how do you shoot a demo reel for acters wanting to use it for auditions
Filmmaking / Directing : Demo reel by charles armstrong
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if its for a particular audition use white plain back ground , midshot have someone reading the other lines off screen. Do it in one shot, and don't project your voice too much. after have a long shot of you and your profile say your. name, age, agent etc.
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Thanks
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As a CD, when I cast using self-tapes (I normally don't like this option and prefer to direct the actors, but sometimes productions work on a tight budget) I usually ask for a self-introduction video + a scene to see acting skills. So my advice would be to tape yourself acting different scenes (take a look at this for reference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnWGON1s8vY&). I also find Spotligh-style intros very effective, here's one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4ue5Ei-Ddg . In any case, don't tape more that two minutes (sometimes I need to dig hundred of tapes so time is essential), and if you're using a scene from a movie NEVER try to imitate the actor. No casting director will ever want to see you trying to be De Niro in Taxi Driver. Use the same scene, but make it yours, change prospective. Oh and yes, if asked by a CD to send a self-tape, work overnight, send it fast. I'm used to get self tapes two weeks after the role is closed. I got one today btw. :)
RB had agent Joe Lorenzo on his last On Stage With RB webcast and he spoke on this exact subject. Not sure if it's on demand yet, but you should definitely give it a watch. Joe gave some priceless advice.
When I was casting for my web series, Assumptions, I had the actors send in their reel and if I liked them from that I would send over a piece of the script from the character that they wanted to audition for. Sometimes I would think they would be better in a role than that of which they were wanting, so I would send over both. They would send back their audition via YouTube or another platform. So, Charles, capture anything that you've ever done and then send that if the casting director allows, atleast they will get an idea of your talent, voice, how you carry yourself.