reel with your name on it. You can choose to put your name, your contact information, and your head shot on that slate. This slate should usually only be four seconds long. It sounds like a short time (and it is) but remember that your contact information is on your resume. When you introduce yourself to people in person you don't typically say, "My name is Daniel. My phone number is... my IMDB link is..." So think of it like that. Too much information on your slate can seem too eager. If someone wants to contact you after seeing your reel, they will. On the other hand, whatever you choose to put on the slate is up to you. It's not like you won't get the role because you put too much info on your slate.

Titles or no titles? A lot of people choose not to put the titles of the films on their reels. It can get distracting. But with the rise of homemade reels (scenes scripted and performed solely to create a reel), having titles on your reel proves that you have actual experience because those titles coincide with what's on your resume. Then again, having no titles on your reel can help keep the pace moving forward without distraction. The choice to put titles on your reel is yours. There's no right or wrong decision. Just consider the pros and cons first.

By the way, no flash and no montages. Some people want their reel to be like a big flashy music video. There's nothing wrong with that, but when it's your career on the line, you should probably reconsider. They aren't looking at your reel for the editing. They’re looking for your acting. Flashiness just distracts from the subject (you). It's also safe to refrain from putting in montages. They're not showing your abilities the way the viewer needs to see them.

Should I have multiple reels?

It doesn't hurt to be prepared. Many people have multiple reels, but you're not hurting your chances by only having one. You're not going to have an abundance of experience overnight and there's nothing wrong with that. If you have enough experience to do multiple reels, than go for it. If you don't, one solid reel will still take you a long way.

Personally, I've always used one reel for my acting purposes. I don't feel the need to have a comedic reel and a dramatic reel. Say I'm auditioning for a comedy. Just because it's a comedy doesn't mean there won't be some dramatic parts in there somewhere. By having both comedy and drama in my reel, I'm clearly showing I can provide that range. However, I do believe in keeping film work and commercial work separate. Commercial work and film work sometimes call for different skill sets.

What if I don't have any footage?

There's alternatives.

You can have a high quality video of yourself doing a monologue. In fact, you can have one dramatic monologue in one video and one comedic monologue in another. It's cost-effective and a lot of casting professionals don't mind being provided with a video monologue instead of a reel. Some of you have trouble getting footage from the projects you've performed in. Some of you have only done background work. Some of you are just starting out. Casting professionals understand this better than you might think they do.

Another alternative is home-made reels. Whether it's recommended or not has been debatable for years. You can hire a person or a team to script, set, and shoot your demo reel from scratch. If you're determined to do it this way than consider the following:

- The purpose of having a reel is to show your experience from already produced works. It shows you have on-set experience just as much as it shows you have acting experience.

- Casting professionals are trained at what they do. They are the ones who invented the idea of the demo reel. Nine times out of ten they know a fake reel when they see one. Trying to fool a casting director isn't a good way to make a first impression.

- Be careful when hiring a person or team to make your demo reel. If you are inexperienced, it will show. If they are inexperienced, that will show too. It's a costly service and you're not going to get your money back if it doesn't work.

- On a lighter note, as long as you're honest about it, a casting director might not mind if your reel is home-made or professionally-made. For instance, Maddalena Ischiale, from Angelina Jolie's second-directed film Unbroken, learned that the film was looking to cast an “Italian Mother-type,” so Maddalena submitted a video reel of herself playing an Italian mother. She was asked to audition and Ms. Jolie gave her the part!

Maddalena Ischiale in Unbroken

I hope you have found these tips and guidelines helpful. Please feel free to leave me comments and ask me your questions. Remember, the guidelines can vary depending on who wants what from your reel, but now you have a common outline to get the process going! Good luck!

Like this blog post? Please share it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email etc) by using our social media buttons at the top of the blog. Or post to your personal blog and anywhere else you feel appropriate. Thank you.

As always, Carmela is available for questions and remarks in the Comments section below...

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About the Author

Carmela Hayslett

Carmela Hayslett

Actor, Editor

I'm an actress and editor close to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I've also dabbled in producing and directing a few small projects as well. As an editor I specialize in providing fast and affordable demo reels for entertainers. I love learning all facets of filmmaking and developing friendships with t...

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20 Comments on Carmela's Article

