For aspiring actors, a demo reel is the new “calling card.” Like headshots and resumes, demo reels are essential for actors looking to find work. A well crafted demo reel conveys professionalism and experience, and makes all the difference between getting a role or not.
If you—or your son or daughter—are hoping to break into the entertainment industry to launch a successful acting career, you must create professional video footage in addition to your professional headshots to present to potential employers.
I’ve been in the entertainment business for 40 years and have coached 2000+ actors of all ages. When I started my acting career in the ‘80s in New York, professional black and white headshots were the primary calling card required to break into the entertainment industry. This essential element evolved into color headshots in the ‘90s, and then to digital headshots in the 2000s.
While professional headshots are still a critical component of an actor’s portfolio, in order to be considered by agents, it is essential to provide compelling video footage as well. Enter the Demo Reel.
What exactly is a Demo Reel?
A demo or “sizzle” reel, is a short compilation of an actor’s work captured on film. It usually consists of several high resolution clips, each between 20-30 seconds and totaling no more than two minutes.
What makes a Demo Reel Effective?
A powerful demo reel must not only showcase who you are and what roles you will play, but also must contain high-quality footage. Agents and managers expect to receive high-resolution (4K) reels with excellent lighting and sound quality. Current footage clips should convey actors’ best work to get noticed in this competitive market.
So how do you create footage that opens doors and catches the eyes of agents and managers?
You can try to do it yourself. However, an amateurly-produced reel could be quickly
rejected, regardless of the actor’s talent.
You can hire a professional film or editing company to assemble your reel for you, which
can be costly and will take time to complete. Even though you may have done some film work, it still may take months to get the footage.
Good news! There is another option that is both professional, economical, and only requires a five day commitment. The best part? It’s an interactive and enjoyable learning experience for young actors.
Introducing YAFE!
In the summer of 2024, I will be partnering with REELARC to offer The Young Actor’s Film Experience (YAFE) to 40 lucky students. Students can choose between 2 Sessions: July 8-13 and August 5-10. REELARC, specializes in producing 4K resolution demo reels for actors. We provide the tools, guidance, and confidence your actor needs to get seen. It’s a unique journey where you learn directly from industry pros, receive a custom-written script tailored to your casting type, and enjoy top-notch acting coaching in NYC. This isn’t just about getting your reel completed, it’s about shaping your future in acting.
Click below to see a sample reel shot by REELARC and to hear directly from prior YAFE Students.
Learn more about how to unlock the door to your acting career with The Young Actors Film Experience in Summer of 2024:
About the Author:
DENISE SIMON is a New York-based acting coach and career consultant who has been in the entertainment industry for 40 years as an actor, teacher, director, casting director, author and personal talent manager. She managed the careers of Scarlett Johansson, Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Lacey Chabert (“Party of Five”), and Judy Reyes (NBC’s “Scrubs”) among many other working young performers. She has coached hundreds of children and young adults appearing on Broadway and TV & Film including Noah Schnapp and Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things. She is the author of Parenting in the Spotlight: How to Raise a Child Star Without Screwing Them Up. Denise consults on the business of show business and serves on the young performer's committee at SAG-AFTRA and the Actors Fund Looking Ahead committee. She is an expert columnist for Backstage Magazine Visit Denise at DeniseSimonCoaching.com, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
