But just what is a demo reel? Demo reels are a visual resume and marketing tool with carefully selected clips from an actor's working portfolio that have been edited together in a concise, dynamic and appealing way. A professional reel will showcase your range and individuality to casting.
Marketing yourself as an actor can be tricky, but knowing just what range of characters you can play can simplify the task. Are you more of a comedic actor? Use that to your advantage and tailor your reel accordingly. Play to your strengths and know your type, the damsel in distress, the dashing hero, know how and where you fit. Even the most versatile established or famous actors have been known to have geared their careers towards “type-casting” at the onset of their careers. As an actor you are the product that’s being promoted, and with a demo reel you can truly do just that.
Some actors may find that they do not have quite enough credited material as an actor to build a reel. This is when investing in demo reel production becomes crucial, and if done properly, can get you in the game. There is an advantage to having something made just for you, it shows just what you want the world to see. When you hire a team of professionals to create and shoot material for you, you become the star.
At Award Winning Reels we offer full service customized demo reel production packages from concept to delivery. We are working professionals with years of experience in all aspects of development, production, and post. In the end you will have the finest quality promotional video that sells the individual talent you are.
The holidays are a perfect time to improve on, re-edit, and/or build a demo reel so that come pilot season in the new year you’re prepared. Get in the game and you’ll up your game guaranteed!
Sources: http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/no-footage-demo-reel-heres-your-solution/ & http://www.backstage.com/video-reels/