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How to Make an Actor's Reel

An actor's reel is his most important tool in landing a job, next to his headshot. The reel is a collection of clips from previous work. It features film, television, stage or video performances. Ideally, the clips should feature the actor and not just be a wide shot of him acting in a scene. The reel is also the first impression an actor makes beyond the initial headshot viewing. Looking good on a reel of the highest quality can often lead to getting asked to audition for a role.

Things You'll Need

  • footage of acting work
  • computer
  • editing software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Compile footage of your best performances together. Put these clips at the front of the reel. Use clips that display as much acting range as possible in the reel. Use clips of yourself in scenes with a famous or recognizable actor only if you are in at least half of the scene.

    • 2

      Edit the footage on your computer. Keep the reel short. Two to five minutes is enough time for a casting agent to decide whether he wants to see you again. Focus the scenes in the reel on you. Omit scenes that you are in that focus on another actor in the scene.

    • 3

      Exclude footage of amateur productions. Also exclude projects with poor production value. Good lighting and sound are essential to you being seen and heard on your reel.

    • 4

      Assemble the edited scenes together on your computer. Copy them onto a DVD.

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Screen Acting

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