Why Is It Important To Have An Actors Demo Reel In A Competitive Market?

As actors and creative’s, sometimes we forget the importance of marketing ourselves and our work properly in competitive markets such as Los Angeles. In fact, sometimes we don’t even know where to begin. We take class after class, read every book imaginable pertaining tips and knowledge to increase and perfect our craft and have the headshot that has every quality needed to book the job. We think to ourselves, I have done everything that seems right so what am I doing wrong? Many actors and creatives forget the importance of a professionally shot and edited demo reel. After all, what better way to showcase your work than a reel someone can see firsthand?  

What Does A Professionally Edited Demo Reel Look Like? 

Having a professionally edited demo reel can make you stand out from the others by showcasing your strongest moments as well as what you have created and can bring to the project. A professional demo reel will have quality picture and sound and will make sure YOU are the one who is being highlighted. A 30 second demo reel clip can be very effective in showing the actors talents and abilities in a short amount of time. After all, most casting directors have sometimes THOUSANDS of submissions to go through and they just don’t have the time to watch your 4 minute oscar award winning scene. ( I truly mean that too, I am sure your work is fabulous but highlighting your strongest moments will get you in the door faster and then you can really let your work shine!)  

How Do I Get A Demo Reel If I’m Not Working On A  Project? 

Los Angeles is full of acting classes and workshops to continue perfecting your craft, but even with the training it isn’t always easy to get on a great project that will in return give you amazing footage for your reel. This is where acting classes come in that offer demo reel footage after completing a 4 week on camera workshop. On Set, On Camera workshops like those offered at LA Acting Studios in North Hollywood can give you the advantage and professional training to feel confident while performing the perfect scene for your demo reel. Each week, the instructor takes you through your scene using different  camera techniques and training including close ups, wide shots and multi camera shots. This builds confidence for the actor with the scene due to the one on one feedback received each week along with the on camera footage given weekly to review before the final week where your scene will be professionally  filmed with a full crew including  lighting and sound. You can then choose to take your scene and have it edited for an affordable price to be added to your demo reel to showcase your work on casting websites and to casting directors! 

How Do I Choose The Right Scene For My Reel? 

There are so many scenes out there that sometimes it can be overwhelming as an actor to know which scene will best suit you and showcase your talent as an actor. In my opinion, if you are a beginning actor it is most important to find a scene that you feel most connected to. Find a script or scene that when you read it you feel like it is most like you. You feel as though you know this person’s story and it is very familiar to you. I believe with the proper direction and on the most basic level of acting, you can create a clip for your reel that WILL book. As you become a more advanced actor, you can continue to incorporate more challenging scenes and characters that show your diversity as an actor. 

If you are looking for an acting studio in the Los Angeles area that offers classes with Demo reel footage and on camera classes, be sure to check out LA Acting studios in North Hollywood. They offer 4 week On Camera, On Set Classes, Commercial Classes as well as directors and writers workshops. Go to laactingstudios.com to learn more!