Acting : Are self-filmed idents a useful addition for actor profiles? by Claude Hoadley

YES, anything for a casting agent, director or producer to see what you can do or can't do, is helpful for all involved.

"Just Do It!" - of course! Thanks Mike, I am on the case already!!

I recently cast a photo shoot for a clothing line and I used the reels to help me cast the models. for choneez.biz I'll post some pics on my page.

If you know someone that has a good quality camera..like a Canon 5d or something similar, you can shoot a scene of your choosing. Even if it's 90 seconds, that will surfice. So what if you don't name the production. Casting directors just want to see how you look on camera, and if you have any acting chops. For years before I made it in radio, I had no jobs yet, so I "mocked up" what we called "airchecks" recordings of myself on the air, with music, and conversation. That's how I got my first jobs. They didn't care where it came from, they cared about what it sounded like.

Yes. Do everything you can to put your face out there.

Based on your picture, you should definately mock something up!

It's better than nothing. Why not? People want to see you, get an idea of who you are. I think the general consensus is that idents are not the way to go, but in my opinion -- it's worth doing, it's a start, it shows people who you are!

Thanks to all of you and I had the same basic type of question. My situation is a bit different though. I am a recently retired prosecuting attorney, but I have a lot of stage experience. In the past year, I did the roles of John Adams in '1776, Nathan Detroit in 'Guys and Dolls'' and Ebenezer Scrooge in 'Scrooge, the musical'. However, since I would like to further my acting career via film/television, would you recommend I assemble brief clips of those shows, or wait to see if I can get footage from another source, such as maybe a student film down the road? Thanks for your input. Greg

I'm the same in some way. though I do act on Beckinfield I wasn't sure if that's inculded. I have been thinking of making a reel, however I'm not sure if it should be something of my own.

Absolutely you need a reel. Make one if you have to. The only thing is, be sure it shows your best work & is good quality video. Show some range of characters also. Under 3 minutes long & the first 10 seconds has to grab them or they move on to the next actor. A poorly made reel will hurt you more than help you. A friend of mine was joking & said, "Trying to get a SAG agent without a reel is like trying to hire a salesman before you have invented a product to sell."

First for no/low/student films, use this: http://www.CopyProvided.com. Second, consider the time/money investment in shooting say 3 scenes that feature and star you. Might cost you $600-1000 (http://www.IndustryDeal.com) offers some of these company packages at 50-95% off so make sure you are on the list. Or, you could spend possibly years clicking & submitting for no/low budget projects with less than stellar scenes featuring you (hard to hear, understand, don't look pro, etc.). You need footage of yourself and it needs to stand out and be in line with what types of roles you want to play and on what types of projects. This will all help you when you look for representation and start to target shows and those who work on them. Here's a quick intro free webinar that might get you thinking: http://www.performertrack.com/webinars-home-pw-tot-od.html Best, ~Kristina 90 sec. Comedy Demo Reel: http://twitpic.com/ckbeai

If you are in Los Angeles anytime soon. Check out my services at http://www.ProduceYourReel.com. We write scenes strictly targeting your brand and target. We shoot on a Pro Sound Stage with multiple sets, pro camera, sound and grip crew and equipment.