How to Build a Great Showreel

Your showreel is one of the first things every agent and casting director looks at, along with your headshot and CV, and it is usually the one thing that makes the strongest impression when it is done right. This guide covers what a showreel is for, how long it should be, what to put in it, and what to do if you have nothing on film yet.

What is a showreel?

The showreel is an integral part of your marketing package. Once you have built up an archive of work you would be proud to show off, it is time to get a showreel made. It is a collection of short clips of scenes from the productions you have been involved in, and your goal is to choose the scenes that showcase the range of your ability.

Do not feel rushed to put a showreel together just because you have footage. Wait until you have some moments on film that truly showcase what you can do. If you do not yet have on-screen experience, you can create those moments yourself (more on that below).

Why do I need a showreel?

Casting directors will generally only consider a performer for an audition if they have first seen them demonstrate their skills in a showreel. A CV and headshot give some indication of your look and potential, but they can only provide a basic summary.

"I think the key is having something to show me. We still respond to headshots and showreels more than anything else, particularly in young actors. You need something to show so we can look at your work in some shape or form." That is Jonathan Shankey, an agent at the Lisa Richards Agency in Dublin.

What if I have nothing on film yet?

If you are just starting out and do not yet have professionally recorded and edited work, do not worry. It is perfectly acceptable to film something at home. A showreel is simply a sample of your ability as an actor, so do not wait until you book a role to create one.

All you need to film yourself at home is a smartphone, a tripod for your phone, and a patch of clear wall with nice natural light. If you are filming a scene, ask a reader to sit or stand in with you. Plenty of scenes and monologues can be found online. The same setup will serve you for self-tape auditions later, so it is worth getting right early.

How long should a showreel be?

We recommend no more than four minutes, with three minutes being the optimal length. Casting professionals receive a great many CVs and showreels, and they do not have time to watch every actor for five to ten minutes. It is your responsibility to show what sets you apart from others as efficiently and quickly as possible. The viewer does not need a lot of context, and they do not need a musical montage. Use your three minutes to show them your raw talent, and your reel will be a strong reflection of your work and ability as an actor.

What should I put in my showreel?

Rather than one long excerpt, it is more useful to demonstrate your versatility with two or three different clips. Focus on your strongest characters so that the casting director can picture you in the roles you play best. If you only have one strong clip, that is a perfectly good place to start.

The first 30 seconds are the most important, and they may be the only part a busy casting director or agent has time to watch, so put your best foot forward. If they do watch to the end, make sure your last clip is as strong as your first, so that you finish on a high. It is a good idea to open with your headshot so they know who to look out for, or to open the first scene with a shot of you.

If you are shooting at home, shoot in a medium close-up. Visual contrast is good, whether that means changing your outfit or your hairstyle for each scene. Avoid well-known scripts, to prevent comparisons between you and previous interpretations. Content created just for your reel will not carry the credibility of a recognisable production, but it is where actors start, and there is no shame in that.

Keep adding to it

Keep an eye on the castings on Actorly for roles that would add variety to your reel. If it is a student or independent project, ask in advance whether you will receive the footage and when they expect to release it.

Once your reel is ready, upload it to Vimeo or YouTube and add the link to your free Actorly profile, so casting directors can watch it beside your headshot and CV. It is worth adding your individual scenes as separate links as well as the full reel: when you apply for a role on Actorly, you choose which clip goes with the application, so you can send the scene that best matches the character, and the casting director sees your cover note, your chosen headshot and that clip together. It is free to join and free to apply. Create your free actor profile and start applying today.