Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Screener Shoot process work?
Great question! We have an in-depth outline of our process here.
How do I come up with scene ideas?
We can discuss scene ideas in the call, and our writer will also discuss them in much more detail before the scriptwriting process starts (if that's included in your package), but there are a few things you can do on your own to come up with scene ideas before your meeting with us. At the simplest level, you want to think about the kinds of productions you'd like to be in (keeping in mind what shoots a lot in your area) along with the type of character(s) you'd like to play (they should also realistically be in that type of production). One you have that, it's just a matter of thinking of what kinds of scenes would fit. We highly recommend watching this video where we outline this process step by step, in great detail.
Will I have final say for the writing and editing of my scenes?
Absolutely! You'll be able to go back and forth with the writer and editor (and even the director on set) if you want to see anything changed/adjusted with your scenes. It's an extremely collaborative process. You'll even be able to see the way you look on camera while we're shooting if you want.
How long does it take to get my edited scenes?
It typically takes about 1-2 weeks after the shoot is complete to receive your edits, and it depends on how many scenes you've done. For most single scene shoots, it takes a week, and for shoots with 2-3 scenes, it takes up to 2 weeks. We'll edit your clips together to the best of our ability without first, and then once you receive the edits, you'll have the opportunity to email us back with any changes or adjustments you want. You can even look through all the raw footage and use it to provide us with detailed edit notes.
How long does each step of the process take?
After you place your initial deposit to start the process, the writing process usually takes about a week or two at most, and then we'll begin the casting process. Casting usually takes a few days, and then you'll have about a week before the shoot to rehearse with the other actor(s) who will be in your scenes. The shoot itself usually takes about 2 hours per scene, and then the editing process takes about 1-2 weeks. Altogether, you can expect to have your final clips in about 4-6 weeks after you place your deposit.
Do you offer rush turnaround?
If you're in need of super fast turnaround, just ask. Availability depends on what's going on with our crew. Please note that there may be additional costs involved, but we can definitely speed the process up significantly if absolutely necessary.
When is the final balance due?
The final balance is due after the shoot is complete, and before we release the raw footage to you or begin the editing process. If you need additional time to get the funds together to pay the remaining balance, just let us know and we can hold your footage longer.
Is the deposit refundable?
The deposit goes towards paying our team to begin the writing process, scheduling, and casting. It takes you all the way through to the end of the shoot day, and because of the fact that we need to pay our team for their time, the deposit is generally non-refundable, except in certain extreme circumstances. We try our best to make the experience as seamless as possible, so please let us know if you have any questions/concerns/issues you'd like to discuss.
Do I get approval over the actors I'll be performing with?
Yes! We'll send you all the submissions that come in and you'll be able to pick whoever you want to work with for your scene(s).
How do rehearsals work before the shoot?
You can reach out directly to the actors on your own to do rehearsals, either via video call or in-person. We will do some rehearsals on the day of the shoot as well, but for any rehearsals taking place before the shoot, you will be responsible for organizing them.
What types of locations can I choose from?
You can see a list of all the locations we offer on The Process page.
Should I add the Screen Acting Coach option?
If it works within your budget, we highly recommend having someone there to coach your performance, especially if you don't have a lot of screen acting experience. If you want to capture your absolute best, an acting coach is highly recommended!
Will I get the raw footage from my shoot?
Yes! Just ask us to send it to you and we will for no extra charge.
Will I be able to get my scenes edited into a single reel, or will they be separate scenes?
You will receive individual, separate clips. If you want them all strung together as a single reel, you can opt to do so through our sister site www.demoreelsnyc.com. As an Actor Screener Shoot client, you'll receive 20% off any package (as long as the reel edit session is done within a month of your screener shoot).
How long is each scene, and how long does the shoot day take?
We offer two different scene lengths: Short Scenes (30-45 seconds) and Full-Length Scenes (about 2 minutes). The short scene scripts can be up to 3/4 of a page and full-length scripts can be up to two pages long. It usually takes about 90 minutes to shoot a short scene and two hours to shoot a full-length scene on the day of the shoot.
What should I wear?
Clothing is up to you, but we recommend reading this guide to get a good idea of what works best on camera, and how to think about your outfits/
Do you have recommendations for how to do my own makeup?
We recommend reading this guide on how to do your own makeup for camera.
Is there a place for me to change?
