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.
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!