Your first demo reel
as actor or stuntman
An actor’s reel succinctly showcases their talents with carefully selected clips.
When you’re just starting out, your challenge is to collect experiences, and the clips that go along with them.
In order to accelerate this process, and be sure that your clips do justice to your talent, you may decide to shoot some scenes independently. Fortunately, there are companies who can help you do this.
Even if you have a good reel, you may want to shoot a few scenes that highlight other aspects of your talent. For example, an actor who has mostly played thugs might want a comedic clip. Or an actress who plays romantic roles might want a scene showing her martial arts skills.
Fortunately, there are a few companies who specialize in supporting actors in producing perfect clips especially for your reel.
- The Forge Demo Camp, Chicago. Two scenes written, directed, shot, and edited by a professional crew. $1250/2 scenes
- The Actors Company Demo Reel Intensive, Los Angeles. You choose two scenes with an acting coach and then shoot with a professional crew. You get to choose your favorite take before editing. $575/2 scenes
- Relentless Filmworks Latest and Greatest Actor Reel Series, Los Angeles. Lots of different packages for different numbers of clips, shooting your own material, or sharing a shoot with a friend. All shot on Red camera by a professional crew, including casted co-stars when appropriate. $400/1 scene-1900/4 scenes
- Actor and Co Studio, Paris. You choose your scenes, receive 4 hours of coaching. co-stars, locations, vehicles provided. €1590/3 scenes €1850/4 scenes
- Cinemax Prod, Paris. Scenes are written for you, rehearsed, and your scenes are shot and edited. €700/3 scenes.
- Entre Nous, Paris. Assistance with choosing your scene, and coaching. Shooting in a studio. €300.
Action
If you are a stuntman or stuntwoman, or an actor who would like to play action roles, you will need a stunt coordinator and special director of cinematography. There are a few companies who provide this service.
There are a few companies who provide this service.
- CBT Stunt Alliance, Los Angeles. Session includes assessment of your skills and choice of appropriate action, training practice video, shooting of 30 second scene. €350/1 scene.
- Actor Fight Reels, London. Professionally choreographed scenes with weapons. You can join a group shoot or get a bespoke scene prepared for you.£350 for group events. Inquire for bespoke.
- AdrenalineForge, Southern France. Residential program including training, shooting, editing, and even a re-edit of your whole reel. €579/2 scenes, €1700/5 scenes and edit of your whole reel. hy
