I got a reel. Now What?

12 Mar

Keywords: acting reel, reel for actors, demo reel, showreel, actors, what do I do with my reel

You've finally created your demo reel and you're ready to start booking acting jobs. The first step is to get your reel in front of the right people. But who are the right people? Let’s break down the various people who play a part in getting you the job, and how to pick who which option is best for you and tips for getting the best results with them.

Casting Agents. Talent Agencies. Directors. Who does the actual hiring?

Keywords: Casting agent, talent agent, casting director, getting more work as an actor.

So who does the actual hiring for projects? It really depends on the type and size of the production. We’ve broken it down- the people with these job titles are the ones you need to get to know.

A Casting Agent is the same as a Talent Agent, essentially hired by the actor to represent the actor. It is an agents job to look out for the talent’s interests. ( that’s you, the actor) Casting agents work closely with directors, producers and other production staff to find and cast actors for productions. Agents typically get a 10-20% cut of the actors pay for a job.
A Casting Director is hired by the producer to find the talent for the film. The casting director contacts the talent agent asking them to send talent for a casting session or audition. The casting director does NOT pick the talent, they narrow down the field to the few best options and present these to the director / client.
A Producer is the person or company who is producing the film. We included them on this list because sometimes a producer may do the casting themselves.
A Director is the person responsible for the style and tone of the film. We included them on this list because if it’s a small production they will be the person to make casting choices.

Casting Agents, Talent Agents, Casting Directors, Producers and Directors. These are the right people, and you got to get your reel in front of them. The best way to do this is to submit it to talent agencies.

Finding the right Talent Agency for YOU.

Keywords: Talent Agency, Casting Agency

The first step to is to submit your completed reel to Talent Agencies. Don’t know any Talent Agencies? You can start by looking up on Google or checking out Backstage magazines article: “6 Acting Agencies in Australia you should know”.

A Talent Agency or a Casting Agency is multiple agents working together with lots more connections than just one man. When you work with an established agency you know exactly what to expect as when it comes to getting auditions. Not every Talent Agency is a good fit for everyone, some specialise in representation a certain type of actor – child actors, adult model and actors.

When looking for a talent agency, a bit or research and professional skills go a long way. You’re looking for an agency that represents your demographic and has the connections to get you the work your seeking. You’ve got to get a meeting with them.

Meeting with an agency is as much of an interview for you as it is for your prospective agents. You’ve got to make sure they’re the right representatives for you. If you want to do alternative genre work in action and adventure, you’re going to need to find an agency with the contacts to take you there. Remember a truly great talent agency will offer support, advice and guidance. They only get paid if you get paid – so it’s in your best interests to find someone who you will work well with and is who going the places you want to go.

An Agent is not a magic wand.

Keywords: Casting Agent, Talent Agent, booking more acting jobs, Working with a talent agency.

Before a casting director can choose you, your agent has to choose you. Once you have an agent, you still have to market yourself to them. A good agent will work hard to get your reel seen, and will work with you to find your most likely roles. But you’re no their only client. You’ve got to stay front in the mind. Reach out and remind them of your capabilities, inform them as you add to your skills and experience, work out a game plan, and do your own marketing in coordination with them. Continue to establish relationships with casting directors, producers, and directors to help get your foot in the door.

I don’t have an Agent. Where do I put my reel?

Keywords: Casting Agent, Talent Agent, booking more acting jobs, Working with a talent agency

Maybe your new to the industry and just dipping your toes in the water, seeing how it goes before you commit. Maybe you can’t get representation with a local talent agency. Then it's time for the next best thing - submitting your reel online! There are a number of websites where actors post their demo reels and where casting directors (or talent scouts) go to find new talent. Get that reel up on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram, or your own personal website. Then depending on your experience and budget, get it up on at least one of these websites, it not all.

Australia’s leading open casting board. Its open casting so beware, there will be people trying to rip you off. If it’s an unpaid job, make sure there is a good team involved and a great script.
The go-to resource for casting directors in Australia . They offer a variety of profile options for actors depending on your budget. If you want to be a serious actor in Australia, then you have to be on Showcast.
A talent database and booking service for the casting directors, agents and actors. Agents will search based on general attributes, then select the actors they wish to audition and an email is sent to the agent with a breakdown of the role and possible audition time, for the actor to confirm.
Is an online database of every film, tv show, web series and tele-movies that have ever been made. Including profiles for all the cast, crew and creatives on each production. Sign up to Pro and create your own profile**.
** (We do this automatically when you purchase any of our short reel packages.)

SUMMARY: Holding on to your completed reel like it’s a piece of your soul is not going to land you jobs. Yeah, it’s a little scary putting it out there. Yeah, your skills are not as refined as you want them to be yet.

We don’t get our dreams by sitting on our asses. Instant success may come, but more likely, its going to take perseverance, experience and learning to grab opportunities when they come to make your dream a reality.