Question 1

What is a demo reel?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A demo reel is a short video – one to two minutes max – that demonstrates the capabilities of the creative showcased in its footage. For an Actor, that might mean clips from their most notable roles. For a Director, it can be clips from their most impactful work. Actors, Directors, Cinematographers, Editors, Composers, and other creatives in the filmmaking industry all rely on demo reels to display their capabilities.

Question 2

How do you make a demo reel with no experience?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

You make do with what you have and can create on your own. Have you worked on student or short films? Include that footage. Local theater performances? Add those. If you truly have no experience, tape yourself acting against another person or reading a monologue. If you’re an aspiring Director or other type of creative behind the camera, include a short scene that you’ve directed, shot, or edited.

Question 3

How much does a demo reel cost?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

If you have the skillset to edit your own demo reel, it may cost nothing at all. If that option isn’t available to you, the cost will depend on who you hire to put together that demo reel. A student editor or friend might do it for only the experience or a minimal fee. Hiring a more experienced professional might result in a cost of a few hundred dollars.

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Demo Reels for Actors: Why You Need a Reel & How to Make One