What are they?
Showreel, Demo reel, video audition
What are they for? Casting Directors, Agents, Producers:
How you look and act on camera…
See if the Style of acting is useful for them
Demo: Snapshots of productions you’ve been cast
Show reel: Scenes showing how you cast yourself
Video Auditions: Specific material for specific projects (auditions)
Why are they necessary or are they?
Can convey your acting "season" and how well suited you are for a role
Agents/managers can see your work if they are unfamiliar with you
Casting directors become familiar with your technique and presence on camera
Demo (only): Who you’ve worked with what shows you've been cast
If they are good they can be useful but there are many factors to consider
1) Show reels: Sometimes overproduced and not a showcase for you
2) Demo’s: Best work at the top of reel. 2-3 minutes total.
3) Both: You have cast yourself well for you NOW. The Material is perfectly suited to your present castability.
4) Show-reels: Well matched partner/specific uncomplicated scene/
5) Demo: Having a Scene with a "fancy" actor is always helpful
How to decide what is best for you:
Reverse engineer your steps for creating a reel: Showreel or demo?
Who is it for?
Is it worth the time and cost? Editing/producing
How are you going to use the reel/demo?
An excellent video audition submission is often better than a show reel
Sometimes it is better to wait until you have enough material rather than create something that looks manufactured
Final thoughts
This is an important tool for the industry. Done right, it can open doors and accelerate a career. Poorly done, it can leave a bad impression of where you are in your career and set you back financially.Take time to think through the purpose of your video and whether you will move ahead or spin your wheels because it does not achieve what you need it to do
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