These were great tips! Some of the scenes were a little tough to watch acting-wise, but the woman in the Butterfly Collection scene was really incredible and that final clip was great! Question - do you recommend longer scenes for reels? I've heard others say that 20-30 second clips are sufficient but these examples were much longer. Thanks for posting this!
Hi Bella! The wonderful thing about technology today is that you can have several different demo reels or demo links. My advice is have one DEMO REEL that is under three minutes, no scene more than 45 seconds or so...don't worry about the plot or narrative of the scenes, the viewer's understanding of the scenes themselves is irrelevant...the point is that the demo ITSELF has a macro narrative: your product. Then ALSO provide links to the full scenes on your website or TH-cam channel.
Hi Claytai99: demo reels are specifically for showcasing an actor's specific quality (product) that "thing" that makes you unique...so when shooting your own demo reel to highlight your strengths and sense-of-being, choose meaty scenes with great dialogue and superb emotional returns that really underscore your ability and quality.
To answer your question on how to approach a "bit part" or "one-line" part: For an actor to deliver a single line on camera, it costs the production at least $10 000. They have to clothe you, feed you, put you through hair and make up, and pay you...but mostly they need to take time for the crew to light and shoot you. Even if it's a "oner" and knocked off in half an hour, they are still looking at thousands of dollars of set time out the window. Every "bit part" that exists went through a rigorous vetting: the producers wanted to cut the part and save the money. I was with a close friend, who is a producer, director, show runner of a show on the Syfy network, at his house when he got a call from the network. They wanted to cut a one-line "bit part" with a title like "Alien #3". My friend and the network folk had a half hour argument about the part, my director friend arguing why you absolutely could NOT cut it, and then explained from the audience's point of view the structural narrative reasons as to WHY the character had to exist. If the story goes A to B to C to D to E to F etcetera, right until the end at Z, the reason why the bit character exists is to push the plot forward, say from F to G. The "bit part" is essential in the story writing. It will be the exposition the audience needs to understand the next shift in the plot, or it will be a reflection on the theme, or on the main characters choices and personality, or it will actually physically push the lead characters somewhere ("They went that way!") While show runners and directors are busy arguing the exact reason why a character MUST exist, the actor acts like it's a "bit part", and then they do one of two errors: (1) they throw it away because it's small or (2) they make "bold choices" and add all sorts of random stuff on to the character so they "stand out" After understanding what my friend and other directors and show runners go trough, can you see how OFFENSIVE both those approaches are?! Your job as an actor is to recreate the discussion between the network and the show runner: - Why does this character HAVE to exist? - How does it push the plot forward? - How does it reflect the theme and the main characters? Glean everything you can from the little you've been given. What is the show? What are the themes of the show? Who are the leads? Once you've answered those questions, the approach to the character will be clear. Don't make too much out of it, and don't "throw it away"...SERVE the story and audience. www.actorsfoundryonline.com
would it be appropriate to record a demo reel from a phone in your home? I want to make my first acting reel and my supplies is very limited. Or do you have any advice on how to make it look professional?
Hello Eva: the best case of course is that you hire a professional crew to produce your demo reel scenes...however, I understand that budgeting for that can be an impediment (however...investing in your company IS a necessity eventually). If you have a well lit location that looks like it could be a proper set location - and the acting is incredible - you can get away with only your coverage (your side of the shoot) shooting over the shoulder of the reader - that is if the phone is high quality. This CAN work as a place holder until you get the finances together for a pro shoot. GO TO 18:25 of this video for an example.
Would it be better to have clips that focus on you more instead of dialogues that go back and forth? I'm hearing two different things, some say only focus on you, others say it's okay to have dialogues. Also Ive heard that it's better to have 4-5, 30 second clips on a reel and some of these seem way longer than 30 seconds? what do you think?
Hi Matthew. Discovered your name through IMDB. I am an actor working in Toronto. I've been curious for some time now about moving to Vancouver and trying some training out there. I am struggling to book. Would you reccomend trying your online classes first, or trying to see you in the studio? I feel as though I've been training inefficiently for some years now, certain things are just not clicking. But your videos are really hitting me in ways many teachers have not. Thanks for reading my comment, and have a nice day.
Hello Richard! Great to hear from you. "I feel as though I have been training inefficiently for years" is a comment I hear almost daily from actors all over. The Foundry was really created to remedy just that.
