Most of my acting has been on stage. Some has been documented on dvd as part of tech. I've read some very interesting and helpful comments regarding what to put in a demo reel. But I've never created a demo reel and don't know where to begin. Do I video myself giving a monologue? Acting a role from something I've never done? Can it work if I act something from a show I've don? Do I need more sophisticated equipment to film with? Anything to get me started would be great. Thanks ahead.
Acting : How to create a demo reel? by Stephen Ossias
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I'm not an actor, let me start with that. You can do it alone, or with someone else to react off of. If you use someone else, have them off camera. This is your demo reel not theirs. Don't obsess too much about sophisticated equipment, as long as the quality of the picture and sound is good enough that it doesn't distract from your performance. There are probably Stage 32 member who live near you with the expertise to pull this off. Do a search and see who lives nearby who might have the equipment and expertise. Good luck to you.
Thanks, Mark. I suppose I thought there was more to it than there is.
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thats because there is more to it. You do want fancy equipment. You want it to look semi professional. If you want to compete with professional actors you have to be on their level. The best way to get a demo reel is by doing student films and low budget independent films that usually dont pay anything, or very little. You volunteer your time in exchange for demo reel material. Then you hire someone to edit it to get all the scenes in a highlight type reel. You want it to be about two minutes in length and to focus on you not the other person. and depending on the target audience you may want different things for example, an agent will want to see you portray different characters. a casting director will want to see you doing the same thing every time.
Great information. Thank you.
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Ton's of good info here! To reiterate what Dan said, you definitely want to look professional. I am currently in the same boat as you are, I have Theater experience and a few short films, it's been pretty hard to get quality footage that looks great, and shows others what my abilities are. The interesting thing that Alle said, is that don't shoot something just for your reel. I was about to suggest something like speed reels or LA reels, but I guess it does make sense for the CD to look up your credits. I know lots of actor friends who go that route, I haven't heard the feedback though. Anyways, if you don't want to do it all yourself, I would just try to start booking short films in hopes of getting footage from there. Good luck!
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Thanks, Annika. Much appreciated.
Thanks to all here. Just getting started with my acting as well. Much appreciated :)