Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1433871
112 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org Paul Norton PUT YOURSELF IN THE SPOTLIGHT In addition to reviewing clips for their audiovisual quality, be sure to discern that you and your performance are the main focus in your footage, even if a chosen clip features another well-known performer. Additionally, if you're looking to expand your work across different genres, make sure that your reel demonstrates what Krinsky calls "emotional value." In other words, showcase a range of emotions. "If you have a multitude of scenes showing the same kind of emotion … it may begin to be a little boring," said Krinsky. "Try to mix it up and show different [types of emotion] from the projects you've done." STAYING FRESH AND CURRENT A final rule of thumb for your reel is to keep your content recent — after all, this is not only an opportunity to showcase your work, but a chance for casting or talent representatives to assess your current look and skill level. Still, keeping your reel updated doesn't always mean discarding all your old work. "If you're an actor coming back to the industry and have an abundance of scenes from different projects over the years, it's good to have some older stuff [in your reel]," said Krinsky, who suggested adding older content midway or toward the end of the reel. The same is true if your older content comes from programs or films that are still widely popular. "If you're doing a comedy reel," said Norton as an example, "you can still use a clip from Seinfeld or Cheers because it's such an iconic thing. Everybody knows those shows and they're kind of fun." Overall, don't be afraid to make your reel well rounded, with clips from older and newer works across different genres. KEEP YOUR REEL SHORT AND SWEET The ideal length of a demo reel is a contentious subject, with some sources putting an emphasis on a total number of clips to include, and others recommending a specific time limit of anywhere between two to five minutes. There are many circumstances that will affect your decision, but the footage you use may end up being the deciding factor. Norton said that the length of the reel is dependent on the footage available to an actor. While some may struggle to put together three minutes' worth of quality material, others will have to carefully choose what they use and keep the final reel to three or four minutes and the clips themselves should not be longer than 30 to 40 seconds per character. Norton's rule of thumb is important when considering your audience. If your ultimate goal in creating a demo reel is to showcase the full range of your talent, multiple shorter clips may work better than fewer long or more drawn-out scenes. That way, even if a casting director or talent agent has a minute — or less — GETTING AN OBJECTIVE SECOND OPINION A lthough technology has made it easier than ever before to create reels on your own, hiring a professional reel editor can be a great solution for performers who find the process frustrating or time-consuming. Not only are demo reel editors knowledgeable about video editing software and savvy enough to ensure your footage is of the highest audiovisual quality, they're able to edit your material in a way that makes something new, with you as the main focus. "I think now with technology the way it is, [almost anyone] can edit their scenes," said Norton. "But, [a demo reel editor] can internally trim a scene by making the edits unnoticeable by smoothing sound and picture, which not a lot of people can just do on their phone or home computer. [An editor] can objectively help decide how to get the best 30 to 45 seconds from a longer scene and have it focused more on you." Those are some of the many things a demo reel editor can do to help make your reel more dynamic. Take time to research professional services in your area — or elsewhere — and inquire more about their services and rates.