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 15-30 minutes and the purpose is to give you enough information to decide whether we'd be a good fit for you.
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, we'll confirm dates and 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, we'll confirm dates and get the ball rolling on your shoot!
STEP 3
The Writing Process
One of our writers will get in touch to schedule a 30-minute Zoom call where you'll discuss scene idea(s) and they'll flesh out completely custom-tailored scripts based on your Type(s) and Brand. After it's written, you'll have the opportunity to go back and forth a few times to ensure you're happy with the final script.
If your package does not include writing, we're still happy to give your script(s) a quick read and provide you with feedback.
If your package does not include writing, we're still happy to give your script(s) a quick read and provide you with feedback.
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 and give you some time to rehearse.
You get to be directly involved in the casting process (which some actors have told us is extremely eye-opening for them and helpful for their own submissions). You'll get to see all the submissions that come in and have final say in who gets cast for your project.
Once you've chosen who you want to work with in your scene(s), we'll connect you to them via email and you can schedule some rehearsal time with them via Zoom (or in-person).
We also send out links to our two popular articles – Acting for Film and Natural Acting, which we strongly recommend you review before your shoot.
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.
Here are the standard locations we can shoot at (other locations may be charged at a higher rate – details at the bottom of this page):
- NYC: Small Photography Studio, City Street, Dark Alleyway, Interrogation Room, Business Office, Apartment Couch by a Window, City Park Setting
- NJ: House, Apartment, Home Office, Park, Forest, Garage, Interrogation Room, Intense Underground Space, Campfire, Neighborhood Street
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/coaching you, confirming blocking, and getting clear on the backstory for each scene.
Our director will help guide you with blocking and making some basic choices in the scene, but if you choose to add on the Screen Acting Coach option, you'll have a coach on set to help you get ultra clear on every moment. The coach will 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. Once the shoot concludes, you'll place any outstanding balance payment 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/coaching you, confirming blocking, and getting clear on the backstory for each scene.
Our director will help guide you with blocking and making some basic choices in the scene, but if you choose to add on the Screen Acting Coach option, you'll have a coach on set to help you get ultra clear on every moment. The coach will 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. Once the shoot concludes, you'll place any outstanding balance payment so that we can begin the editing process.
STEP 6
The Post-Production Process
So, the shoot is complete! If you're doing the Pro Footage Shoot, you can choose to add editing for an additional fee, otherwise you'll receive all your high-res footage same-day.
For the Deluxe Shoot, 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. 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, but you're welcome to request a version with no music as well for no extra fee.
For the Deluxe Shoot, 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. 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, but you're welcome to request a version with no music as well for no extra fee.
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).
Others will begin looking for an agent or manager, and for that we highly recommend this guide: How to Get an Acting Agent: The Ultimate Guide
Others will begin looking for an agent or manager, and for that we highly recommend this guide: How to Get an Acting Agent: The Ultimate Guide
Screener Shoot Add-Ons
Take a look at the options below to take your Screener Shoot to the next level.
Pricing is dependent upon which package you're doing and how many add-on options you want, but will be confirmed via email before you place any payments.
Pricing is dependent upon which package you're doing and how many add-on options you want, but will be confirmed via email before you place any payments.
- Professional Makeup Artistry: Add a professional makeup artist to your shoot to ensure you look camera-ready. She'll stay on set throughout the shoot to make sure you look your best, and she can also do light hairstyling.
- Professional Editing: If you're not sure how to edit footage yourself or want an expert eye, we can edit your footage into a professional, standalone scene that lasts about 25-50 seconds. Editing is included with the Deluxe Shoot option.
- Casting for Actors: Need an actor for your scene? We can take care of the casting process and find someone experienced to be in the scene with you. Deluxe Shoots include casting of one actor per scene for you to perform with (if you want more than one extra actor in your scene, there may be an additional charge).
- Custom Scriptwriting: One of our screenwriters will have an in-depth Zoom consultation with you to figure out what type of scene will work best for your Type(s) and Brand. They will then write out your script based on the scene idea(s) you decide on. Every script is unique and original, and written specifically based on the scene ideas we come up with together, and you'll have the opportunity to request changes if necessary. Standard Scriptwriting is included in the Deluxe Shoot.
- Screen Acting Coach: Want to make sure your performances are consistent, authentic, and natural? Our expert screen acting coach 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.
- Shoot in 4K: Although it's generally not necessary for online-only reels (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.
- 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 and secure these special locations. For reference, our standard included locations are listed below:
- NYC: Small Photography Studio, City Street, Dark Alleyway, Interrogation Room, Small Messy Office, Business Hallway, City Park (depends on a few factors)
- NJ: House, Apartment, Home Office, Park, Forest, Garage, Interrogation Room, Intense Underground Space, Campfire, Neighborhood Street
