​
​We Help Actors Get Professional Footage
Reliably, Quickly, and Affordably.

​​(affiliated with City Headshots®, Yelp & Google's #1 Rated Studio)

Serving NYC and the Tri-State area since 2011

Coronavirus Information

Your safety is extremely important to us. We are taking precautionary measures to protect everyone who comes to our studios by frequently washing hands, ensuring fresh air circulation throughout our studios, and sanitizing/sterilizing of equipment, door handles, and anything else that comes into contact with people between shoots.

​If you have a shoot scheduled with us and feel any form of sickness coming on, please let us know and we'd be happy to reschedule your shoot.

Packages

Most industry gatekeepers won't even consider you unless you have a professional reel.

But how are you supposed to get good footage... if you don't already have good footage?

Well, in just a few weeks you could have high-quality footage that starts opening up brand new opportunities.

Edit a Reel
​From $150

Our Edit a Reel packages are perfect for actors who already have footage and need it edited into a sleek, professional reel to improve their chances of getting booked or landing an agent or manager.

There are two different options, the "You Direct" package, where you tell us exactly what you want done, and the "Expert Guidance" package, where we have an in-depth consultation with you to pick and choose the best possible footage to include in your reel.

You can learn more about these packages on our sister site, www.demoreelsnyc.com.

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Mini Shoot
From $450

The Mini Shoot is great if you need high-quality footage for casting directors, agents, and managers but don't need all the bells and whistles our Deluxe Shoot offers.

We'll guide you through the shoot itself, including directing, lighting, sound, and capturing HD footage, but this package does not include scriptwriting, editing, or casting, and scenes are generally limited to 1/2 page.

In a sense, this package is an a la carte option where you can add whatever you need to create a package that works perfectly for most budgets. You can even choose to split the cost with a friend!

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Deluxe Shoot
From ​$750

Our most popular option, the Deluxe Shoot is perfect for actors needing everything done for them from start to finish.

We'll custom-write your scenes, cast the actors, shoot and edit your footage, and even convert your footage to whatever format you need for easy upload onto websites like Actor's Access and Backstage.

You can even choose to add an expert acting coach to ensure your performance is on-point the whole time. Just like with the Mini Shoot, you can access your raw footage same-day if you want it, and then the edited footage comes 1-2 weeks later.

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The Process

​Step 1

​To start off, we'll discuss your brand and any scene ideas you currently have. If you're looking for an agent or manager, we'll also talk about what kind of footage will improve your chances of getting signed (read more about this here).

​Step 2

​After we’ve confirmed the package you want to move forward with and some basic scene ideas (plus any add-on options you’re wanting), we’ll email you a link to place the initial retainer payment so we can get the ball rolling. This retainer payment is put towards the shoot total and is not an additional fee.

​Step 3

​Once payment has been placed, you'll be introduced to our expert writers to dive deep on your scenes (or start writing the scene yourself if you're doing the Mini Shoot package).

We'll confirm shoot dates with you, find actors if necessary (you get final approval over them), secure locations, and ensure everything is in order for the big day.

Step 4

​The shoot day has arrived! Rehearsals will take place as camera and sound equipment is set up. ​The shoot itself takes a few hours per scene, meaning there will be plenty of time for us to help you rehearse and do a few takes.

We'll shoot from numerous angles so we have lots of footage to work with for the final edit. Once the shoot is complete, you'll place your final balance payment.

Step 5

​If you're doing the Mini Shoot, you're done! You'll receive your footage same-day.

​If you're doing the Deluxe Shoot, editing typically takes 1-2 weeks. We'll highlight your best moments, apply color grading, sound design, and/or music. We always aim to shoot more so we can edit your scenes down to the absolute best moments (kind of like a headshot session – you shoot 300 pictures to find your best 2-3 shots).

Once it's edited, we'll send you the final scenes for review and notes (we're happy to re-edit a few times to make sure we get you what you need). Once you're happy with the final cut, we'll convert your reel into whatever specific file formats you need for easy upload to Actor's Access, Backstage, and other online submission sites.

Want to read in-depth about our process?

Click the button below to learn how the Screener Shoot process works. You can also see our add-on options, including Professional Hair & Makeup, Expert On-Set Actor Coaching, 4K Shooting, and more.

Our Process and Add-Ons

Not Sure What Scenes Will Work Best for You?
Download our FREE "Scene Idea Generator"

We've heard countless stories of actors spending thousands of dollars with reel production companies to shoot scenes that don't represent them properly, and then they need to have them redone months later.

