HOW TO MAKE A REEL FROM SCRATCH | Acting Reel Demo | Actor Showreel

You asked for it. So here it is! A video all about how to make an acting reel. I cover shooting your own demo reel, gathering footage from existing projects, editing and uploading your own reel onto Actors Access and other casting platforms. I also go over some showreel rules to make sure your actor showreel is professional enough to book acting jobs or get an agent!
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@WillyDubz
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Open Broadcaster Software: obsproject.com/
Clip Converter: www.clipconverter.cc/2/
Danny Devito's Reel: • Danny Devito's Reel
Curious about anything mentioned? Watch these videos first:
HOW TO MOVE TO LA AND BECOME AN ACTOR:
• HOW TO MOVE TO LA AND ...
HOW TO GET AN AGENT:
• HOW TO GET AN AGENT | ...
HOW I BREAK DOWN A SCRIPT:
• How to Analyze a Scrip...
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Will Westwater 2020

[@jontomustalent575]

Hey I’m a talent manager and I absolutely love this video. Your hitting on a lot of very strong key points that actors need to know.....good job!

[@elizabethbeasley7754]

Can you help me understand? I'm a new actress and a minor, and I don't quite understand how to get an agent. I get how you have to look up some near, but I still don't get it.

[@elizabethbeasley7754]

@@golden926 just because I don't know one thing doesn't mean I shouldn't be an actor. Ive taken multiple acting classes, so i know quite a bit.

[@stratabegood]

@@golden926 answer the question instead of being a asshole about it. your not higher than Elizabeth stop acting like you are.

[@victoriahaines4767]

@@elizabethbeasley7754 I’m not sure if your still looking but what I did was I googled places and just looked at them for ideas. I ultimately found one that’s nation wide (within the USA) I’m not sure if they do out if country as well (I’m not sure where your from so I’m not going to assume anything) but just try maybe googling places. And since you are a minor you would need parental permission and stuff so no e you can’t go on any sets alone as a minor.

[@elizabethbeasley7754]

From what ive seen you can get them online and in a building (don't know quite how to word it) so if i looked up agencies in my area so i just go in and request an appointment?

[@ThiozerNunes]

I'm a simple guy. I see a notification of Will, I click. Thanks again!

[@WillyDubz]

Thiozer Nunes notification SQUAD!

[@jkbmnrd]

Wow, there are definitely some things I would have missed before uploading if it wasn't for this video. Thanks so much for making this, you are a huge help!

[@tomculver2029]

I hope this magnificent actor really makes it big! He is truly the greatest!

[@Mrjovanchung]

This is the video I was looking for, I watch dozen of videos about how to make a demo reel without any experience and this video helped me so much . Thanks Will !

[@docthomas3091]

New guy here, thanks for this. Especially the advice on what type of scenes from scratch we should focus on if we have no or no recent reel. “Act what you could really do” for some reason that made me feel more confident in my plans.

[@kotaa8627]

Waking up to Willy, and coffee you know it's going to be a good day! 😁

[@bw6148]

Thanks for this! I have one commercial under my belt and now need a reel to book anything else. This is quite helpful!

[@Marilynschannel]

When i was starting out, I could never get hired to work on student films for some reason; they would not hire me even for non-paid gigs! I decided to pay for my own reel. It worked! Together with great headshots, I got some small parts and auditioned for a lof of CDs, including Jonathan Strauss, I didn't get the part, but it was pretty awesome to walk into his office and audition. I stopped submitting for students' films. I do miss auditioning. Taking a break from the industry :)

[@miml9280]

This had me reeling!!

[@deanzaalxme18]

The link converter, and other links helped so much! Thank you!!

[@lailaemm]

THANKYOU, THANKYOU!! I’m auditioning for a role that requests a video reel so this helps out a lot!!

[@CaliforniaLoans]

I had my first audition and didn't really know how it was gonna go down inside the room! Can you make a video how to properly audition!

[@WillyDubz]

I love that idea!

[@Keturah.]

Yes !

[@roger0p920]

@@WillyDubz Can we make reel by copying a scene from a Film or show and remake it Or reel should be our own idea like a sketch.

[@RachelMarley]

Love how clearly you laid out the process! I work with a lot of teenagers, and this video will be perfect to help demystify the process for them. Thanks!

[@charlottesun8557]

You’re so inspirational keep it up!

[@MyWorldofFragrance]

I didn't come here for this kinda reel, but I'm here for it now. 🌹

[@SophiaHawk]

Clean and clear, precise and to the point. Thanks

[@GregGraff]

This makes me want to put a reel together and I don't even act.... nice video man!

[@jdd2010]

Really informative! Thank you Will! Best of luck to you in all your endeavors.

