Getting Started

The following articles on what makes for a first-rate demo reel were originally published by Now Casting in 2006. They were extensively revised, and re-published—again by Now Casting—in May/June of 2008 and also May/June of 2009.

• Part One, The Purpose of a Demo Reel
• Part Two, Preparing Material for Your Demo Reel
• Part Three, Selecting an Editor
• Part Four, Putting it Together
• Part Five, Aftermath

Two articles I wrote for Actors Access
(NOTE: These two links will take you to the Actors Access POV site):

• Staying in the Picture
    Three ways an actor can keep from being cut from the finished movie.
• Ten Tips on Demo Reels
    A recap of some of the stuff I talk about in the demo reel articles, above

Here is another series of articles on how to create professional-looking scenes for your demo reel if you don't already have them.

• Shoot to Suit, Part 1
• Shoot to Suit, Part 2
• Shoot to Suit, Part 3
• Shoot to Suit, Part 4

Step 1

Call QuickNickel (818-752-4391) and arrange an appointment to create your demo reel, or drop off your material. You can also arrange for QuickNickel to make multiple copies of your finished reel at this time.

Step 2

Assuming you don't opt to sit in on the editing session (which every client is encouraged to do), 3 - 5 business days after you've dropped off your material, you will receive a voice mail and e-mail indicating that the first pass of your reel has been completed. The messages will contain a Web URL that will allow you to view the first pass (in QuickTime format) from any Web browser.
(PLEASE NOTE: To minimize bandwidth delay, the quality of this QuickTime movie will be low. Your finished reel on DVD will be of much higher quality.)

Step 3a: If No Further Edits Are Needed

If you like what you see and feel that no further edits need to be made, contact QuickNickel and make an appointment to pick up your finished demo (full payment will be due at this time). If you would like additional DVD copies, let me know how many copies you would like made, and they will be waiting when you arrive. QuickNickel also provides fast and inexpensive DVD duplication services.

Step 3b: If Further Edits Are Needed

Call QuickNickel and discuss futher edits over the phone. In many cases, the edits can be made right then, and a new QuickTime movie can be available to view in fewer than 30 minutes.

When you are satisfied with your reel, contact QuickNickel and make an appointment to pick up your finished demo (full payment will be due at this time). If you would like additional DVD copies, let me know how many copies you would like made, and they will be waiting when you arrive. QuickNickel also provides fast and inexpensive DVD duplication services.