How to Make a Showreel for Acting
Putting up a strong showreel might seem like a technological challenge. And every actor needs one, regardless of whether they are just starting out in student projects or are frequently seen on television. However, where do I begin? Locating material, locating an editor, and selecting your clips are all made easier with this approach, allowing you to either make your first reel or refresh the one that has been on your website or Backstage page for years. It’s time to start chopping! Read more about showreel companies London by visiting our website and if you have any questions related to this topic, connect with us.
What is a showreel for an actor?
Similar to a video showcase, an actor’s showreel is a collection of their footage that provides industry professionals with a convenient online viewing experience.
“Invitations to screenings and shows are always appreciated, but those who work in casting don’t always have the time to see everyone in everything,” says casting associate JJ Bee (Bulletproof, Pandora).
Showreels used to be stored on a DVD or USB, but now days they are all stored online on Vimeo, YouTube, or incorporated into your Backstage, Mandy, IMDb, or Spotlight profile, making it simpler to share and update on a regular basis. According to Bee, “it’s more important than ever to showcase your craft online because we live in a digital world.”
What makes an actor’s showreel so crucial?
Casting director Dan Hubbard states, “It is a glimpse into an actor’s work in which we can determine the strength of the actor’s presence and abilities.”
Showreels “give a casting director the opportunity to see how you come across on camera and your versatility as an actor – two things which headshots alone can’t confirm,” according to producer and agency Lola Williams.
“I would always prefer to meet an actor in person – but sometimes that’s just not practical, so having a range of scenes on a showreel helps,” says Thomas Hescott, television director (EastEnders, Holby City).
What does an actor’s showreel consist of?
The most important details should come first: your name and, if you’d like, a headshot for the title card. Then immediately launch into your finest scene.
Choose one where you are completely certain about who you are. Save that for later in the reel, after you’ve clearly defined your identity, as acting opposite of your exact casting type in your opening scene could lead to confusion.
Keep the video moving at a steady pace after that. Sort all of your footage into a folder, then go through and select the parts that best represent you if you’re having trouble deciding what to include. “Showcase what you believe best embodies your unique talent,” advises Bee. Choose videos that demonstrate your uniqueness, then! “The key is originality,” adds Hubbard. “Actors’ unique DNA and acting chops” are what he wants to see.
Think about omitting anything with poor audio or visual quality. You want your showreel to look as professional as possible, free of grain and out-of-synch, since it is a representation of who you are and what you can offer. Even if it is recorded in 4K high definition, there is no use in showing you standing on a mountain for 20 seconds; your showreel is about you, not the camera work. Thus, strike a balance.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that a good showreel should showcase a wide range of acting skills, so choose contrasting clips to highlight your range. To keep things interesting and fresh, you could, for example, place a humorous clip next to one of your more depressing scenes, or use a clip with a different accent. Additionally, although showcasing your diversity is crucial, keep your range in check. Make sure you are happy with the performance in the footage you include – this is more important than trying to be different for difference’s sake.
At the end of the reel, add an ident card with your contact details – or the name and details of your agent, if you have one.
What should not be in an actor’s showreel?
“I do not want to see a music video,” BAFTA-nominated producer Farah Abushwesha (The ABC Murders) tells Backstage. “The amount of time I have been sent reels and they have music all over them. I’m interested in seeing how you move and talk in a scene that has some substance.
And best not to include any commercials in your acting showreel. Commercials are generally better avoided because they don’t really display raw acting ability, though there are a few extremely rare instances where this rule might be broken, such as if the advertisement actually has a proper story with you speaking proper lines so it feels more like a scene. You can always add the link to a “additional footage” tab or take a screenshot for your website if you’re particularly proud of the commercial you worked on.
Try to keep your showreel fresh and current. There is no point including a scene you shot 12 years ago because this will no longer reflect how you look and speak today. Writer and director Thomas Hescott tells us: “I often watch a showreel with an eye on your playing age, so make sure your showreel is up to date. And don’t bother with fancy montages – I just skip through them to get to the scenes themselves.”
How long should your showreel be?
Most casting directors are time-poor, so short and sweet is the key here. Narrow Road talent agent Rozzy Lloyd prefers “concise showreels that really show off your best work instead of lots of clips just to fill a space. No more than three minutes.”
You don’t have to include the entire video if you find you have too much material; simply the best parts that you’re most proud of should be used! It really is a case of quality over quantity. However, it’s perfectly OK if you have less video and discover that your showreel only lasts a minute and a half. With attention spans ever decreasing, it is better to have something succinct and viewable than lengthy and low quality.