Currently I am teaching Virtual classes only. So no in person contact. I will put you on the waitlist for January? In January, I intend to blend virtual classes with in-person classes at my new studio that I share with Casting Director Catharine Falcon. In other words, there will; still be virtual classes where you only work with your partners on Zoom. SCENE STUDY with me starts on the Actor's Campus online (it's the prerequisite for the class since 2014, so way before Covid). Register as a member of the Actor's Foundry Online and study the twelve hours of video on the Actor's Campus to catch up on all the fundamentals and ideas that I teach from. The first month is free, so you can study all you can and enjoy and work on assignments at your own time and in your own space...and then be ready for virtual and in-studio classes in January. For a quick tour, you can check out: th-cam.com/video/eGSy0GFU82k/w-d-xo.html . Register here for the free month to start the classes: www.actorsfoundry.com/users?action=register_exclusive&selected=2 Lots of info. Hope that helps.
As for Toronto versus Vancouver...both cities have a vibrant film/TV industry. I have actually given a "comparative city study" seminar as Friday Morning Webinar for members of The Campus
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline thanks for all the information. I have another question if you wouldn't mind taking the time to answer. I cordially asked my agent why I dont get any auditions, and her answer was that all my pitches were declined, likely due to my lack of relationships built in casting. I am wondering if there is any way to forge these relationships without seeming 'desperate' or 'unprofessional'. If this is a question answered in the campus, I'm definitely going to check it out. Thanks for the very detailed and swift reply, Matthew.
@@rickmcarthur7265 This is a HUGE question. And yes: the answers to this are all over the campus. Check out the FRIDAY MORNING WEBINARS. As well as the Business workshop. Quickly: An assessment of why an actor isn't being seen is multifold: (1) skill set (2) marketability/cast-ability to the local industry (3) marketing and publicity tools (demo especially) (4) actor's ability to forge relationships with casting (5) agent's ability to push actor to casting. If an actor is highly skilled, cast-able, has high end superb demo, web and social media presence, and a good agent...then the answer does indeed lie with setting a relationship to casting. That answer requires both in and out-of-the-box creativity (what we at The Foundry call "CREATIVE PROFESSIONALISM vs. PROFESSIONAL CREATIVITY). This is where imaginative project development comes into play. Again all in the BUSINESS WORKSHOP or in different videos and seminars on the Campus.
Question: I'm a high school teacher trying to help some seniors make content for their reels---one of your students shot scenes from plays, and you encouraged him to link to these on IMDB, but what about copyright infringement for this? Is it expected that inexperienced actors pay royalties to make reels? Just wondering, thanks so much.
Hi Martina! Any and all material that isn't being used to explicitly make money falls under the category of "hommage" in Entertainment law. That's why you can see so many people on youtube posting scenes they have acted from their favourite films and plays.
Check out Rachel's IMDb page....she has scenes from film and from "savage in Limbo" by Shanley. Great work, great demo, and a superb IMDb page. www.imdb.com/name/nm11344496/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
I think the scenes are waaaay too long for a demo reel that is supposed to be a compilation of performance abilities. If the male actor is highlighted for the reel, then DON'T open the scene with the girl. Cut right into the scene where the actor is emoting at about 1:30 (I didn't want to hold your hand...) and cut it at 1:48 before the scene gets weak. And the other start at "She's pretty hot" around 5:00 and cut at 5:16 where blonde says, "Women." You have to keep the clip of the 2 men talking short because the conversation pace is far too hurried, and the two men are clearly not grounded in their environment (interact within the world that's created on the set). Because that dialogue is so unrealistic, you have to keep the clips shorter so that it doesn't distract.
You ought to watch the video more carefully before you comment. You missed the point of this one. These aren't examples of finished edited demo reels...it's a lesson on how to approach creating personal demo scenes. these scenes would Then be edited into a tight three minute reel of different scenes...yes, starting on the actor it is meant to highlight. At 34 seconds "I have a couple of videos out about how to build a demo reel...but I have been asked what makes a good demo scene". That's this video. So - your comments are correct. But misplaced.
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline Oops. Sorry about that. However, I would advise staying far away from a 3-minute reel unless casting asks for a long one. 1-2 minutes and better if at 1:30. This I've gleaned from various casting directors.
Man, some of these comments are scary. Trying being human, have real life experiences and bring more to your "acting". Small minds, small hearts, small roles, or no roles at all.
So the very first thing you show is an absolute NO! You don't start your reel on another actor! Period! He starts this clip on "Look, if you must know..." Absolutely do not need her to deliver that first bit to lead into it! Cardinal sin! I would definitely replace the two-shot with a 1 sec. reverse shot of her. Going from an intimate conversation - needlessly - to a two-shot yanks the viewer right out of the moment.