​Even if you don't choose to work with us for your reel, our easy-to-use Scene Idea Generator will help you quickly come up with scene ideas that highlight YOU and your brand, so casting directors and agents know exactly how to place you.

Here's what's included:
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• The 5-Word Brand: Imagine being able to simplify your best personality traits down to just five key words. You'll be asked three simple questions to come up with your own 5-Word Brand in just a few minutes (many actors are surprised at how accurate it is). Example: The loving, funny, and determined mother who can be selfish at times. ​​​​​​​
• Generate Your Scene Ideas: ​Once you have your 5-Word Brand, you'll follow our simple, four-step process to break that 5-Word Brand down into tangible scene ideas that will capture each element of your brand perfectly.
• The G.I.S.T Method: ​Once you've got your scene ideas, this advanced technique (that only takes a few minutes) will give you a perfect visual representation of your brand that you can share with your reel production company so they know EXACTLY what lighting, coloring, and visuals will work best for your scenes.

Send Me the Idea Generator!

Actor Screener Shoot founder Martin Bentsen is an actor marketing coach who uses “outside the industry” thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 6,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and is a monthly contributing writer at Casting Networks. Learn more about his work at www.martinbentsen.com.

Kind Words

​David Pegram
Professional Actor - Broadway's Warhorse

"Thank you to everyone at Actor Screener Shoot ​for truly looking out for actors!"

"I recently came to Actor Screener Shoot after an extensive search for a production company that would produce high quality scenes for my reel.

"Immediately upon meeting I knew I had made the right choice. Not only was the team incredibly warm and professional during our meeting, but they listened carefully to what I was aiming for in my scenes and when the scripts came I was delighted to see just how much they were in tune with my particular ideas.

"The shoots were very fun, comfortable and efficient and when I saw the footage I was honestly blown away by the quality and attention to detail they provided. I have already recommended them to all of my colleagues looking for high quality scenes to add to their demo reel and I will be coming back to Actor Screener Shoot in the future."

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Larry O'Connell
Professional Actor - A Crime to Remember

​"Starting out in this business, it is very unlikely you'll perform in a scene that hits your strong points. That's where Actor Screener Shoot boosts your reel and improves your chances of getting an agent  They give you a scene that is customized for you and looks like it is part of a larger production."

"Actor Screener Shoot is like finding actor gold.  I wrote to them and told them what I was looking for to add to my reel. They returned with a script that was exactly what I needed.  We worked on making some adjustments and it turned out great.  They gave us a script that my scene partner and I could really dig into and work on...

"They suggested a great location for the shoot.  I was impressed how they shot many different angles and how attentive they were to getting the sound clean.  In post-production, they were very receptive to making changes. The picture looks great and the sound is clear. I felt the team was very committed to giving me what I needed for my reel."

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Joseph Conlin
Professional Actor

"My experience with y'all was fantastic and I'm more than happy with the quality of footage and the professionalism of the entire process, from beginning to end. I couldn't have asked for a smoother production. The entire crew delighted me and my co-stars beyond expectations and made us very much at home so we could get down to performing our work.

"Doing the 3-Scene package has most definitely been helpful for my career and I'm proud to have more content for my online presence as I seek work as well."

"For all actors seeking fresh material and eager to present more screen time, whether they are working or not, services such as this should be applauded as it is so important to keep relevant with the type of brand you wish to project. New material is a must as often as possible. And that is exactly why I decided to work with you all!"

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Casey Sullivan
Professional Actor

"When dealing with Actor Screener Shoot, ​it becomes quite clear that you are dealing with professionals that care about the content they are creating, just as you do."

"The whole City Headshots® and Actor Screener Shoot teams have been a tremendous help in my pursuit of a career in acting.  They allowed me to have movie-quality scenes to show to agents and casting directors, resulting in auditions and jobs.  

​Throughout the entire process they were incredibly helpful and clear, guiding me through each step from our initial emails, through filming, to receiving my final, edited screener." 

Get in Touch

Let's see if we're a right fit to work together!

​We'd love to chat with you via Zoom to see what your goals are and how we can help. We'll build out a custom package for you and even help you find a preliminary brand if you're not sure of yours yet.

​Click the button below to submit a short form and we'll schedule you in for a free consultation:

Get in Touch

Midtown Manhattan Location:
2 West 46 St., Suite 1500
​New York, NY 10036

Northern NJ Location:
1.5 Acre Private Residence
​Ho Ho Kus, NJ 07423

About

The industry hasn't been completely honest with you.

