What Professional Services Actors Really Need

At some point, every #artist makes the jump to take their art to the next level. Painters invest in high-quality paint. #Videographers buy #cameras. And for #actors, this means taking up #acting classes and professional services.

Any working #performance artist will tell you that when seriously considering your field, you will need to take the time to really study your craft. For actors, this can mean a variety of things. In essence, you will need to make the investment into at least a few of the following:

1. Self-tape auditions

In the recent past, #casting #companies have started asking actors to submit self-tape auditions. This is exactly what it sounds like – submitting a tape of an audition taken by the actor by his or herself. Sometimes, actors are simply not available to be present at every audition. And sometimes, casting agencies might do an open #virtual call for actor submissions. What they don’t realize is that not every actor is #tech-savvy, and that despite #talent, a low-quality will affect the way the actor is perceived.

Self-taping can also better prepare an #actor for face-to-face auditions.

2. Demo reel editing

A crisp #demo #reel is another professional services (and a must) for most actors. Having sharp, precise cuts from multiple #shoots not only adds #dimension to the actor’s #characters, but shows off his or her versatility. A well-edited demo reel is crucial when being considered for a role.

3. Private coaching

Another great way for actors to invest into their career is to consider taking #private #coaching. #Toronto is a hotspot for #Canadian talent, and there are a multitude of #private acting #studios available across the city. Actors receive a greater attention to their craft when taking up private #lessons.

4. Acting classes

Open acting classes are also widely available (and might be a little cheaper, too). Often, these classes are quite full. Though you may not get the individual attention you need, these open classes tend to be much more economical for the up-and-coming working actor.

5. Workshops

Lastly, many might view acting #workshops as a proven way to hone your #skills. By receiving direction from acting #coaches, #industry #professionals, talent #scouts and casting #agents, workshops are an incredible to ease yourself into a fast-paced industry and receive invaluable #support.

Are you an actor struggling to find out what is right for you? Key West Video has you covered! We supply all of the above. Visit our page to contact us for a quote today!

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Demo Reel: Showing Off the Best You

Tips for Creating a Demo Reel

Demo reels are a great way to show off your best work. Whether you are an actor, videographer, or motion graphics animator, a demo reel can aid in providing you with examples of your work that make you stand out from the crowd and ultimately help you get the job.

1. 
   Use professional footage as much as possible. Ideally your demo reel would contain footage from corporate work, commercials, television and film. This creates a sense of professionalism and shows that you have worked with organizations that have a certain standard. But don’t hesitate to include work that you have created in school or for yourself as long as it is high quality and displays a different skill then your other work.


2. 
   Keep your reel short. But how short you ask? Often the person watching your demo reel has several reels to watch and/or they are under a time crunch. Depending on your audience and where they access it the length may vary. If it is on your personal website then it’s likely that the viewer is specifically seeking out your services so the video can be longer, say up to 3-5 minutes. But most often, and especially if you are actively sending it out to land a job, then anything over 2 minutes is too long.


3. 
   Put your best work first. Remember you have only a few seconds to engage your viewer before they get bored are on to the next, so you will want to grab their attention fast. Casting directors, agents and managers usually say they know if you are right for the gig within the first 10 seconds.


4. 
   Make sure the content is relevant. This means make sure that your reel makes sense for the position you are applying for. If you are an actor applying for a comedic part, you should have comedic scenes throughout your reel. Some actors have several reels based on the different type of job so they can showcase only their most relevant work.


5. 
   Use clips that feature YOU and your talent. Don’t include work that focuses on someone else or work that someone else has produced. For actors, the casting director should always know whose demo reel they are watching. When it comes to editors or videographers, be very clear what work is your own and what, if any, was produced by or with the help of others.


6. 
   Include your contact info. People need to know how to find and contact you. Your name should be featured at the beginning and end of your demo reel.


7. 
   Get feedback. Show off your work to your friends and family and ask them to help spread the word. You never know who has a connection that could be useful, so your next big break could come from a source you least expect!

Here at Keywest Video we produce demo reels for a wide range of talented individuals. Contact us today for more information, or to book a meeting with the editor.

Demo Reel: Showing Off the Best You