Yes! Our locations all have changing areas and access to bathrooms.
What format is the footage shot in, and what kind of camera do you use?
The footage is typically shot in 1080p, and we use a BlackMagic Cinema Pocket 4K camera. We offer a 4K upgrade option, where we'll shoot your scenes in UltraHD 4K, but this is typically overkill for an actor reel. You won't be able to tell the difference visually unless it's projected on a large theater screen, and 4K files are much slower and more difficult to send over the internet to casting directors and agents (which is why we recommend 1080p).
Will I be able to see what I look like on camera during the shoot?
Yes! Feel free to ask the crew and they'll either show you a still frame of the shot or let you look at an external monitor to see what you're looking like in the shot. This makes it easy for you to let us know if you want any adjustments of your angle, etc.
What should I bring?
We provide most props for scenes, but you should bring your clothing, an extra copy of the script if you'll need it, and any specific props our crew tells you they will not be able to provide. You can also bring anything else you think you might need for the shoot, including makeup, a water bottle, a shaver, etc. This in-depth article about prepping for a headshot session might be helpful for you to review as well.
Should I shoot an indoor or outdoor scene?
Indoor scenes are easier to control because it's quieter and you won't have to worry about the weather. Remember that casting directors and agents don't care as much about the location you're in as they do about how well you can act, so if location is not critical, we recommend aiming for an indoor scene. That said, if you have a scene that needs to be shot outside, just be willing to roll with the punches as sometimes there are some noises or weather challenges to deal with. But throughout all our years of doing this we've never had a client unhappy with an outdoor shoot!
Can I bring my own makeup artist?
Yes, but please let us know ahead of time. You should aim to arrive about 30 minutes early so the makeup artist can do your makeup, and keep in mind that if your makeup takes much longer than that it can cut into your shooting time.
What does shooting in 4K mean and do I need it?
4K is a much higher resolution than 1080p, and we don't usually recommend it since it's overkill for an actor's reel. Unless you plan on screening your scenes on a large screen somewhere (like a theater or greater-than 60" monitor), 4K won't be visibly different, and can often slow things down when uploading and sharing your files with casting directors and agents.
Can I bring my own acting coach?
Yes, but please make sure they're aware of timing. The biggest issue acting coaches who don't work with us regularly have is that they take longer, and it causes clients to run over on time (remember that you have about 90 minutes for short scenes and 2 hours for full-length scenes), meaning you might not be able to capture all the angles you'll want for each scene.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes! The deposit is due in full before you can move forward with a shoot ($350 for less than $1,000 shoots, and $500 for shoots costing more than $1,000 altogether). If you need to place a $200 and then another $150 payment to make your initial $350 deposit, that's no problem, but we won't be able to begin the writing process until the entire $350 has been paid. Same with the editing process – after the shoot is complete, we can't release the raw footage or start editing until the remaining balance has been paid in full, and if it takes you some additional time to do so through a few separate payments, that's no problem.
What are your COVID protocols?
You can read our COVID protocols here.
Can I do headshots as well?
Yes! If you book a screener and headshot together (called a combo package), you can get a 20% discount on any headshot package offered through our sister site actors.cityheadshots.com. You do not need to schedule the headshot the same-day, but often can if you want to.
Are all my scenes shot on the same day?
For any shoots with 3 or less scenes, we usually shoot them in the same day and are able to offer you a bulk scene discount. However, if you want to separate scenes into different days, we can absolutely do it but the total cost might be slightly higher due to needing our crew for separate days/travel/etc. Scenes take about 2 hours to shoot, and a 3-scene shoot includes a lunch break and would look something like this:
How long are the scenes after editing?
After editing, the scenes are usually around 45 seconds for short scenes and 2 minutes for long scenes. This can vary a bit however, depending on the nature of what's happening in the scene and length of the script.
How many scenes should typically be in a reel?
For a standard actor demo reel, it's recommend you include anywhere from 4-6 scenes. You would normally combine 1, 2, or 3 scenes shot with us with some scenes from other projects you've already done. If, however, you have no other footage, most actors choose to just submit the clips they shoot with us independently until they have enough footage to edit together a full reel. Casting directors often prefer getting independent clips over a full compilation reel, believe it or not! Learn all about actor reels here.
Great question! We have an in-depth outline of our process here.
How do I come up with scene ideas?
