K.T. asks:

“I've done some acting but never received my clips to make a demo real. What do I do when I am asked to submit one?”

This is a common situation. Many aspiring actors are promised footage for their reel if they'll act for free in a student or other low-budget indie film, usually expressed as “copy & credit.”

But that doesn't mean great clips are easy to come by. Some of those films never get finished, or won't release footage until their festival run is complete. In other cases, the footage is of such poor quality you risk cutting a reel that is worse than having no reel at all.

So what are your options?

1) Face the facts

First, realize that it is perfectly fine to own the fact that you don't have a reel. Some casting sites ask for demos with initial submissions (before the phase of sending out audition invites), but you can submit for most roles without one. CDs will still look at submissions without media attached (Actors Access, I'm looking at you).

If asked for one specifically by a CD, explain that you do not have a reel available yet, and offer to record a clip of yourself doing a scene or monologue. It is NOT okay to send them a previous audition video, unless you have received written permission from the producers of that script.

2) Hunt down clips

Look back at your talent/image release, deal memo, or contract (you do have one, I hope) to refresh yourself on the details of the promised footage. If the clips are indeed “due,” I would certainly contact the producers and respectfully request that they do what is necessary to fulfill their obligations. If they cite delays for a release, do your best to get a quote of when they expect the footage to be ready (and don't be afraid to negotiate).

This won't always work, so be prepared for an unfavorable answer. I haven't gotten footage from my first role in a feature film, and probably never will, because my scene was cut along with several others during the assembly edit, and never got fully processed.

3) Produce your own!

If you have the funds and the friends to do so, consider producing some scenes on your own. Better yet—make it an actual short film. That way you get an extra film credit to boot. Creating your own footage puts the burden on you, but also provides all the creative freedom to play the roles you want, exactly how you choose. Not a terrible trade-off.

Do your best to get believable sets, costumes, props, good lighting, decent cinematography, good sound, etc. This is not the place for classroom theatrics. Mounting a full production isn't easy, but anything less is unlikely to get you quality footage.

Demo Reel Tips & Trends

If your acting blows me away, great. But I try to assume every actor can decently act unless I'm proven wrong (yeah, it's happened).

The main thing I usually need from a reel is to hear and see you how you normally look and sound. And most CDs don't have the time or luxury to watch reels in their entirety. So for at least your first clip, don't showcase an acquired accent, or rely on heavily stylized or overly emotional footage. After the first 10 seconds, feel free to move on to the rest of your “range.”

You don't need to put lines in context with long moments focused on your co-stars; keep the spotlight on you. A good length for a reel is between 1 and 3 minutes. If you really want to showcase more footage than that, try splitting it into Dramatic / Light-Comedic / Commercial genres. Another trend I've seen is having multiple “type” reels; I'd keep these short, 1 minute or less.

In our digital world of online submissions, we aren't sending physical reels off to casting offices, so it makes sense to have more customization in reels. Just as many actors now do with their headshots, if you have more than one reel to choose from, you can send the one/s that best fit each particular casting situation.

Happy editing!

This question is from G.C.:

“As a casting director, what do you look for when you review auditions?”

The casting director is on your team. They are rooting for each actor, hoping for them to blow their minds and be the obvious choice for a role. But it isn't often that easy.

For one thing, casting directors are not the reigning monarchs of the casting process. If the director is “President” then they would be the member of their cabinet in charge of finding the best casting choices, and presenting/pitching them for approval or veto. Some “presidents” like to be more involved in that hunt than others. Sometimes other “cabinet members” are asked for their opinions, too.

PLEASE NOTE: Much of the following will apply to live auditions as well, but will be phrased more specifically for taped submissions...which is getting more and more common anyway.

With parameters from the script, budget, and the director's vision in mind, here are some of the top things we look for:

1) Instincts & intelligence

Is the actor making bold, believable scene choices?
Do they follow an appropriate and engaging arc for the character/scene?
Are they using available space to play to the camera?
In callbacks, does the actor understand and take direction well?

2) Appropriate physicality

Does the actor's physicality (build, ethnicity/coloring, voice, mannerisms, etc.) fit the role?
Does their essence / vibe / personality add or detract to the character being portrayed?
If part of an on-screen family, or age-progressed character set, do they look related?
Do they balance and/or add texture to the ensemble, in their acting style, energy, and look?