They say the process of finding great agents or managers can take years... Years of showcases, pay to play auditions, workshops & seminars, one on ones, and more. Years of building a resume, following up, and hoping to be in the right place at the right time.

Many actors wind up spending a ton of their most precious resource - their time - hoping an agent or manager will eventually find and sign with them.

But is it really just about being in the right place at the right time? Or knowing the right people?
​

The answer is a resounding "NO!"

​When you get clear on your brand and combine it with a fantastic set of marketing materials, agents and managers WILL take notice (especially if you submit to them the right way).

We specialize in helping actors not only shoot scenes that capture the attention of agents and managers, but also strategize on how to efficiently find and sign with a hardworking talent rep.

And it all starts with believing in yourself and saying, "Yes, I'm good enough for an amazing agent or manager to WANT to represent me."

Martin Bentsen (founder)
Branding Consultant & Director

Hey I'm Martin, and I appreciate that you've taken some time to check out Actor Screener Shoot!

My job is to help you figure out what scenes will work best to connect you with the right agent or manager. If you decide to upgrade to the Expert Acting Coach add-on, I'll personally be on set every step of the way to guide you and ensure your acting looks fantastic.

I've helped actors land on Broadway & get recurring television roles through my actor consulting work, I'm a regular contributing writer to Casting Networks News, I've interviewed well-known broadway actors, agents, and casting directors, and my headshot work has been featured on billboards in Times Square, in The New York Times, and in The Wall Street Journal.

I graduated from NYU in 2011 with an honors degree in film production, and am currently in post-production on my second feature-length film called Dakota: Dedicated to My Best Friend. In 2009 I founded City Headshots, which, according to Yelp and Google, is ranked the #1 headshot studio in New York.
 
​At least a few times a month an actor I've worked with tells me their new reel footage helped them land a dream role or secured them an agent or manager. It's amazing to hear about everyone's success, and I hope it continues for each of our clients.

J Warner
Shooter & Editor

J Warner specializes in shooting and directing. He also takes screener shoots through to completion in the post-production/editing process.

J Warner is a filmmaker and editor, originally from Los Angeles. He began his career in 2001 as an Apprentice Film Editor at Paramount Pictures, and as such was the last person trained on film in the studio system before digital took hold.

Since then, he has worked on a wide array of digital shorts, concert films, music videos, trailers and promotional spots. He also worked as assistant editor on the 2013 indie feature Deadly Revisions , as well as serving as production coordinator on The Simpsons: The Longest Daycare , which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short. After that, J shot and edited many projects for Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), including a feature-length training DVD, "Essentials of Dog Behavior: Socialization." 

Most recently, J spent three years doing digital restoration and as Assistant Editor for a soon-to-be-released documentary about Frank Zappa, as well as editing video montage pieces for the "Bizarre World of Frank Zappa" hologram show. He's currently editing a narrative feature called Dakota, directed by Martin Bentsen.

Ambrealys Pettonet-Vincent
Writer

Ambrealys is a French artist currently enrolled at William Esper Studio in NYC. 

She took her first steps on a stage in 1996, with a small theater company which nurtured her passion for acting before releasing her to the Drama Conservatory of Montpellier in 2006. 

She moved to Paris in 2008 to study translation, putting her acting endeavors on hold. 
Fueled by a taste for the writing world, she launched a small independent publishing company in 2012 which has since published 17 books, among which the first novel of her co-writer, Camille Huot, was one.

After finishing her Masters in translation, she relocated to NYC, as a translator for the United Nations. But the call of the creative world eventually grew too loud to ignore and, after the birth of her second child, she dove back into the acting world.
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Through screenwriting, she is marrying her loves for acting and writing.

Janelle Gonzales
Makeup Artist & Boom Op

Hey there! My name is Janelle and I've been interested in the art of make-up since I was 13 years old, practicing my technique on all the women in my family. I was always fascinated with not only the transformative nature of makeup but the confidence it brought to my family members. Later I learned how to accentuate beauty in a way that brings out the essence in my clients. I always aim to leave people feeling great about their appearance and ready to tackle whatever’s ahead of them. 

I moved to New York to work in this field and I'm elated to have the opportunity to work with all different types of people with Actor Screener Shoot and City Headshots. No matter your background, ethnicity, or job description, rest assured that our team will work our hardest to make sure you’re picture perfect!