Good question. Here’s a scenario: Imagine you were a casting director, where time is always eluding you, you’re looking to cast an actor that could say the lines of dialogue, believably, even if it were just four lines, (which by the way, the less lines, the harder the read) you need to know the actors you bring in to audition aren’t going to waste your time and will make you look good with your director. As you began reviewing breakdowns and looking at reels, which actors would you consider? • The actors whose reels show them speaking dialogue • The actors whose reels show them reACTing with no dialogue? Casting directors don’t have time to guess if you can act. They need to see evidence of your excellence because there is a lot of money on the line. Which is why they tend to call the same people in. Not that they don’t give new to them people a chance. But we’ve got to earn their trust. And that begins with proper marketing tools. To answer your question, always consider the other side. The best way to get acting opportunities is to meet the needs of casting director’s and show them your skills straightaway. But don’t let that bum you out. Even if you don’t have reel footage of you delivering dialogue, right now, that’s okay. We all have to start somewhere. Don’t waste your time or money posting footage that won’t get you chosen. Instead, use your best self-tape as a reel, or even a compelling monologue in your niche. While you self-submit for student and independent films to get the footage you need. An excellent self-tape or monologue will get you more mileage than footage of you standing next to a star of a show or film reACTing. Leave the background off. It doesn’t help you. And remember this is a journeyman’s game. It takes time. But with dedication, perseverance and craft it can happen.
As a writer director I don’t care at all about headshots. I’d rather skip straight to the reel. I’m not sure if an in person meeting will give anything that would be missing from the reel but seeing someone’s acting talent is the only thing I care about. Looks matter but not over acting talent. Also, i think it’s important for an actor to be a student of philosophy & a good person.
I completely understand and support your perspective. The importance of the reel has undoubtedly grown, but I believe the headshot still holds significant value. It is the initial connection point for casting directors, helping them consider actors for audition opportunities. Once they’ve seen the headshot, they often move on to viewing our reels and typically pass them along, accompanied by a photo, to their directors. This way, the headshot helps categorize and highlight actors for the directors and producers. Moreover, I feel it’s essential for everyone in the industry to approach their work with kindness. From my experience, the best writer-directors prioritize humanity and emotional intelligence over ego. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with notable directors who treat everyone respectfully and kindly. Conversely, I’ve also encountered directors who maintain a strict hierarchy and show a lack of respect for their cast and crew. The latter group often struggles with time management, which can adversely affect their budget. In contrast, the kinder directors foster a supportive environment, encouraging everyone to contribute wholeheartedly to the project rather than just tolerating their authority.
Hi, I'm from Croatia. I've done more than 50 film and tv titles. 99% of my work is in Croatian...I feel when I add subtitles everyone will look at them, not the performance. Any advice? 😊
Oohh nice, thanks for distinguishing between niche and typecast.
Any time!
Thank you this was exactly the video I needed
Thank you 😊
Thank YOU for watching!
Great 💥
Thank you !
Quick question about reels. Would I put some of my BG work in a reel or only improve speaking parts? Thank You
Good question. Here’s a scenario: Imagine you were a casting director, where time is always eluding you, you’re looking to cast an actor that could say the lines of dialogue, believably, even if it were just four lines, (which by the way, the less lines, the harder the read) you need to know the actors you bring in to audition aren’t going to waste your time and will make you look good with your director.
As you began reviewing breakdowns and looking at reels, which actors would you consider?
• The actors whose reels show them speaking dialogue
• The actors whose reels show them reACTing with no dialogue?
Casting directors don’t have time to guess if you can act. They need to see evidence of your excellence because there is a lot of money on the line. Which is why they tend to call the same people in. Not that they don’t give new to them people a chance. But we’ve got to earn their trust. And that begins with proper marketing tools.
To answer your question, always consider the other side. The best way to get acting opportunities is to meet the needs of casting director’s and show them your skills straightaway.
But don’t let that bum you out. Even if you don’t have reel footage of you delivering dialogue, right now, that’s okay. We all have to start somewhere. Don’t waste your time or money posting footage that won’t get you chosen. Instead, use your best self-tape as a reel, or even a compelling monologue in your niche. While you self-submit for student and independent films to get the footage you need. An excellent self-tape or monologue will get you more mileage than footage of you standing next to a star of a show or film reACTing.
Leave the background off. It doesn’t help you. And remember this is a journeyman’s game. It takes time. But with dedication, perseverance and craft it can happen.
Is it okay to use industrial film for a reel? It’s not the most captivating footage but that’s all I’m getting-if I get work.
i think so and using self tapes to film whatver you want to show off
As a writer director I don’t care at all about headshots. I’d rather skip straight to the reel. I’m not sure if an in person meeting will give anything that would be missing from the reel but seeing someone’s acting talent is the only thing I care about.
Looks matter but not over acting talent. Also, i think it’s important for an actor to be a student of philosophy & a good person.
I completely understand and support your perspective. The importance of the reel has undoubtedly grown, but I believe the headshot still holds significant value. It is the initial connection point for casting directors, helping them consider actors for audition opportunities. Once they’ve seen the headshot, they often move on to viewing our reels and typically pass them along, accompanied by a photo, to their directors. This way, the headshot helps categorize and highlight actors for the directors and producers.
Moreover, I feel it’s essential for everyone in the industry to approach their work with kindness. From my experience, the best writer-directors prioritize humanity and emotional intelligence over ego. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with notable directors who treat everyone respectfully and kindly. Conversely, I’ve also encountered directors who maintain a strict hierarchy and show a lack of respect for their cast and crew. The latter group often struggles with time management, which can adversely affect their budget. In contrast, the kinder directors foster a supportive environment, encouraging everyone to contribute wholeheartedly to the project rather than just tolerating their authority.
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Hi, I'm from Croatia. I've done more than 50 film and tv titles. 99% of my work is in Croatian...I feel when I add subtitles everyone will look at them, not the performance. Any advice? 😊
😊👏