Showreel and Screen technique 

The modern-day actors most essential tools - Learn the skills of self-taping and create your own library of scenes on tape. 

​​The internet has completely changed the way that actors audition for film and TV roles. Prior to the internet, casting was generally done in person. There were various websites that had actor’s showreels on them but by and large, producers and directors would see a select group of actors that came via suggestions from casting consultants and agents. Now the net is spread wider by what is known as “self-taping” and the self-made showreel. This can be done on an iphone and therefore casting directors are able to see a much wider group of actors for each role. 

A ’self-tape’ audition refers to an audition you have filmed at home, on an ihpone and often by yourself. Many actors do get together with friends to read the “off-camera” lines of the other character, but this isn’t necessary. The audition is designed to focus on you, and not the quality of the filming. However, there is a certain standard and very specific rulesl about filming that actors need to understand. 

The skills of self-taping are very precise, and inexperienced actors need to make sure that they are sending out tapes that will be watched! Even if you don’t get the specific role, you want to create a good impression for the next time!

Showreels are a selection of filmed scenes edited together to show your range and talent. In the past, the industry expected professional showreels, with each scene coming from an authentic production. Exceptions were made for less experienced actors but in an industry that is always running against the clock, it became normal to stay with the actors you knew. This still happens today – its human nature    - but on the upside, you can now have your own showreel made up of scenes that you’ve worked on yourself, or ideally with a coach/acting teacher. 

The industry no longer expects every actor to have a set of scenes filmed on an actual set, with an entire team of lighting and directors/designers/other actors etc…

Now, it is perfectly acceptable to have a showreel of scenes filmed on an iphone, in your living room. You need to have assistance regarding this process if it is foreign to you. It is not always easy to know how to cast yourself. You may know how you would like to be cast, but it’s what comes through camera that determines the reality. We are very experienced in this process; we have worked on both sides of the camera. – in casting as well as actor’s management.

In our private coaching sessions for film and TV, we help you choose the correct material and film it with you over every week. We view the material together and discuss how it can be improved, and this involves deep discussions involving acting techniques, how to produce a truthful set of scenes that shows you off at your best. 

When the material is “ready”, you can choose to have the scenes filmed in a professional studio. We can help you with a list of reputable places that do this and discuss the possibility of attending the filming with you. 

However, if you do not have the budget to attend a professional studio, well-acted scenes filmed correctly on an iphone are perfectly acceptable, Casting directors have made it very clear that they do not expect actors to pay for studios. We have personally taught actors who have been very successful with self-taped iphone scenes. You can also use the showreel to approach agents and we can help you with where to begin this process.