You ought to watch the video more carefully before you comment. You missed the point of this one. These aren't examples of finished edited demo reels...it's a lesson on how to approach creating personal demo scenes. these scenes would Then be edited into a tight three minute reel of different scenes...yes, starting on the actor it is meant to highlight. At 34 seconds "I have a couple of videos out about how to build a demo reel...but I have been asked what makes a good demo scene". That's this video. So - your comments are correct. But misplaced.
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline @The Actor's Foundry OMG! I totally pounced prematurely! Rawr! You are a breath of FRESH AIR! I watched this and the link you posted more carefully! Spot on! Forgive me! In a world of soooo many wannabes pitching demo reel services, so refreshing to happen upon someone who gets it right! Retract. Retract. Retract! "I make the BEST filet mignon in the WORLD - but first, try my meatloaf!" LOL! Love the "test drive" analogy!
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline Sure no problem the men are not released incorrectly and the girl in the thumbnail she has the wrong hairstyle for the scene and it’s covering her face and eyes I had to look really hard 99.9% of the time the Director and casting directors want to see their face to see what they look like
Wowwww! Great contrasting scenes, character development and choices!!!! Amazing!
I thought the dating scene was incredible. Both actors were very interesting and believable.
The second reel was my favorite
It's really good
Such fun content!!
These were great tips! Some of the scenes were a little tough to watch acting-wise, but the woman in the Butterfly Collection scene was really incredible and that final clip was great! Question - do you recommend longer scenes for reels? I've heard others say that 20-30 second clips are sufficient but these examples were much longer. Thanks for posting this!
Hi Bella! The wonderful thing about technology today is that you can have several different demo reels or demo links. My advice is have one DEMO REEL that is under three minutes, no scene more than 45 seconds or so...don't worry about the plot or narrative of the scenes, the viewer's understanding of the scenes themselves is irrelevant...the point is that the demo ITSELF has a macro narrative: your product. Then ALSO provide links to the full scenes on your website or TH-cam channel.
Here's a good example: vimeo.com/564697098
HERE! Watch this: th-cam.com/video/VaNgVoLkU6M/w-d-xo.html
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline This information is great! Thank you so much for sharing
@@tabaxi Pleasure.
Watch PART 1: th-cam.com/video/VaNgVoLkU6M/w-d-xo.html
Also check out: www.actorsfoundry.com/blog/matt-talks/fmw---business-talk-demos-agent-meetings-pitching-the-actor
What about like singular roles. When u have no script, but you are trying to give off an image for a character?
Hi Claytai99: demo reels are specifically for showcasing an actor's specific quality (product) that "thing" that makes you unique...so when shooting your own demo reel to highlight your strengths and sense-of-being, choose meaty scenes with great dialogue and superb emotional returns that really underscore your ability and quality.
To answer your question on how to approach a "bit part" or "one-line" part:
For an actor to deliver a single line on camera, it costs the production at least $10 000. They have to clothe you, feed you, put you through hair and make up, and pay you...but mostly they need to take time for the crew to light and shoot you. Even if it's a "oner" and knocked off in half an hour, they are still looking at thousands of dollars of set time out the window.
Every "bit part" that exists went through a rigorous vetting: the producers wanted to cut the part and save the money.
I was with a close friend, who is a producer, director, show runner of a show on the Syfy network, at his house when he got a call from the network. They wanted to cut a one-line "bit part" with a title like "Alien #3". My friend and the network folk had a half hour argument about the part, my director friend arguing why you absolutely could NOT cut it, and then explained from the audience's point of view the structural narrative reasons as to WHY the character had to exist.
If the story goes A to B to C to D to E to F etcetera, right until the end at Z, the reason why the bit character exists is to push the plot forward, say from F to G. The "bit part" is essential in the story writing. It will be the exposition the audience needs to understand the next shift in the plot, or it will be a reflection on the theme, or on the main characters choices and personality, or it will actually physically push the lead characters somewhere ("They went that way!")
While show runners and directors are busy arguing the exact reason why a character MUST exist, the actor acts like it's a "bit part", and then they do one of two errors:
(1) they throw it away because it's small
or
(2) they make "bold choices" and add all sorts of random stuff on to the character so they "stand out"
After understanding what my friend and other directors and show runners go trough, can you see how OFFENSIVE both those approaches are?!
Your job as an actor is to recreate the discussion between the network and the show runner:
- Why does this character HAVE to exist?
- How does it push the plot forward?
- How does it reflect the theme and the main characters?
Glean everything you can from the little you've been given. What is the show? What are the themes of the show? Who are the leads?
Once you've answered those questions, the approach to the character will be clear. Don't make too much out of it, and don't "throw it away"...SERVE the story and audience.
www.actorsfoundryonline.com
This is a great video with wonderful examples of young talent. I was engaged. You gave me fodder to ponder. Thanks much.
