LEARN HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF
With the wonderful resources we have at our fingertips today, assembling a showreel is a skill you want to master rather than always having to rely on someone else to piece it together for you, which can really slow you down.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Determining what the reel is for, and what you are hoping to achieve with it, helps you choose the right scenes and the best order to put them in.
CHOOSE YOUR SCENES DELIBERATELY
You want your showreel to be around two minutes long and no longer than three minutes when you are startling out. Choose scenes that you are comfortable with and roles in which you would be cast. Choose at least one scene that is in your niche and try to make sure in each scene you adopt a different look (e.g. hair up, hair down, different clothing, colours etc).
MAKE SURE YOUR MEDIA BANK IS READY
Don’t underestimate the value of a media bank of self-tests. A good editor can make almost any performance look good and, therefore, a reel often isn’t as reliable in determining an actor’s skill as a self-test can be. So, consider your show reel a teaser, something to send out to agents to generate interest. But have your media bank ready. Some agents prefer you to self-test with scenes that they have chosen. So, once you have sent your reel off, get ready to work.
IT’S ABOUT VOICE
Whether it be film, television or stage your voice needs to be ready. They say a great film is all in the sound, well make sure your voice is up to the performance. Make vocal warm-ups part of your daily routine, so you are ready to perform at any time.