Need a showreel but have no footage?
Learn how to make a showreel without experience
We are passionate about helping new actors get the roles they deserve. But if you are brand new to the industry, you are going to need a showreel to make your mark. But how, you may ask, can I do that if I don't have any experience or footage to show. The answer is to create a showreel specifically to showcase your talents regardless of experience previously. Here's how.
Creating Acting Reel with No Footage
You don't need to have done previous paid work or any acting roles with footage to get roles but you do need to showcase your talents for casting directors to hire you. An actor's showreel is an extension of a regular CV and is a must for any actor. So, if you want to start applying for acting jobs you need to create your own showreel from scratch.
Plan your Ideal Demo Reel
The first thing to do before even thinking of filming is to make a plan. While actors may change their style, characters and the roles they want throughout their career, you need to consider what role you would like now. If you don't have any previous work, your first showreel scenes are the perfect opportunity to put your best foot forward. Think about the most important aspects of your talent you want to get across. It could be that you want to showcase a broad range of characters or stick to a particular typecast. Like any project, think of your end goal and plan a showreel to achieve it.
Create A Showreel
There are two types of demo reels you can choose between when you have no previous footage; self-tapes or standard showreels. Of course, you can combine the two together to create a more varied style as well.
Self Tapes
A self-tape is an audition that actors usually film themselves to send to casting directors for specific roles. A self-tape however could also be utilised in a demo reel. It is a simple way to produce an impressive video, highlighting your vocal range, movements and flair in a focused way. You don't need to be at a specific location, dress up as a character or necessarily interact with other actors. A self-tape is usually filmed in a plain way with a focus on the actor. Choose a monologue to perform or a conversation with someone reading the second part. Focus on nailing your performance.
Recording a self-taped audition is just like submitting a headshot but gives a better first impression. The casting director can see you face to face and get a better idea of who you are as an actor. The other benefit of a self-tape is that it can be produced at a low cost by yourself as long as the visuals and audio are clear. However, If you feel you don't have the right equipment to produce a quality self-tape, get in touch with a professional production team who will be able to offer the same low cost but with a better result.
Showreel Service
A more professional set-up is to hire a showreel production company. If you have no footage but want to start applying, this is a must. A few quality produced showreel scenes will display your talent and experience and provide everything a casting director should need to make a decision on your role. The biggest benefit of hiring a showreel service is that you can create scenes specifically for your needs. Plus if you hire the right production company, they will be able to help with scene creation, scriptwriting and directing. As this is a professional service, they will also provide crew, equipment, extra cast if needed, as well as all the logistics and editing to make the showreel pop. This is the perfect option for any actor without footage.
Hire Isaac Who for your Showreel
We love to create showreels with aspiring actors. We know the difficulties of getting your foot in the door when you've had no experience previously. So, our showreel service focuses on bringing the best of you to the screen. Remember that a bad showreel is worse than no showreel at all, so all our showreels are produced to the highest possible standard. We have an experienced and knowledgeable team and use high-quality cameras, sound and editing equipment to produce beautiful, professional showreels for our actors. Get in touch today to book your showreel.