A pleasure. Enjoy all the videos!
love it.... keep up the great job
Thanks
Thank you
Heck yeah! Great demos!
YOUNG CASTLE! You guys rock! www.youngcastle.ca/actor
would it be appropriate to record a demo reel from a phone in your home? I want to make my first acting reel and my supplies is very limited. Or do you have any advice on how to make it look professional?
Hello Eva: the best case of course is that you hire a professional crew to produce your demo reel scenes...however, I understand that budgeting for that can be an impediment (however...investing in your company IS a necessity eventually). If you have a well lit location that looks like it could be a proper set location - and the acting is incredible - you can get away with only your coverage (your side of the shoot) shooting over the shoulder of the reader - that is if the phone is high quality. This CAN work as a place holder until you get the finances together for a pro shoot. GO TO 18:25 of this video for an example.
Also watch: th-cam.com/video/VaNgVoLkU6M/w-d-xo.html
Would it be better to have clips that focus on you more instead of dialogues that go back and forth? I'm hearing two different things, some say only focus on you, others say it's okay to have dialogues.
Also Ive heard that it's better to have 4-5, 30 second clips on a reel and some of these seem way longer than 30 seconds? what do you think?
Watch this: th-cam.com/video/VaNgVoLkU6M/w-d-xo.html
Hi Matthew. Discovered your name through IMDB. I am an actor working in Toronto. I've been curious for some time now about moving to Vancouver and trying some training out there. I am struggling to book. Would you reccomend trying your online classes first, or trying to see you in the studio? I feel as though I've been training inefficiently for some years now, certain things are just not clicking. But your videos are really hitting me in ways many teachers have not. Thanks for reading my comment, and have a nice day.
Hello Richard! Great to hear from you. "I feel as though I have been training inefficiently for years" is a comment I hear almost daily from actors all over. The Foundry was really created to remedy just that.
Currently I am teaching Virtual classes only. So no in person contact. I will put you on the waitlist for January? In January, I intend to blend virtual classes with in-person classes at my new studio that I share with Casting Director Catharine Falcon. In other words, there will; still be virtual classes where you only work with your partners on Zoom.
SCENE STUDY with me starts on the Actor's Campus online (it's the prerequisite for the class since 2014, so way before Covid). Register as a member of the Actor's Foundry Online and study the twelve hours of video on the Actor's Campus to catch up on all the fundamentals and ideas that I teach from. The first month is free, so you can study all you can and enjoy and work on assignments at your own time and in your own space...and then be ready for virtual and in-studio classes in January.
For a quick tour, you can check out: th-cam.com/video/eGSy0GFU82k/w-d-xo.html . Register here for the free month to start the classes: www.actorsfoundry.com/users?action=register_exclusive&selected=2
Lots of info. Hope that helps.
As for Toronto versus Vancouver...both cities have a vibrant film/TV industry. I have actually given a "comparative city study" seminar as Friday Morning Webinar for members of The Campus
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline thanks for all the information. I have another question if you wouldn't mind taking the time to answer. I cordially asked my agent why I dont get any auditions, and her answer was that all my pitches were declined, likely due to my lack of relationships built in casting. I am wondering if there is any way to forge these relationships without seeming 'desperate' or 'unprofessional'.
If this is a question answered in the campus, I'm definitely going to check it out. Thanks for the very detailed and swift reply, Matthew.
@@rickmcarthur7265 This is a HUGE question. And yes: the answers to this are all over the campus. Check out the FRIDAY MORNING WEBINARS. As well as the Business workshop.
Quickly:
An assessment of why an actor isn't being seen is multifold: (1) skill set (2) marketability/cast-ability to the local industry (3) marketing and publicity tools (demo especially) (4) actor's ability to forge relationships with casting (5) agent's ability to push actor to casting.
If an actor is highly skilled, cast-able, has high end superb demo, web and social media presence, and a good agent...then the answer does indeed lie with setting a relationship to casting.
That answer requires both in and out-of-the-box creativity (what we at The Foundry call "CREATIVE PROFESSIONALISM vs. PROFESSIONAL CREATIVITY). This is where imaginative project development comes into play. Again all in the BUSINESS WORKSHOP or in different videos and seminars on the Campus.
Thank you so much! this is incredibly helpful.
Is there any chance to have the scenes so we can shot them? Hope this is not too much asked.
Sincerely
Absolutely. All the scene scripts are available on the resources centre of the actor's campus at www.actorsfoundryonline,com
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline Thank you so so much this is really helpful
What were these movies called I want to watch them. Very delightful acting.
