How to Make an Actor's Reel

Let your reel represent you.

An actor's reel is his most important tool in landing a job, next to his headshot. The reel is a collection of clips from previous work. It features film, television, stage or video performances. Ideally, the clips should feature the actor and not just be a wide shot of him acting in a scene. The reel is also the first impression an actor makes beyond the initial headshot viewing. Looking good on a reel of the highest quality can often lead to getting asked to audition for a role.

Things You'll Need

• footage of acting work
• computer
• editing software

Instructions

1. Compile footage of your best performances together. Put these clips at the front of the reel. Use clips that display as much acting range as possible in the reel. Use clips of yourself in scenes with a famous or recognizable actor only if you are in at least half of the scene.

2. Edit the footage on your computer. Keep the reel short. Two to five minutes is enough time for a casting agent to decide whether he wants to see you again. Focus the scenes in the reel on you. Omit scenes that you are in that focus on another actor in the scene.

3. Exclude footage of amateur productions. Also exclude projects with poor production value. Good lighting and sound are essential to you being seen and heard on your reel.

4. Assemble the edited scenes together on your computer. Copy them onto a DVD.

Tips & Warnings

• There are professional companies that will edit together a reel for you. You will still need to have enough raw footage for them to draw from. Check the credits of the professional if you decide to use one of these services. Get a list of references or success stories, if possible. The results of a professional demo reel can look good, but the price is often high.

• Do not have a friend videotape you performing a monologue in your bedroom or garage. This will be viewed as unprofessional. You're putting together a reel not an audition tape.

• Do not add fancy transitions, effects, or music to the reel.

• Do not include a montage of your various acting performances. This may display your various looks, but casting agents often skip this. If you insist on using a montage, place it at the end of the reel.

References

• First Take; The Reel Deal: How To Make and Acting Reel; mar 3, 2011
• Auditions Free: How to make an acting reel
• Reels for Actors