Why is it Important to Have a Strong Vision for Your Showreel Scene?

There are so many reasons why it is so important that you have a strong vision for your showreel scene. Having a strong vision means having a specific objective for the outcome of your scene - including why you have decided to create this particular scene, and why you feel the need to portray this character in this situation.

Below are just a few reasons why it's so important that you truly understand the vision and the goals for your scene.

1. A Strong Vision Ensures That You Don't Get Lost in the Noise

There can be a lot going on in a showreel scene - your performance, your partner's performance, the location, the props, the costumes, the sound effects. The list goes on!

Understanding exactly what outcome you are looking for, before you begin filming, ensures that you take centre stage during your time on screen.

If you have gone into the process with the hopes of just filming something that looks good for your showreel, then you won't be getting the full benefit of your experience.

Don't allow yourself to disappear into the scenery! Planning your scenes goes beyond just learning your lines. Consider things like;

• Your costume. Is the pattern too loud? Does it suit the character, or is it distracting? Is it comfortable?

• Your props. Are you familiar with them, or are you fumbling with them and ruining your focus?

• Your location. Is it quiet? Do you know your way around? Are you aware of any interruptions you may encounter?

• Your scene partner. Have you gotten to know each other? Have you discussed the scene, your priorities for the scene and your characters' motivations? Have you discussed the vision for the scene ahead of time?

Just a little planning and understanding of the “big picture” of your scene can ensure things run much more smoothly on the day - don't let your performance suffer because your pants are itchy and don't match the vibe of your character, you can't figure out how to use the props, there's a concert taking place next door that you didn't know about and your scene partner has a vastly different vision than you do!

Which leads us to…

2. A Strong Vision Keeps Your Performance Front and Centre

The most important thing in your scene is your performance.

Yes, amazing costumes, props, locations and having a visually strong piece are all great - but it's not what casting directors or agents are looking at. They want to see you. What are you bringing to the scene and the character? Is your personality shining through? Are you being truthful in your performance?

If you've followed all of the tips from above, you should be ready to give it your all in your performance. This allows you and your scene partner to really hone in on each other, and work together to create the strongest performance possible.

Having a strong vision for your scene means understanding exactly what performance you are wanting to add to your showreel. Don't add more of the same - you need to think about what is missing from your reel and go from there (within reason - don't go rogue and add something that isn't suitable for you!)

Which brings us to…

3. A Strong Vision Ensures That you are Working Within Your Casting Bracket

A showreel scene has a very specific purpose - you are using it as a tool to, ultimately, land you more roles in the acting industry. This means your reel needs to show you in roles that you could realistically be cast in.

It's very tempting to see a cool scene in a film, or have a favourite character in a TV show, and want to create a scene that replicates it. We get it - filming scenes and working on your skills is fun, but your showreel should be as to-the-point and as carefully curated as possible.

This is similar to a trap that many actors fall into - showing off the work, not themselves. Just because a scene has come from a short film that won lots of awards, or has some really cool special effects, or even stars someone famous as your scene partner doesn't mean it necessarily belongs on your showreel.

The scenes you choose for your reel must have you as the focus, must feature a strong performance and must, most importantly, be realistic for your casting bracket. If you're fresh out of university - don't portray a hardened detective or an astronaut. Ask yourself - would I feel comfortable and confident auditioning for this role if it were being cast? If the answer is no, it doesn't belong on your showreel.

Don't forget, we offer bespoke and affordable showreel scenes for actors in Manchester and the North West!

What Should you Consider When Creating a Showreel Scene?

What should you consider when creating a showreel scene? Well, many things! But here are just a few:

1. Where is this scene going to fit in your showreel as a whole?

Consider where this scene fits amongst your showreel as a whole. Remember - your showreel is like your CV, and it should only showcase the very best of you. You don't want your reel to feel monotonous, so try to have some variety in the snippets you have chosen to feature. If you have lots of similar scenes on your reel, try to shake it up!

2. What is the power dynamic in the scene?

The power dynamic of the scene is important - who is in charge here? What is their motivation? What is the relationship between the characters? Consider the light you are showing yourself in, and whether the character you are portraying and the dynamic between the characters is appropriate for the energy you naturally bring.

If you're a naturally front-footed person, bring that energy to the scene and the character. Remember, a showreel needs to show the very best of you and needs to be truthful to who you are as a person as well as an actor. You can still show diversity here, and that's a fine line to balance.

You can still play a role in which the character is acting submissive, even if you are naturally a dominant person, but just ask yourself - if I had to be submissive, how would I act? What scenario could I find myself in, and with what type of person, that would cause me to behave this way? How would I feel about behaving this way? Bring that energy to your scene - don’t just mimic similar characters!

3. Are you working within your casting bracket?

Working within your casting bracket is crucial. A showreel isn't the place to be aspirational, it's for showing exactly who you are as a performer right now. As you grow and evolve as an actor, so can your reel - but right now your scenes need to be accurate to the auditions and the roles you could realistically find yourself landing.

4. Why this scene? Why now?

What has made you decide to include this specific scene or character portrayal in your reel? Are you noticing a lot of castings at the moment that you would be perfect for? Have you changed up your appearance, or aged out of the scenes you have currently? Has your energy shifted as you have matured, and you no longer feel your previous scenes reflect you in a truthful way?

Your motivation for creating this specific scene will influence the scene itself, and will help you to be as grounded and aware as possible in your performances.

5. Cut to the chase!

It's a showreel scene, not a short film! We try to create scenes that feel well rounded, but always have a specific snippet that could be used in your reel.

You're only going to want to include the very best section of the scene in your reel (around 20 seconds of it!) so keep that in mind when in the idea-generation phase. Remember - the scene doesn't need to make sense as a stand-alone piece, it just needs to show you giving a strong and believable performance!

Why is a Showreel Important for Actors?

Why is a showreel important? There are many reasons - in fact, a strong showreel is one of the most important tools you can have in your kit as an aspiring actor. Below are just a few reasons why a quality showreel is your best friend!

1. Show yourself off!

This one goes without saying - a good showreel is the perfect way to show yourself off.

A showreel helps casting directors and agents to immediately get a feel for who you are, what your voice sounds like and your on-camera presence. A showreel should showcase you at your very best, and will provide insight into yourself as a performer that can’t be gauged from a headshot alone (though a good headshot is also vital!)

2. Showcase your strengths and versatility

A well-rounded showreel should be tailored to your specific strengths. It can be tempting to put every single scene you’ve ever shot in your showreel - regardless of whether or not it shows you in your best light.

Each scene on your showreel should be selected for a reason, and only the best of the best should make the cut. Your showreel is the chance for you to put your best foot-forward, but also to show the diversity of your skills and your range as an actor. However, it is important that everything you include has you playing a role within your realistic casting bracket -  don’t include the short film you made when you were 17 in which you played a hardened, seasoned detective!

3. Show that you are adaptable, yet be specific!

Keeping your showreel regularly updated allows you to mould yourself into the roles that are currently being cast (within reason - see above!), and keeping your eye on the ball allows you to have the adaptability needed to stay current.

There are lots of companies out there (like us!) that will help you to create bespoke scenes that keep your showreel fresh and up-to-date whilst also ensuring you are seen in roles perfectly suited for you.

Remember - your showreel is basically your acting CV, so keep it up to date and represent yourself in the best way possible.