skip to Main Content

Changing Minds: The True Role of a Demo Reel

A casting director’s job is to find the best available talent for a particular project.  It goes without saying that when a casting director reads a script, they formulate an opinion of who their idyllic person would be to fill each role.  They undoubtedly make lists and are open to options, but in most cases, your team of agents and/or managers will spend the bulk of their time trying to change minds. Per the LA Times, there were 532 original scripted series made available for consumption in 2019.  That number is more than double what the number was just six years prior. Original scripted content has exploded with the availability of over-the-top content offerings from Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and more. Why does this matter? Historically, casting directors would watch or at least be familiar with a good percentage of the scripted content on television and in theaters.  With the…

From the Desk of Brian Medavoy: 3 Demo Reel Tips from an Industry Veteran

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Brian Medavoy.  Brian is charismatic and smart, and his resume as a producer and talent rep stretches a mile long, but in a cutthroat industry of intelligent and fascinating slicksters, what consistently stands out to me is his attention to detail and how much he cares.  I’ve worked with him on demo reels for many of his clients, and I’m always floored by his intimate knowledge of their work and his awareness of their nuance.  In our numerous conversations it has become clear to me that a great demo reel is an essential selling tool for Brian and his team, and as a seasoned industry veteran, I felt Medavoy’s opinion would be a great resource for visitors to my site. He agreed, and was kind enough to share his thoughts below... A demo reel is the actor's ultimate selling…

Demo Reel 101: Does Resolution Really Matter?

Your demo reel is your foot in the door.  It often informs the first impression of a casting director, one that could get you an audition or a meeting, and it’s likely the last thing a producer or director will review before making their final casting choices. There are so many things we can’t control about how these gatekeepers ingest your demo reels.  From the distractions of an incoming email, to technical complications like poor Internet connections causing your reel to pause during playback, there are many variables outside our control.  As a result, it is very important to maximize the things we do have absolute control over.   Sourcing your material in high resolution is a critical component of assembling a great demo reel, yet it’s the most consistently misunderstood and commonly overlooked aspect of the entire process. Rather than get super technical, here are two screen captures to…

The Best Time to Work on Your Demo Reel… Is While You Are Working!

Putting together a great demo reel takes creativity, time, and effort.  If you’ve ever been forced to be creative on a deadline, it is tough stuff.  We get calls from clients who have been putting off working on their demo for months (or more!)  The story is familiar… people are busy juggling personal and professional commitments when they have jobs, and being prepared to get the next project isn’t always top of mind. Getting a job in Hollywood is often a “what have you done for me lately” proposition.  Your reps want to sell you on your most recent work, and all projects (including reels) have scheduling challenges, so it’s always good to be working ahead to have the proper tools in place at the proper time. My advice is very simple.  The best time to work on your demo reel is while you are working!  This isn’t simply so we…