GUIDE · SHOWREEL
You don't have to wait for the next production to show what you can do in front of the camera.
Perhaps you lack finished film scenes, are waiting for material from a shoot, or already have a showreel but want to show a side of yourself that isn't visible there yet. In that case, you can create your own material.
Start at the level that works for you today. It doesn't need to look like a finished film production. The important thing is that the casting directors get to see you act.
A simple scene that actually gets done is better than an advanced scene that never happens.
YOU DON'T NEED MUCH EQUIPMENT
An iPhone, a simple tripod, and good daylight can go a long way. The most important thing is that casting directors can see you clearly, hear you clearly, and see you act.
A clean, neutral background always works. However, you can also use a kitchen, living room, or other setting if it helps the scene. The important thing is that the environment doesn't distract from you and what is happening in front of the camera.
A WAY TO START
01
YOU ALONE ON SCREEN
Just you and your iPhone.
You don't need to build a whole scene or have anyone else in front of the camera. Give yourself a situation, someone you are talking to, and something you want to achieve. The important thing is that we see you acting, listening, and reacting as if someone were actually standing there.
WHAT THIS EXAMPLE SHOWS
One person. One camera. A simple situation. That’s all you need to get started.
You can speak to someone who is in the scene but not visible. If another person is actually reading lines off-screen, that is a different way of working, which is covered further down in the guide.
02
SCENE PARTNER OFF-SCREEN
Someone to play against.
You still don't need to build an entire scene. Have someone read the lines from off-screen and direct your focus towards that person. This way, we don't just see what you say, but also how you listen, react, and let what happens between the lines affect you.
WHAT THIS EXAMPLE SHOWS
Two people. One on screen. One off-screen. Suddenly, there is a real interaction.
The scene partner doesn't need to give a big performance. Read the lines calmly and naturally, preferably with slightly lower energy and volume than the person in front of the camera. The scene partner should help the scene move forward without taking focus away from the person on screen.
03
TWO PEOPLE ON SCREEN
Play the scene together.
When you are both on screen, the interaction becomes a clearer part of the scene. You still don't need to make it complicated. A simple situation, a clear relationship, and something at stake go a long way. The important thing is that you listen to each other and let what happens between you influence the scene.
WHAT THIS EXAMPLE SHOWS
Two people. The same scene. Glances, pauses, and reactions become part of the story.
If the scene is to be used in your showreel, you need to be the clear protagonist of the material. In the edit, the scene can then be tailored to keep the focus on you and what best showcases your acting.