Jardelina Souto
screenwriter
I want to go back into acting. What a wonderful enlightening article! I think your article is stringing out old memories, and made me feel that the right technology can help to make things possible, even our dreams. Thanks Carmela, Jarde
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Hi Stephanie, I'm glad you found this article helpful. Yes, I do critique reels. I also update reels for an affordable cost if you need my services. Please feel free to message me or to e-mail me at carmelahayslett@live.com
9 years ago
Stephanie Meyer
Actor, Voice Actor
Wow! I really found this helpful Carmela thank you for your comments on this subject! I'm so glad you brought it up. I am an actress in Oregon and have done a few low budget shorts but have also been in an NBC TV series with a speaking role. I have a reel but I may need to update. Do you critique reels?
9 years ago
Dan Jablons
Actor, Director, Comedian, Musician, Playwright, Screenwriter, Theatre Director
I'm thinking of having a separate commercial reel from my film/TV reel. Thoughts?
10 years ago
Dan Jablons
Actor, Director, Comedian, Musician, Playwright, Screenwriter, Theatre Director
Elvis has long been an advocate of "same actor" reels. Don't make me start quoting the bible....
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Haha, Elvis!
10 years ago
Tamara Robertson
Actor, Dancer, Voice Artist, Choreographer, Business Development/Sales, Wardrobe Supervisor, Production Assistant
Amazing insights! I really appreciate the honest feedback and your advice on the lengths especially!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Thank you for reading, Tamara! I'm glad you found it helpful!
10 years ago
Sheilah Smiley
Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter
Very insightful and helpful blog post Carmela thanks so much for providing so much clarity around this topic. I only wish I could afford your wonderful editing services :-) I especially appreciate you acknowledging the challenges most of us actors face in getting copies of our work. This has been a very frustrating challenge for me. After 4 years of chasing footage from 2 feature films I had strong supporting roles in, I finally threw in the towel and took a class that brings together professional filmmakers, directors and actors who collaborate on project...we shot incredible scenes and that's what I have and it's working. Although God knows I want my actual film footage so bad, but I've had to let it go and move forward. Do you have any advice on how to get footage from directors/producers after shoot a project? Who is the best person to follow up with from a film? Thanks again Carmela and I wish you continued success.
10 years ago
Lawrence Charles Benedict
Actor, Author, Dialect Coach, Director, Editor, Producer, Screenwriter
You're very welcome, Tricia, Thanks for your response and thanks again to Carmela and her comprehensive article for getting this thread started. As soon as I get a chance I'll share my discoveries on file sharing, compressing and uploading. It is easy to suppose this aspect of getting your reel to the people who should see it is going to be instant and a no-brainer but that is not always the case. A submission that did not get there in time can miss the boat.
10 years ago
Tricia Swazzo
Director, Screenwriter, Actor, attorney (non-entertainment)
This was so good @Lawrence. Great, great advice and tips to definitely include. Thanks for sharing.
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
If anyone is ready to get their demo reel created or updates, please let me know. I'm very affordable and my turnaround is fast. Just drop me a line at carmelahayslett@live.com Thanks!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Thanks Tricia!
10 years ago
Tricia Swazzo
Director, Screenwriter, Actor, attorney (non-entertainment)
Thank you Carmela. Very good article.
10 years ago
Very informative, Carmela, thank you so much! I have heard recently that reels are on their way out and a Youtube channel is the way to go. What do you think of that?
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
That makes sense to me. Youtube is very convenient and easy to access. I wouldn't be surprised if that was in our immediate future.
10 years ago
Taylor Hay
Actor, Voice Artist, Singer
Thanks so much for the info. I was just getting ready to update mine. :)
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Hi Brian! I hope you are well and I'm so happy you read my article. I can get your scenes off of DVD. That's really no problem. Blu Ray might be a little trickier but I'm sure I could find a way for that too. Too much footage is indeed a good problem to have. Looking forward to hearing from you.
10 years ago
Brian Anthony Wilson
Actor, Performance Coach, Voice Artist
Great article Carmela! I'll be in touch soon, need to update mine asap. My problem is a good one, too much footage but my other issue is getting my scenes from DVD's/Blu Ray's. Talk soon, baw
10 years ago
Thanks for the blog post. I'm currently getting close to having enough footage come in from projects to have a reel done (though it is definitely slow to get!), so it's all good food for thought.
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Hi Robyn, I'm glad you liked the article. I wouldn't recommend a reel for role where you were an extra. Only use scenes in your reels where you can easily be seen and heard. I'm afraid it won't help very much otherwise. However, if you wanted to be cast for something on the history channel perhaps find a monologue that relates to that or even write one yourself. Perhaps pick a subject in history that you are passionate about and have a video of yourself "hosting" the subject. To answer your other questions, it is generally a good idea to have separate reels for commercials and film/tv. Thank you for your question. Feel free to drop me a line.
10 years ago
Hello Carmela, Thank you for sharing. I found your advise very informative & enlightening. So far, I have only been in the background as an Extra. But my dream is to be casted in a Film, TV Series or even Commercials. Should there be a different demo reel for each? I love History, therefore... Being casted by the History Chan. would be a 2 fold passion for me.
10 years ago
James Patrick Brown
Art Director, Producer, Screenwriter
I've watched at least 1,000 reels. Or I should say I've watched the first 10 seconds of more than 1,000 reels and it feels like I've watched more than 10,000 reels. Put your best work first. And try watching 20 reels an hour for 10 hours a day for 5 days. Then you will really know what should NOT go in those first 10 seconds.