They are scenes culled from plays, pilots, episodics...home made demo reels to highlight the actor at their best.
@@TheActorsFoundryOnlinewasn’t the cop dating scene from Magnolia? That’s one of my all time favorite movies.
@@mikerickard2434 Yup! AMAZING scene…the “I lost my gun” scene
Hi ! Do you know what play the first demo reel is from ?
"Sight Unseen" by Donald Marguiles
Question: I'm a high school teacher trying to help some seniors make content for their reels---one of your students shot scenes from plays, and you encouraged him to link to these on IMDB, but what about copyright infringement for this? Is it expected that inexperienced actors pay royalties to make reels? Just wondering, thanks so much.
Hi Martina! Any and all material that isn't being used to explicitly make money falls under the category of "hommage" in Entertainment law. That's why you can see so many people on youtube posting scenes they have acted from their favourite films and plays.
So they can easily have the demo up on the IMDb link, as that is not a money making platform.
Check out Rachel's IMDb page....she has scenes from film and from "savage in Limbo" by Shanley. Great work, great demo, and a superb IMDb page. www.imdb.com/name/nm11344496/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline Thank you so much. Great video.
I think the scenes are waaaay too long for a demo reel that is supposed to be a compilation of performance abilities. If the male actor is highlighted for the reel, then DON'T open the scene with the girl. Cut right into the scene where the actor is emoting at about 1:30 (I didn't want to hold your hand...) and cut it at 1:48 before the scene gets weak. And the other start at "She's pretty hot" around 5:00 and cut at 5:16 where blonde says, "Women." You have to keep the clip of the 2 men talking short because the conversation pace is far too hurried, and the two men are clearly not grounded in their environment (interact within the world that's created on the set). Because that dialogue is so unrealistic, you have to keep the clips shorter so that it doesn't distract.
You ought to watch the video more carefully before you comment. You missed the point of this one. These aren't examples of finished edited demo reels...it's a lesson on how to approach creating personal demo scenes. these scenes would Then be edited into a tight three minute reel of different scenes...yes, starting on the actor it is meant to highlight. At 34 seconds "I have a couple of videos out about how to build a demo reel...but I have been asked what makes a good demo scene". That's this video. So - your comments are correct. But misplaced.
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline Oops. Sorry about that. However, I would advise staying far away from a 3-minute reel unless casting asks for a long one. 1-2 minutes and better if at 1:30. This I've gleaned from various casting directors.
@@loydjenkins 100% agreed
Man, some of these comments are scary. Trying being human, have real life experiences and bring more to your "acting". Small minds, small hearts, small roles, or no roles at all.
So the very first thing you show is an absolute NO! You don't start your reel on another actor! Period! He starts this clip on "Look, if you must know..." Absolutely do not need her to deliver that first bit to lead into it! Cardinal sin! I would definitely replace the two-shot with a 1 sec. reverse shot of her. Going from an intimate conversation - needlessly - to a two-shot yanks the viewer right out of the moment.
You ought to watch the video more carefully before you comment. You missed the point of this one. These aren't examples of finished edited demo reels...it's a lesson on how to approach creating personal demo scenes. these scenes would Then be edited into a tight three minute reel of different scenes...yes, starting on the actor it is meant to highlight. At 34 seconds "I have a couple of videos out about how to build a demo reel...but I have been asked what makes a good demo scene". That's this video. So - your comments are correct. But misplaced.
Watch this: th-cam.com/video/VaNgVoLkU6M/w-d-xo.html
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline @The Actor's Foundry OMG! I totally pounced prematurely! Rawr! You are a breath of FRESH AIR! I watched this and the link you posted more carefully! Spot on! Forgive me! In a world of soooo many wannabes pitching demo reel services, so refreshing to happen upon someone who gets it right! Retract. Retract. Retract!
"I make the BEST filet mignon in the WORLD - but first, try my meatloaf!" LOL! Love the "test drive" analogy!
@@hudsonpix9731 Haha! You are awesome. My pleasure!
Here's a good one: vimeo.com/564697098
nerd? and geek? 🤦🏻♀️ggeeess sound like a put down.. but I get it..
all of these were horrible
Fascinated to hear your reasons and analysis for your generalized negative response.
@@TheActorsFoundryOnline Sure no problem the men are not released incorrectly and the girl in the thumbnail she has the wrong hairstyle for the scene and it’s covering her face and eyes I had to look really hard 99.9% of the time the Director and casting directors want to see their face to see what they look like
@@Jae_Garcia 👎 take your criticism somewhere else
@@Jae_Garcia What does "not released incorrectly" mean...?
@@Jae_Garcia who? Asked? And I don’t think a lot of people like jae