Four Things to Know
Before You Shoot Your Reel
1. Your scene must look high-budget and original so casting directors don't think it was shot for your reel.
- Make sure whoever you shoot with has experience in narrative filmmaking, which has a different aesthetic from event, corporate or commercial videography.
- If you need material, be discerning about your script. Make sure the scene is well written and illuminates your acting skills.
- Remember that re-doing famous TV/ film scenes will likely put off casting directors. Instead, consider filming original material inspired by the shows and characters that best suit your type.
- Likewise be discerning about the editing process. Your editor should highlight your best takes and moments from the shoot, and should use a variety of angles so it doesn't simply cut back and forth between you and the other actor.
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2. You must make sure your scene is branded for you and your career.
- Go into your reel project with a clear understanding of what you want out of your scene. If you're working with a company, make sure to have a discussion with them about your goals for the project.
- Focus on bringing out your playing type(s), as well as attracting the gigs and roles you want most.
- Be sure that the scene fits in well with the aesthetic of your headshot, website, social media presence, etc.
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3. Your scene must be shot on high-quality equipment.
- Casting directors pay attention to high-quality content, which will make you look more professional. If everything in your reel looks low-budget, they might assume you have limited experience on professional sets.
- Good lighting and sound will immediately help your reel stand out from many others.
- But remember: high quality footage, lighting, and sound is no substitute for poor acting. We highly recommend you take some screen acting classes if you don't have experience before shooting a scene for your reel for the best results. Even having a director on set can't help with a lack of professional training.
4. When hiring a company to shoot a scene, they must have proper insurance and meet legal requirements so you're protected.
- Shoots can be sometimes dangerous. Those shooting your reel should take necessary precautions to ensure that you and all others on set are protected, should something go wrong.
- Meeting the legal requirements for your project will bring you peace of mind and ensure everyone on set will be treated properly.
- Ensure whoever you work with has at least $1,000,000 general liability insurance so you're protected.
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BONUS: If working with a company for footage on your reel, make sure they are honest and tell you everything.
- Be sure both you and the shooter you work with are clear about what will be delivered/ received with the project.
- If a detail is unclear on the website, ask the company about it.
- Make sure whoever you shoot with is professional, organized, prompt, polite and concerned about your thoughts and opinions.
