The Screener Shoot Process
Plus Add-On Options
An actor prepares for his upcoming scene.
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We're excited to meet with you and discuss your goals! Take a look below to learn how our Screener Shoot process works and be sure to write down any questions you come up with so you get the most out of your consultation call. Further down on this page you'll see our add-on options so you have an idea of what's possible and how we can build the perfect package for you. |
STEP 1
The Consultation
Note: The consultation is usually done via Zoom (not in-person).
Every Screener Shoot starts with an in-depth consultation where we learn about your goals and answer any questions you have. We prefer Zoom so we can see what you look like and help you come up with scene ideas.
This call takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes and the purpose is to give you enough information to decide whether we'd be a good fit for you.
Most of our clients are looking to sign with an agent or manager, so one of the most important parts of this conversation revolves around looking at who you're targeting. We use a technique from our Land an Agent course called The Reverse Agency Lookup Technique to discover the kinds of reels your targeted agents or managers prefer, which allows us to figure out what kinds of scenes will improve your chances of signing with that agent.
STEP 2
Confirming Your Shoot
Once we decide on the scene idea(s) you want to move forward with, any add-on options you want (found at the bottom of this page), and what the total price will be, we'll send you a link to place the initial retainer payment.
This retainer is usually either $350 or $500 depending on the total rate for your shoot. For shoots over $1,000, the retainer fee will be $500, and for less than $1,000, it's $350.
Once you place that payment, you'll get immediate access to our in-depth Land an Agent course, which will show you the step by step roadmap to finding a hardworking manager or agent.
We'll also connect you with our writer to get the ball rolling on your shoot!
This retainer is usually either $350 or $500 depending on the total rate for your shoot. For shoots over $1,000, the retainer fee will be $500, and for less than $1,000, it's $350.
Once you place that payment, you'll get immediate access to our in-depth Land an Agent course, which will show you the step by step roadmap to finding a hardworking manager or agent.
We'll also connect you with our writer to get the ball rolling on your shoot!
STEP 3
The Writing Process
Our expert writer will get in touch to schedule a 30-minute Zoom call where you'll discuss scene idea(s) and begin fleshing everything out. Together, you'll come up with some great in-depth ideas, agree on the one(s) you want to proceed with, and then the writing process begins.
It typically takes about a week to write out your scene(s). Once written, you'll have the opportunity to review and give the writer feedback and notes to ensure the scene is something you're happy with.
Once that's finished, it's time to move on to scheduling and finding actors!
It typically takes about a week to write out your scene(s). Once written, you'll have the opportunity to review and give the writer feedback and notes to ensure the scene is something you're happy with.
Once that's finished, it's time to move on to scheduling and finding actors!
STEP 4
The Pre-Production Process
We encourage you to allow for at least two weeks after the scripts have been written to allow enough time to find actors, connect them with you, and give you some time to rehearse. It's the perfect length of time to start diving into some of the concepts outlined in the Land an Agent course.
Once the scripts are finished, we'll confirm a shoot date and discuss character looks/descriptions with you. Once we figure out all of that, we'll post casting calls online and as submissions roll in, we'll narrow them down to our top 3-4 choices to send to you for review and approval.
When you've chosen who you want to work with in your scene(s), we'll connect you via email and you can schedule some rehearsal time with the other actor(s) via Zoom or in-person.
During this time, we'll be taking care of purchasing or designing props, securing locations, confirming crew & equipment, and making any other necessary preparations. All you need to do is get together with your actor(s) and rehearse.
STEP 5
Shooting Your Scene
So, the shoot day has finally arrived!
Most standard scenes take a few hours to shoot, and we spend the first 30-45 minutes directing you, confirming blocking, and getting clear on the backstory for each scene.
We'll discuss questions like the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why) for each character, their goals in the scene, and how they relate to one another. We want you to be completely clear on everything so you look your best and there's no confusion.
If you choose to add on the Expert Acting Coach option, you'll have an additional crew member (usually our founder Martin Bentsen) on set to direct you and help you get ultra clear on every moment. He'll look out for any inauthentic moments in your performance to help you nip those in the bud so you look your best for agents, managers, and casting directors.
We shoot from a few angles to ensure plenty of coverage and we use professional cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. The camera we use is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K.
Once the shoot concludes, you'll place your final payment for the remaining balance so that we can begin the editing process.
Most standard scenes take a few hours to shoot, and we spend the first 30-45 minutes directing you, confirming blocking, and getting clear on the backstory for each scene.
