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

Actor holding camera while editing her demo reel

Author: Anna Keizer

Date: June 17, 2021

Reads: 3,085

Anna Keizer is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter and filmmaker. She has been writing for film and television for 15 years. She holds a B.A. in Film/Video from Columbia College Chicago and an M.A. in Film Studies from Chapman University. She has been an Academy Nicholl Fellowships Quarterfinalist and an Austin Film Festival Script Competition Second Rounder.
FULL BIO

  1. Introduction
  2. What Is a Demo Reel?
  3. What Is the Purpose of a Demo Reel?
  4. How Do You Make a Demo Reel?
    1. Include student films.
    2. Seek out indie films.
    3. Produce your own footage.
    4. Hire someone to help.
    5. Edit your demo reel.
  5. What Should You Include in a Demo Reel?
    1. Focus on you and your character’s POV.
    2. Include a range of performances.
    3. Include strong character types.
    4. Start with your best footage.
    5. Make it two minutes or less.
Actress sitting in chair with lights on set

Actress