EDITING YOUR DEMO REEL.

O.K. We all know how actors can be: egocentric, narcicistic and vain. And there are plenty of times when that would be anything but useful. Except one: The demo-reel.

Demo reels have one purpose and one purpose only: Showing you (I know you love it!). And that means it is of no importance who feeds you the line, their response, their shot, only you, you, you. Here is how a proper reel should look:

• Your name and a headshot (still-image) is generally the opening.

• The first 20 or 30 Seconds (the average time you have to make an impression on the Casting Director) should be small cuts of you: by that I mean, you sad, you from the side, you from the back, you from the front, you with your head up, you crying, you laughing, you looking great, you looking completely different, you turning to look at the camera…etc. This is where you let them wonder about you. If they see something they like they will keep watching, sadly otherwise, that’s when they press STOP.

• The next part (45 seconds to a minute) should be the best scene you’ve got. This time if you can, also focus on your shots, but if you cant just leave the scene as edited, complete and make sure it’s The Scene; your best one. Never put mediocre work on a demo, but if it’s the only one you have atleast leave it for the end.

• The rest should be other scenes in which (if possible) you are using very different resources and portraying different characters.

This gives you a perfectly decent demo reel. But two things to bear in mind: First: the casting directors go over thousands of reels each week so respecting this basic form, always try to use your imagination and give your personal touch to it. Whether it be with the music or amazing features… Second: EDIT EDIT EDIT. And then EDIT some more. Most actors (especially new comers) tend to want to put ALL their material on their reel. DON’T. Please realize its not about quantity but quality here guys, and its important to be selective. Take advantage of the fact that normally you will have no say in what image is chosen to portray you except now. So choose wisely.