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New to the film industry. Starting out in your Acting career. You're a smart actor and you know you need a Reel.

But you don't have any footage, and you sure as hell don’t have any cash. Yeah, you could shoot your own reel with the amazing cameras in phones today. We both know that’s a bad idea, but if you need more convincing check out the article “A REEL tight arse.” Discussing why you should be thrifty but not stingy.

Getting cheap (or free) cinematic content for your reel.

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We’re all about helping you break into the industry and landing jobs that lead you to your dream role. We’ve got you covered! There’s no cheap DIY jobs here, but resources to get you cheap (or free) professional cinematic content for your reel. We’ll even do the research for you with comparisons of the PROS and CONS.

PROS: great access to film equipment so quality and sound should be cinematic enough to add to a showreel.
CONS: you're not the main focus of the footage, students are still learning so you may get mistakes. You're not in control of what character you’re playing.
PROS: Cinematic content. Acting experience on set with professional crews.
CONS: You're not in control of the character you’re playing. There’s a risk of the production running out of money and never getting finished. Delays in getting your footage, especially if the film goes on the festival circuit.
Here’s an article if your unfamiliar, “Self-tapes: What are they and what’s in them”. Directors cast people off self-tapes all day, every day. None of those DIY attempts. Hire some expert help to get lighting, sound and backdrops professional.
PROS: You’re in control. You create the backstory so you can give a rounded performance. The price tag is much lower than shooting entire scenes.
CONS: It’s obvious, but still needs to be said, it costs some money. You don’t get a Directors perspective and direction. It can be hard to create a relationship to the casting agents.

Levelling Up: Professional Reel Services

Let’s talk about hiring professional reel services. They’re a fantastic way to flesh out or fill in your reel but beware, there are many sharks circling and you’re the bait. Some studios charge thousands of dollars for one scene, and bleed you for ‘extra’s that should be included. PROS: cinematic content (mostly). Focused on you. You're in control of what character you’re playing. Delivery times certain. CONS: Paying through the nose. Standardised scenes without variation. Non tailored characters or scripts. Oh, and most importantly, you’re going to get a drama scene! (most likely awkwardly sitting at a table.)

Boss Level: Self-Producing a Project

“You want creative control? You got it! You want you’re name up on IMDB and your work to be seen in film festivals around the world? We’ve got you covered.”

Self- producing a project means writing scenes, determining the context, deciding on what kind of footage you need, and hiring crew to get it made. You get so much more value for your hard earned money and an incredible jumpstart your acting career. Be warned, it’s a lot of added pressure with expert skills required.

Wait, before you cross self-producing off the list. Imagine there was a company with the skills and the mission to make self-producing easy and simple as ordering from Uber eats! …. Oh wait… there is!!!

“Bright Llama Productions was set up by professional award winning filmmakers to do just that. They’re passionate about pushing for diversity in film, which means it’s their mission to help actors like you to take control of their career. ”

Getting you more credits, means more opportunities to drive change in the Australian film industry. PROS: You’ve got creative control! You’re in the lead with all the focus. Tailored unique scripts written by professional script writers with character context of a fully produced project. On set direction by award winning directors. Cinematic content, professional sound, professional fast post production. Completed film up on IMDB with the potential to submit to festivals, all without added work to you and incredible value on your resume. CONS: You have to make project choices. ( but we’ve got the knowledge and the equipment to support you so it’s just like ordering from Uber eats!)

SUMMARY: There’s plenty of options to suit everyone’s budget. But that means you have no more excuses to not have professional-looking footage on your reel.