We can discuss scene ideas in the call, and our writer will also discuss them in much more detail before the scriptwriting process starts (if that's included in your package), but there are a few things you can do on your own to come up with scene ideas before your meeting with us. At the simplest level, you want to think about the kinds of productions you'd like to be in (keeping in mind what shoots a lot in your area) along with the type of character(s) you'd like to play (they should also realistically be in that type of production). One you have that, it's just a matter of thinking of what kinds of scenes would fit. We highly recommend watching this video where we outline this process step by step, in great detail.
Will I have final say for the writing and editing of my scenes?
Absolutely! You'll be able to go back and forth with the writer and editor (and even the director on set) if you want to see anything changed/adjusted with your scenes. It's an extremely collaborative process. You'll even be able to see the way you look on camera while we're shooting if you want.
How long does it take to get my edited scenes?
It typically takes about 1-2 weeks after the shoot is complete to receive your edits, and it depends on how many scenes you've done. For most single scene shoots, it takes a week, and for shoots with 2-3 scenes, it takes up to 2 weeks. We'll edit your clips together to the best of our ability without first, and then once you receive the edits, you'll have the opportunity to email us back with any changes or adjustments you want. You can even look through all the raw footage and use it to provide us with detailed edit notes.
How long does each step of the process take?
After you place your initial deposit to start the process, the writing process usually takes about a week or two at most, and then we'll begin the casting process. Casting usually takes a few days, and then you'll have about a week before the shoot to rehearse with the other actor(s) who will be in your scenes. The shoot itself usually takes about 2 hours per scene, and then the editing process takes about 1-2 weeks. Altogether, you can expect to have your final clips in about 4-6 weeks after you place your deposit.
Do you offer rush turnaround?
If you're in need of super fast turnaround, just ask. Availability depends on what's going on with our crew. Please note that there may be additional costs involved, but we can definitely speed the process up significantly if absolutely necessary.
When is the final balance due?
The final balance is due after the shoot is complete, and before we release the raw footage to you or begin the editing process. If you need additional time to get the funds together to pay the remaining balance, just let us know and we can hold your footage longer.
Is the deposit refundable?
The deposit goes towards paying our team to begin the writing process, scheduling, and casting. It takes you all the way through to the end of the shoot day, and because of the fact that we need to pay our team for their time, the deposit is generally non-refundable, except in certain extreme circumstances. We try our best to make the experience as seamless as possible, so please let us know if you have any questions/concerns/issues you'd like to discuss.
Do I get approval over the actors I'll be performing with?
Yes! We'll send you all the submissions that come in and you'll be able to pick whoever you want to work with for your scene(s).
How do rehearsals work before the shoot?
You can reach out directly to the actors on your own to do rehearsals, either via video call or in-person. We will do some rehearsals on the day of the shoot as well, but for any rehearsals taking place before the shoot, you will be responsible for organizing them.
What types of locations can I choose from?
You can see a list of all the locations we offer on The Process page.
Should I add the Screen Acting Coach option?
If it works within your budget, we highly recommend having someone there to coach your performance, especially if you don't have a lot of screen acting experience. If you want to capture your absolute best, an acting coach is highly recommended!
Will I get the raw footage from my shoot?
Yes! Just ask us to send it to you and we will for no extra charge.
Will I be able to get my scenes edited into a single reel, or will they be separate scenes?
You will receive individual, separate clips. If you want them all strung together as a single reel, you can opt to do so through our sister site www.demoreelsnyc.com. As an Actor Screener Shoot client, you'll receive 20% off any package (as long as the reel edit session is done within a month of your screener shoot).
How long is each scene, and how long does the shoot day take?
We offer two different scene lengths: Short Scenes (30-45 seconds) and Full-Length Scenes (about 2 minutes). The short scene scripts can be up to 3/4 of a page and full-length scripts can be up to two pages long. It usually takes about 90 minutes to shoot a short scene and two hours to shoot a full-length scene on the day of the shoot.
What should I wear?
Clothing is up to you, but we recommend reading this guide to get a good idea of what works best on camera, and how to think about your outfits/
Do you have recommendations for how to do my own makeup?
We recommend reading this guide on how to do your own makeup for camera.
Is there a place for me to change?
Yes! Our locations all have changing areas and access to bathrooms.
What format is the footage shot in, and what kind of camera do you use?