10 years ago
Thanks!
10 years ago
James Patrick Brown
Art Director, Producer, Screenwriter
The reels on IMDbPro are a good place to start. Also, watch the reels of your favorite actors. Or go to the IMDb cast list of your favorite indie films and go down the cast list looking at their reels. Even better, start with the reels of award-winning directors and directors of DPs. If an actor's performance made it into the director's reel, that would be a good clip to put in the actor's reel.
10 years ago
Thank you for the information Carmela. I've been collecting commercial and theatrical work for my reels waiting for the perfect pieces to come from the perfect jobs to make the perfect reels. I think it's time to seize the day! How much material (max) would you take from any given project?
10 years ago
James Patrick Brown
Art Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Perfection is the enemy of completion.
10 years ago
Thank ya so much, you're the best!
10 years ago
Mitch Darnell
Actor, Voice Artist
This is GREAT, thank you Carmela!!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Thanks for reading, Mitch! Glad you enjoyed it!
10 years ago
Talya Price
Actor, Screenwriter, Filmmaker
Thank you for this article. I really want to make another demo reel after the nightmare I had working on my first one and the actor I chose to work with was not very good. And I want to redeem not only myself but also my work. I know I can create a really good demo reel and I know there are good actors out there who love acting and would be willing to work with me. I want to do a few monologues and film myself doing them. The only problem is finding the right ones to do. I feel so blocked.
10 years ago
Talya Price
Actor, Screenwriter, Filmmaker
Thank you for the reply. I have been racking my brain on what to do next and how to get more work and get my face out there in the industry more. Maybe I am overly ambitious. I will have to find a monologue and a camera operator to help me, or I could just do it myself.
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
When I was an actress (which wasn't so long ago) I just thought back to some of my favorite movies and any characters who were in my age bracket. That really helped me narrow down the monologues I wanted to do. You'll shine when you're doing a monologue from a film you love by a character or actress that you love. I wouldn't rely on other actors and staging demo reels. A good, well shot monologue will take you far if you don't have a demo reel of your past work.
10 years ago
Hey Carmela, As someone who just got a reel put together by a close film friend you have made some great points. Everything you said is so straightforward and basically everything explained to get a great reel produced. I thank you for an informational and great read. And by the way I am local to Philadelphia, too, I am from Bensalem so It is awesome to see another person from around here with a blog!!!! Thanks again!!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Bruce! I'm closeby in Langhorne. Hi Neighbor!
10 years ago
Such remarkable insights, Carmela.
10 years ago
You're so quite welcome, Carmela. Brightest of blessings in your evening.
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Thank you so much, Dr. Hepker!
10 years ago
Good advice! Thanks
10 years ago
Hey thanks Michael... or sharing wonderful information about showreel ..I totally agree with u that it's very important to have right kind of showrrel to create positive impression on casting ppl ..as no one can judge u by looking at your pics only...but showreel will surely give them an idea that u r capable of doing certain roles as well ..which they r thinking u r not capable of doing because of your outer look..thanks Michael..a lot ...
10 years ago
Michael Ogilvie
Actor, Comedian
What if you haven't done any speaking roles yet would monologues from acting class work?
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
That's a great question, Natalie. It's usually a rule of thumb to always put scenes with name actors first in your reel no matter what the quality. If it's a good scene where you are easily seen and heard in it, put it in the front. If the quality bothers you than put in a new clip at the front and have the older clip with the main actor somewhere within the first minute of your reel. That's what I would do.
10 years ago
Great article. I have taken some time away from acting and recently returned so I have a lot of footage along side named actors but it's old and you can see this from the quality. Do. You think its wise to use this along with some new material I've had done with a showreel company?? Thanks in advance.
10 years ago
Larenzo Simmons
Actor, Host/Presenter, Leadman, Stunt Performer
Great article thanks!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Thanks for reading it!
10 years ago
CJ Walley
Screenwriter, Producer, Author
Great post, brilliant stuff. I see demo reel questions all the time in the lounge. Some of us screenwriters here got together to help a young actor gather some material to shoot. Will be sharing this with my actor friends :)
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
That's great, CJ. Best wishes!
10 years ago
Felicia Mariah D'Ascanio
actor, photographer (still), singer
I was just posting in the Stage 32 lounge about this not too long ago. I have since been cast in three different short films to help me reach the goal of creating a demo reel. We shot the first on Saturday. I don't know if my reel will be considered "home-made" or not, but each project has it's own team which are all full short films and are also giving me some great experience on set. The best part about it too, is I am getting fulfillment from creating and performing and have enjoyed being on multiple ends of the filmmaking process, not just acting.
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Hi Felicia, that's the experience you'll want for your reel. If it's from actual films/projects you've worked on than it's more legit. Homemade reels are reels that were staged. By staged I mean the actor hired a camera person. had a script written, and is acting with other actors to make it look like it is part of a film. Some people choose to do that. It's more costly though.
10 years ago
Good stuff, Carmela!
10 years ago
Carmela Hayslett
Actor, Editor
Thank you very much, Vic!
10 years ago
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