We'll discuss questions like the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why) for each character, their goals in the scene, and how they relate to one another. We want you to be completely clear on everything so you look your best and there's no confusion.
If you choose to add on the Expert Acting Coach option, you'll have an additional crew member (usually our founder Martin Bentsen) on set to direct you and help you get ultra clear on every moment. He'll look out for any inauthentic moments in your performance to help you nip those in the bud so you look your best for agents, managers, and casting directors.
We shoot from a few angles to ensure plenty of coverage and we use professional cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. The camera we use is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K.
Once the shoot concludes, you'll place your final payment for the remaining balance so that we can begin the editing process.
STEP 6
The Post-Production Process
So, the shoot is complete and it's time to begin editing! The editing process takes about 1-2 weeks, depending on how many scenes we shot and how complex your scene is in terms of blocking, etc.
For this process, you get to relax (or continue going through the Land an Agent course) while we do all the heavy lifting. If you'd like access to the raw footage, simply send us an email and we can send it over to you, otherwise we will edit your scene(s) together based on what we feel are the best performances that highlight your brand.
Once the scene is edited, we'll send to you for review and notes. The final scene will be color graded & sound designed, and any necessary VFX work will be taken care of. We also occasionally add music depending on the mood and whether we feel it supports the scene.
For this process, you get to relax (or continue going through the Land an Agent course) while we do all the heavy lifting. If you'd like access to the raw footage, simply send us an email and we can send it over to you, otherwise we will edit your scene(s) together based on what we feel are the best performances that highlight your brand.
Once the scene is edited, we'll send to you for review and notes. The final scene will be color graded & sound designed, and any necessary VFX work will be taken care of. We also occasionally add music depending on the mood and whether we feel it supports the scene.
STEP 7
Finalizing Your Shoot
It usually takes 1-2 rounds of revisions in the final edit to ensure you get exactly what you need, but once that's done, you'll let us know you're happy and we can re-format your scene(s) into any needed sizes or specifications for easy upload to Actor's Access, Backstage, and any other online profiles you use.
At that point you're pretty much done, and we'll send out the final version of your scene(s) to the other actor(s) who performed with you!
At that point you're pretty much done, and we'll send out the final version of your scene(s) to the other actor(s) who performed with you!
STEP 8
Where to Go Next
Once the Screener Shoot process is complete, you have plenty of other options on where to go next. Many actors will ask us to edit their scenes together as a single compilation reel (www.demoreelsnyc.com) with other footage they have, and some will set up a headshot session with us (www.cityheadshots.com).
Even if you don't want to do either of those, we highly recommend you continue to work through our Land an Agent course so you can make the absolute most of your new scenes and find the best possible agent or manager to take your career to the next level.
Even if you don't want to do either of those, we highly recommend you continue to work through our Land an Agent course so you can make the absolute most of your new scenes and find the best possible agent or manager to take your career to the next level.
Screener Shoot Add-Ons
Take a look at the options below to take your Screener Shoot to the next level.
- Professional Makeup Artistry: If you want an expert on set to ensure you not only have camera-ready makeup, but your hairs is consistently in place and you're not shiny, you can add a professional makeup artist to your shoot. The rate is $200 regardless of how many scenes you're doing.
- Expert Acting Coach: Want to make sure your performances are consistent, authentic, and natural? Martin Bentsen will personally join you on set and direct, paying close attention to every moment of your performance and giving you real-time feedback to ensure your acting is genuine, honest, and real. The cost is $200 for one scene, $250 for two scenes, or $300 for three scenes.
- Shoot in 4K: Although it's generally not necessary for online-only reels (such as using it on Youtube or for your website), some actors want to shoot in 4K so they have the highest possible quality to use their footage in other locations down the line, such as on big-screen televisions, etc. The cost to shoot 4K is $100 more per scene.
- Shoot On-Location: Want to shoot at a bar? In an office? At your own apartment? In a courtroom? We work with expert location scouts who can help us find these special locations. The minimum additional fee to shoot on-location is $200, and includes us traveling there and if necessary, finding/securing the location. Some places require additional insurance or fees, and we would let you know if the rate is going to be more than $200 ahead of time. For reference, our standard non-extra fee locations are listed below:
- NYC: Small Photography Studio, City Street, Dark Alleyway, Interrogation Room, Small Messy Office, Business Hallway
- NJ: House, Apartment, Home Office, Park, Forest, Garage, Interrogation Room, Intense Underground Space, Campfire, Neighborhood Street
