Acting Reels and Show Reels... why?

[DanielRutterFilms]

Why should a director or an actor make a Reel? I don't really see a benefit to making these unless your trying to sell yourself to a production company looking to hire someone to shoot a script for them...
But does EVERY director need a reel?

 

[M1chae1]

Why should a director or an actor make a Reel? I don't really see a benefit to making these unless your trying to sell yourself to a production company looking to hire someone to shoot a script for them...
But does EVERY director need a reel?

Not sure why you don't understand it. It's a calling card. It prooves that you can either shoot/direct a film, or have the acting chops to own a role.

A resume can only tell you so much. Seeing is believing my good man.

 

[CDCosta]

^yes sir.

It's exactly what it is, a show reel.

Your showing what you can do.

Directors, editors, actors, DPs, Gaffers, Dolly Grips, producers, ect all should invest in a reel.

 

[indietalk]

You don't need one unless you're a director for hire.

 

[M1chae1]

You don't need one unless you're a director for hire.

I suppose so...but also as an actor, it's very nice to have one. Does an actor need a reel? I suppose not. When you're union and have an agent, it's less important...but as a non-union actor who likes to keep busy, it's a fantastic calling card--the proof is in the pudding so they say.

 

[Uranium City]

Of the 30 actors who showed up to my company's recent audition, only two had demo reels. One of them guaranteed the actor a spot, because my producer and I saw he could definitely do what it was we were looking for. The other lost a spot because she was obviously over-aware of the camera. M1chae1 is right...it's a valuable calling card.

 

[M1chae1]

Another good thing about actor reels, is you get to see the actor (hopefully) playing off of another actor in a legitimate scene--this is MUCH more useful to casting than seeing a monologue performed. I've never understood the use of monologues for film work...it's completely going against the grain of film. And even if the actor is reading sides, many times the actor will be paired-up with someone who's not an actor...which isn't a killer to a good actor, but it certainly doesn't help create 'the moment.'

And finally, as Urianium suggested, a reel quickly shows how comfortable the actor is with the camera, and how aware--without being aware--of camera movement and placement the actor is.

 

[CDCosta]

You don't need one unless you're a director for hire.

That's misleading.

And besides, Arn't you always trying to get hired?

And more then Director's use reels.

 

[directorik]

The question was:

But does EVERY director need a reel?

I don't think it's misleading to say you don't
need one unless your trying to get hired. Not
all directors are trying to get hired. There are
many directors who make movies for the fun
of it. They aren't looking to be hired by anyone.

As you say, Daniel, unless your trying to sell
yourself to a production company looking to hire
someone to shoot a script for them you don't
need a reel. There is no benefit at all if you aren't
trying to show people your body of work as a director.

 

[CDCosta]

Hell, no one Needs a reel.

 

[M1chae1]

You don't need a reel...no one does. But as most of us have agreed, if you're looking to be hired in said position, it's a good idea to have one.

As far as directors reels, even if you're not being hired, you might want to have one. It's a good way for people to get a glimpse at your style, what you've done, and your range. It can be something to be proud of. It's also useful as a promo tool for selling previous films you've put out...if someone sees your reel, and likes your style, they may buy some of your films...

And no, not every director is looking to be hired...I know several that make their own films, and simply don't have time to DP or Direct for someone else...some don't even want to.

 

[H.Z.]

One other time that a director/filmmaker reel can be kinda helpful... When you are fundraising for a project and want to show people what you can do. I have run into the "well what have you done before" question when looking for donations, and having nice footage on hand was helpful. But that's just with smaller scale donations... Not that I would actually know, but I suspect actual investors are gonna want more then the knowledge you can put together some pretty scenes... ;p