What is a reel?

A "reel", which can also be called a "demo tape", is a videotape (or more commonly now, a CD or DVD) of your film and TV work. You use it to send to agents, managers, or casting directors and it eliminates the need for you to perform a monologue when you're first meeting someone who will potentially represent you. It can also help you land parts.

At what point in my career do I need a reel?

Usually reels are only for actors who have an extensive resume and have developed a name for themselves. But, if you're just starting out and you have some footage from student films you've done, or anything along those lines, a reel could be useful for landing an agent as well.

What should be included on a reel?

Basically, a reel should be no more than 5-8 minutes long and it should include a variety of your work - it's best to show a bit of comedy, and a bit of drama. Anything that you've done that's been taped - even a play you did that was videotaped and is good quality - can be used. Just make sure it doesn't look amateurly done and includes close-ups of you. You would include 2-3 scenes showing your best work.

At the beginning of the reel, your picture is shown as an introduction. Or, if you prefer, a card with your name on it can take the place of a picture. The reel should end with something to show it's the end. Showing the same picture or card as you did at the beginning will work fine for this.

Make sure you label your tape well with your name and contact information, including your agent's name and contact information if you have one.

What do you need to make a reel?

You'll need your picture if you want it to appear at the beginning - they should be able to put it on video for you when you get the reel made - plus tapes of all the scenes you want to include. If you can, get the original tapes, as opposed to taping something off the TV. The quality will be much better.

How do you get a reel made?

To get a reel made, you can go to any post-production place and tell them you'd like a reel done for audition purposes. Or, you can ask around in your area and find out how other people have gone about getting them made - there may be people who specifically make demo tapes for actors. Sometimes you can get them made by people who edit wedding videos and the like - this can be cheaper and is fine when you're first starting out.

How much does a reel cost?

This varies, depending on where you get it made. If you want a top-of-the-line production company to make it with all the bells and whistles, it can cost you up to $400 or more. However, most will run between $50 - $200. If you really shop around, you can get it for less. I got mine done by a man who edits wedding videos for only $25 and he did a great job!

Make sure you have everything ready to go when you want to get your reel made - make sure all the tapes are cued to the appropriate spots and that you have decided on the order they'll appear. This cuts down on the time it will take, which will likely cut down on the cost.

When do you use a reel?

If you have a reel, you can send it along with your picture and resume to potential agents. This will give them an idea of what you can do and often increases your chances of them calling you back. You also will probably be able to skip performing a monologue for them if they want to meet you.

You can also send reels to casting directors if there is a specific role you'd like to audition for. Casting directors don't always accept unsolicited tapes, but it's worth a try, and if you can get your agent or someone to tell them about you, it'll give you a better shot at having your tape watched when it arrives.

Do you need a reel?

It's not required, but it'll give you that extra edge, and it's great if you're wanted for an audition and can't make it.