3) Professionalism

Does the audition video have adequate lighting, sound, framing, background?
Does the talent look like their headshot, or does their photo misrepresent them?
Did the talent/agent submit the audition in a timely manner (and before the deadline)?
Did the talent/agent follow all the instructions for the submission?

4) Adequate experience

Do they have the confidence/maturity needed to pull off the role?
Do they have the practical skills needed, or can they learn them in time?
Do they have an existing affinity to a cause showcased in the film?
Will they elevate the marketability or reach of the film?

Most of the factors listed above are under some sphere of your control; others are not.

If you don't get a callback, and can think of something you can do better or work on for next time—great! Learn from the experience and carry on. If you don't get a callback, and can't think of anything you would/could change, rest in the fact that you did your best and and carry on. At least you got on their radar, right?

If you DO get a callback—congratulations! Unless instructed otherwise, keep as many of the presentation and portrayal choices you made in the initial audition. Do your thing, but remember to be flexible for unexpected direction, too.

Happy auditioning!

I received a question recently from A.S.:

“What are some acting exercises I can do at home?”

First, I'd like to define what an acting exercise is: a process or activity that develops strength, dexterity, or skill in the art and craft of acting. That still covers a broad area, so now I want to break it up into two categories. I call them Targeted Training (like a workout routine) and Functional Training (think a general active lifestyle without going to the gym). For optimal “fitness” you'll want to incorporate some of each.

There are tons of ways to target train, and most of these can be done solo or with a partner. Here are a just a few:

1. Internal-to-external exploration. Say a portion of dialogue out loud with different goals in mind for your moment before, changes in intensity, or posture of winning/losing in the scene or conversation. This increases your flexibility in taking direction, too.
2. External-to-internal drills. This time around, play with diction, placement, volume, pacing, and silence. Pay attention to how the meaning and interpretation of the words measurably changes with each variable. This helps you move outside your familiar rhythm of delivery to uncharted territories.
3. Memorize something. If you don't have a script, pick a poem or passage of scripture and commit it to memory. MemoryTyper.com and ScriptureTyper.com let you upload and format text to construct custom typing exercises that can be fun. Memory is a form of muscle, so start building up to your marathon!
4. Create your own blocking rehearsal. Go ahead and put tape marks (or a creative substitute) on your floor to mark spots you'll need to hit “for focus.” Practice walking to and landing on your mark without looking down to find it. For more of a challenge, add in props, actions, or lines to deliver on the way, or design a longer “choreography.”
5. Practice your eyeline. If looking at a person, focus on whichever eye is closer to the camera. Do your best not to blink or move your eyeline until a motivated moment. Try timing yourself, and see how many emotions you can believably move through before you need to blink. Build up to it, though, and rest your eyes (closed) between “takes.”

Functional Training relies more on your everyday life. You don't necessarily have to carve out a specific time and space, but it does require a level of intentionality:

1. Take an active interest in people...history...culture. As the saying goes, “context is everything.” Your grasp of characters and stories will improve directly in relation to your understanding of and appreciation for unique perspectives and settings. If you aren't comfortable striking up random conversations, basic people-watching can suffice.
2. Learn to listen. Listen to truly hear and understand not just the words, but the intentions, needs, and goals of the person you are talking to. Then respond appropriately (as you, not a character...let's not get crazy here!). Never underestimate the power of the “reaction shot” on screen or in real life.
3. Take off the mask. Daring to be vulnerable is a good habit to cultivate in daily life, not just on a film set. Why be “real” on screen if you won't do it with those you know and care about? Within the bounds of propriety, go ahead and let your feelings show a little more. Great acting is more about cultivating authenticity than managing a facade.
4. Make bold choices. I don't mean taking irresponsible risks, but to renounce a cycle of indecisiveness. Whether it's ordering a meal, choosing an outfit, or picking a movie to watch with friends, don't sweat it so much on the small stuff. Weigh your options, make the best informed and efficient choice you can, and commit to it!
5. Acquire a new skill. Expanding your range as an actor extends beyond emoting and speaking in an accent. If you have specific type goals (say, action hero roles), you can choose things to learn that will support that. But learning something -- anything – is better than nothing, so keep getting your next “expansion pack.”

One more bonus “exercise” for you: study Scripture like you would a script. Take a scene and break it down. Analyze the people (characters) in the passage, and what is going on (action). What is being said, and why? What is the subtext? Is there any cross-referencing to other “source material” you can do to construct a framework for the current moment in the story? The Bible is crammed full of amazing stories that really happened and people who really lived. Let them come alive to you!

Happy exercising! :)