Showcase your best work
"Casting directors don't have time to waste. Other than your headshot, your reel may be the only thing they look at before deciding whether or not they want to bring you in, so it's crucial that your reel show off your skills and highlight the work you've done (or capable of doing).
What are some key qualities to include in your reel?
Acting teacher Paul Barry says, “A demo reel should highlight your most marketable qualities. It should be an honest representation of how you look, sound, and act right now. Footage that obscures any of these features—and old material—should be avoided at all costs.” He also notes that the sound and vision quality should be high, and the acting should be your best.
What are some key qualities to include in your reel?
Acting teacher Paul Barry says, “A demo reel should highlight your most marketable qualities. It should be an honest representation of how you look, sound, and act right now. Footage that obscures any of these features—and old material—should be avoided at all costs.” He also notes that the sound and vision quality should be high, and the acting should be your best.
How much content should your reel include?
"Aim for a range of 4-5 clips, each 20-30 seconds long, with the total run time of the reel being three minutes max."
How long should your reel be?
"Opinions vary on the exact length, but as long as your reel is under three minutes (max!) and features two-to-five varying scenes that showcase your abilities, you're good. Acting coach Joseph Pearlman says, 'A good reel should be no longer than one-and-a-half minutes and start immediately; no 10-seconds holds your name against a blank screen - that just bores casting to tears and makes them impatient."
Read more on perfecting your demo reel at Backstage.com