The footage is typically shot in 1080p, and we use a BlackMagic Cinema Pocket 4K camera. We offer a 4K upgrade option, where we'll shoot your scenes in UltraHD 4K, but this is typically overkill for an actor reel. You won't be able to tell the difference visually unless it's projected on a large theater screen, and 4K files are much slower and more difficult to send over the internet to casting directors and agents (which is why we recommend 1080p).
Will I be able to see what I look like on camera during the shoot?
Yes! Feel free to ask the crew and they'll either show you a still frame of the shot or let you look at an external monitor to see what you're looking like in the shot. This makes it easy for you to let us know if you want any adjustments of your angle, etc.
What should I bring?
We provide most props for scenes, but you should bring your clothing, an extra copy of the script if you'll need it, and any specific props our crew tells you they will not be able to provide. You can also bring anything else you think you might need for the shoot, including makeup, a water bottle, a shaver, etc. This in-depth article about prepping for a headshot session might be helpful for you to review as well.
Should I shoot an indoor or outdoor scene?
Indoor scenes are easier to control because it's quieter and you won't have to worry about the weather. Remember that casting directors and agents don't care as much about the location you're in as they do about how well you can act, so if location is not critical, we recommend aiming for an indoor scene. That said, if you have a scene that needs to be shot outside, just be willing to roll with the punches as sometimes there are some noises or weather challenges to deal with. But throughout all our years of doing this we've never had a client unhappy with an outdoor shoot!
Can I bring my own makeup artist?
Yes, but please let us know ahead of time. You should aim to arrive about 30 minutes early so the makeup artist can do your makeup, and keep in mind that if your makeup takes much longer than that it can cut into your shooting time.
What does shooting in 4K mean and do I need it?
4K is a much higher resolution than 1080p, and we don't usually recommend it since it's overkill for an actor's reel. Unless you plan on screening your scenes on a large screen somewhere (like a theater or greater-than 60" monitor), 4K won't be visibly different, and can often slow things down when uploading and sharing your files with casting directors and agents.
Can I bring my own acting coach?
Yes, but please make sure they're aware of timing. The biggest issue acting coaches who don't work with us regularly have is that they take longer, and it causes clients to run over on time (remember that you have about 90 minutes for short scenes and 2 hours for full-length scenes), meaning you might not be able to capture all the angles you'll want for each scene.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes! The deposit is due in full before you can move forward with a shoot ($350 for less than $1,000 shoots, and $500 for shoots costing more than $1,000 altogether). If you need to place a $200 and then another $150 payment to make your initial $350 deposit, that's no problem, but we won't be able to begin the writing process until the entire $350 has been paid. Same with the editing process – after the shoot is complete, we can't release the raw footage or start editing until the remaining balance has been paid in full, and if it takes you some additional time to do so through a few separate payments, that's no problem.
What are your COVID protocols?
You can read our COVID protocols here.
Can I do headshots as well?
Yes! If you book a screener and headshot together (called a combo package), you can get a 20% discount on any headshot package offered through our sister site actors.cityheadshots.com. You do not need to schedule the headshot the same-day, but often can if you want to.
Are all my scenes shot on the same day?
For any shoots with 3 or less scenes, we usually shoot them in the same day and are able to offer you a bulk scene discount. However, if you want to separate scenes into different days, we can absolutely do it but the total cost might be slightly higher due to needing our crew for separate days/travel/etc. Scenes take about 2 hours to shoot, and a 3-scene shoot includes a lunch break and would look something like this:
- 10am - 12pm: Scene 1
- 12pm - 1pm: Lunch
- 1pm - 3pm: Scene 2
- 3pm - 5pm: Scene 3
How long are the scenes after editing?
After editing, the scenes are usually around 45 seconds for short scenes and 2 minutes for long scenes. This can vary a bit however, depending on the nature of what's happening in the scene and length of the script.
How many scenes should typically be in a reel?
For a standard actor demo reel, it's recommend you include anywhere from 4-6 scenes. You would normally combine 1, 2, or 3 scenes shot with us with some scenes from other projects you've already done. If, however, you have no other footage, most actors choose to just submit the clips they shoot with us independently until they have enough footage to edit together a full reel. Casting directors often prefer getting independent clips over a full compilation reel, believe it or not! Learn all about actor reels here.
