Can film festivals screen actors' reels and feature actors?
I would say, yes!
If you read my post on being an "actorpreneur" https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Being-an-Actorpreneur, you will see that I am super supportive of actors, developing and sharing their own films, music videos, fashion films, and more at film festivals and similar screening events!
But what about actors' reels that can also be beautiful, creative, and radical in telling an actors' storytelling skills?
I wasn't the only one thinking about actors' reels at film festivals!
I just stumbled upon the following festival that includes actors' reels:
https://www.actiononfilmfest.com/actorsonfilmreelsfestThose actors' who want to share trailers of their productions can also consider: https://filmfreeway.com/FestivalforTrailersMonthly
What do you think? Is sharing your actors' reel and trailers with industry professionals at festivals meaningful? If so, what changes or improvements would you like to see? Alternatively, would you just prefer sharing on your social media platform?
Share!
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What a cool idea! Especially if there are workshops or panels as part of the festival, this would be a great workshop! I even thought - hey, this would be a great use of a Google Form! You could have everyone in the audience bring it up, whether on phone or on laptop, type in their feedback after screening, and once submitted, the performer could get a collection of anonymous feedback.
Karen "Kay" Ross wow the Google Form is probably the best option for audident participation! Yes, the festival can be open to workshops / panels - I can definitely offer one on media outreach + have 3hr a free masterclass on how to be a public speaker - it really helped me to tell my story as a filmmaker / actor
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Interesting concept. I wonder if there is any issue with using copyright protected work, especially if there is monetary gain. Actors are understood to be able to use their footage on reels for promotional reasons, but I think some producers might take issue with the reel being used in this way. Perhaps not. It's an interesting question for sure.
As an actor, I'd lament over what reel to submit. For instance, in the Southeast US, casting directors want a reel that is less than 2min, which forces the actor to get really creative sometimes in editing down a much longer reel. Would that shorter version play better, or a longer version?
Matthew Cornwell great question on copyright! I guess the actor's reel submission is primiarily geared towards actors who also produce their own shorts. Alternatively, the festival can provide a release form that external producers can sign. In either case, a short 2-min reel can play perfectly well though I would be open to 3-4 mins (I just love watching actors' magical co-creations on screen!)