Showreel. Demo Reel. Sizzle Reel.

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A reel is a two to three minute video containing examples of someone’s work for showing to potential employers. Many kinds of people involved in filmmaking and other media use reels.

What’s the difference between an actor showreel, a demo reel and sizzle reel, you ask? Well, if you want the short answer... it depends on what country. But ultimately they all have the same objective, but have implications that are slightly different. If you want to use the right word in the right context and sound like you know what you're doing, then read on.

“The short answer... it depends on what country you’re in and what country your working with. Ultimately reels all have the same objective.”

Same objective, but different implications.

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Reels all show a sense of someone’s acting abilities and on-screen presence. A showreel is usually a short video showcasing an actor’s best work, while a demo reel showcases their range of skills. A sizzle reel is usually a combination of both.

Americans tend to say ‘demo reel’ and the English tend to say ‘showreel’. Here in Australia we have adopted both terms and use them synonymously just to make it confusing.

Whatever term you use, Reels allow agents, casting directors, and producers to get a sense of someone’s acting abilities and on-screen presence. Actors need demo reels in order to submit to casting calls and be considered for parts. Other than your headshot, your reel may be the only thing casting directors look at before deciding whether or not they want to bring you in for an audition— or cast you, full stop.

What should be in a Reel?

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To make a reel, you need four to five clips of your best on-screen performances. Each clip should be between 20-30 seconds long, and the entire demo reel should be two to three minutes long, maximum. Your reel should also include your name, contact information, headshot, and website. Remember that the people watching your reel are also watching dozens (if not hundreds) of other reels, so it’s important to keep it short and sweet.

If your just starting out and don’t have 4-5 clips there are plenty of great options on how to get clips in our article, “Getting clips, when you ain’t got clips.” Remember, what’s most important here is quality. You wouldn’t show up to an interview un-showered with yesterday’s burger stain on your shirt. The same goes for actors reels, it’s got to be cinematic footage with great sound quality, so potential employers take notice of your skills.

The reel also needs to be accessible and easy for people to find on the internet. For more information check out our article, “I got a reel. Now what?”.

Summary:

Whether you call it a showreel or a demo reel depends on your country. It doesn’t really matter too much if you use the wrong name. What does matter is that it shows YOU acting at your best, and represents what you want to do.

Need help putting a reel together? We got you covered - Check it out.