AWARD WINNING REELS
AWARD WINNING REELS
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actor reel editing FAQ

ACTOR REEL EDITING FAQ
HOST REEL EDITING FAQ
DEMO REEL PRODUCTION FAQ
• How to choose your material
• How long should a demo reel be
• Montages
• Music
• How to prepare your footage
• Formats
• The editing process
• How much does it cost

How To Choose Your Material

Remember it’s all about you! The best scenes are the ones where you are the focus. Scenes that you're proud of and demonstrates your range and sell your unique qualities. Don't overlook one-liners they are great to use as tools even if only to get a laugh.
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How Long Should A Demo Reel Be

The shorter the better!

If you are an actor with a lot of credits, we strongly advise a reel between 2 and 3 minutes. If you don’t have a lot of network TV or film work yet, or haven’t worked in awhile – and have little recent footage – 1 to 2 minutes will do. Remember, a short, professionally crafted demo reel will give you a much greater chance at catching the attention of an agent and getting work than no reel at all.

Remember less is more! So, no matter how difficult it may be, let go of moments or scenes that slow down the reel by being repetitive or do not showcase you at your very best. Because you want to keep your audience wanting more, the rule that applies to good screenwriting applies to good demo reel design, enter your scenes late and exit them early!

Sometimes agents, managers and/or event promoters have specific requests. They may want a Speed-reel or a Specialty-reel. Whatever your needs are, we will meet and exceed them!
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Montages

Frankly montages are outdated. Simply it is important to begin with your best work and build from there.
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Music

Not all demo reels need music, but some benefit from having something that helps create a mood. Take some time to think about how the music can market what you are trying to sell by matching the essence of the type of roles you play. Instrumental is the best bet. If you choose something with lyrics try not to choose familiar songs that people have heard one too many times.
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How To Prepare Your Footage

The more prepared you are, the more cost-efficient the editing session(s) will be. Select your material thoroughly before the session and write down the time codes. This pre-selection will give us a great starting point from which to design your reel. If your choices overwhelm you, don't worry. We will help you chose the footage that serves you best.
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Formats

Bring all your original material, not only your previously edited reel(s). This will give us more editing options. We can import footage from DVDs, VHS, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV. We can ingest footage from any video file format (.mov, .mp4, .wmv, etc.) Remember, the higher the resolution, the better the quality.  We can also pull material off the Internet. Send us the links in an email. If your material is on other formats such as D5, HDCAM, DIGIBETA, BETACAM, etc., please have them transferred onto a high resolution video files at a dubbing/transfer facility.
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The Editing Process

CAPTURE - First we digitize or "ingest" your footage. That is the process of capturing your material into the computer off of the various DVDs, hard drives, and internet links. Since this is done in real time, it gives us an opportunity to brain storm and discuss your reel's design.

EDITING - How do we design your reel and put the pieces together? The best demo reels are made behind the scenes where we create the magic and you are the focus. Most clients would rather leave it to us because we have had the experience of editing hundreds of demo reels– we know what works and we can be objective. 

PRODUCT - Once the reel is finalized, we will export it in the most common HD and SD video files so as to cover all your internet needs.

UPDATING - You have an outstanding demo reel that’s getting you lots of work. So much work that now you want to add your latest stuff. Bring in your DVD Master or Copy and we’ll find the best way to incorporate the updates as efficiently as possible.
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Remote Service

Even if you are out of the Los Angeles area we can work with you as our editing service are now exclusively remote. Call or email us. We will set-up a phone consultation to determine what your needs are. Often we can determine a rough estimate from internet links you send through email. 
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How Much Does It Cost

It takes an average of 4 to 6 hours to build an acting demo reel from scratch, and an average of 3 to 4 hours for a demo reel update. Remember, the more prepared you are, the more cost-efficient the editing session(s) will be. 

Click here for editing rates.

Do you know why you need a professional to edit your reel? Find out here.

Enjoy some examples of actors reels edited by Award Winning Reels here. 

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​​AWARD WINNING REELS
is a subsidiary of WHITE SWAN FILMS

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