[@mertergec175]

Welcome back! 🔥

[@TheHomieQuani]

Mad helpful. Creating my first reel myself.

[@superajsfighting]

Thanks for the advice, brother. Just needed a point in the right direction. This helps tons.

[@CurtisIsacc]

Thank you so much, your helpful info is much appreciated to a brother like me! Keep it coming! 👍🏽🖤

[@lalkavictoria]

omg thank you for this. so helpful!!!

[@W4WEnglish]

Thank you! Video idea...What other things an upcoming actor can do to help him/herself? What to read etc...

[@deannablue42]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@oscaroctavio]

Thank you , it was very informative and down to the ground.

[@francescamilani77]

WELL-DONE JOB !!! Great video...

[@monkaholic100]

This is excellent, thank you so much!

[@ReviewsWithAL_]

Needed this thankyou!

[@afuabusia]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@FilmBandit]

loved this video

[@user-dn6wr8bg6f]

this was really helpful, thanks!

[@SabrinaAscacibar]

great! it helped a lot! thanxxxx

[@jamesasdlinton2150]

This is super helpful

[@pub-gmobilelitegamer9069]

Thnx 4 the info love that lot

[@charliegrech4643]

Great advice thanks so much

[@landonjones5201]

Notification Squad!!!

[@D.SmooveENT]

Thank you man!

[@tajhaeanthony1121]

Thanks so much bro... You've been super helpful💪👏... And your a great actor too

[@WillyDubz]

Tajhae Thompson thanks friend!

[@tajhaeanthony1121]

@@WillyDubz your welcome bro... Well deserved

[@TheRealLexOG]

LOVE YOU EWILL

[@Emma-zt2zf]

I don’t think my mom and dad support me in acting but it’s literally my dream🥺

[@diamondfox8374]

Same with me :|

[@lalalalaaAa123]

Mine didn’t either! I pursued it anyway. I’m in LA in the union with an agent and manager now. Follow YOUR heart, not theirs! ❤️

[@kellygonzalez4243]

Literally sameee lol or at least they’re surprised at how far I’ve gotten😂

[@tibeihahowillis5836]

@@lalalalaaAa123 how did you do it?? 😪 How did you get the financial support??

[@AieshSingh]

Thank youuuuuuuuuu!

[@mostafanazmy4112]

thank you so much.

[@sahid2_-]

Question? So in order for you to have a video reel, you need to show previous projects you were on? What if you dont have any, can you be able to create your own? Like a video demonstrating different forms of expression or what youre trying to target?

[@sunbabyocelot]

I def think you can do it this way. Create some content with friends.

[@ActBold]

Absolutely - find a great scene you that works for your type and adapt it to your needs. Need some resources? Check out foreign films and series, (grab the translations from the subtitles), modern plays, or google "free actor's scenes" and you'll get a bunch of responses, and lastly, try writing something for yourself. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover a new talent. Good luck!

[@bupek]

Took some of your advice and I just uploaded my own 2020 videographers reel and would appreciate a critique on it🙏🏿 Great Vid again ✌🏿

[@warrencastro-diaz9711]

I like the video , I could use some of that knowledge

[@preiyadovel]

Hi Will, thanks fr all the tips. Which software are you using to cut, clip and edit existing videos into a reel?

[@ZedSalixToris]

Hey Will, first of all, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Almost no one does what you do for pleasure, so i really appreciate it. My question is, is there a webpage where you can get short scenes for demo reels?

[@ActBold]

There are tons - just google "free actor's short scenes"

[@olgashkurenko7115]

thank youuu

[@dray4life2k9]

Thankyou

[@VideoNash]

thanks

[@araniarudchelvan6679]

Hi Will ! thanks for the tips. I am wondering if you bought an external mic and attached it to your phone or camera for your demo reels or just used the device's audio ?

[@nathansweeney5441]

Hey Will, recently just decided to follow my passion in acting and your videos are inspiring me and giving me vital advice all the way from Ireland!!! I am hoping to move to LA in about 9months to a year and your videos are making me so excited but also giving me a great insight that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows and how to deal with that how to deal with the no’s and some of the setbacks. Upload more!!!!!

[@sophia9671]

how's it going now?

[@BrewandBrock]

Hey Will my name is George, I'm a sports announcer/broadcast journalist of 8 years and I'm looking to continue my broadcasting career I was wondering if you could do a video on not only some good software to use for when making my reel but also how to actually put the reel together. Thank you in advance

[@emmastuart-box902]

Thanks for the great video!! I was just wondering what editing software you use (preferably free) when editing your reel??

[@acrididi]

I can tell you, it's premiere pro, but you've probably already figured it out

[@heyitssharmander]

What are your thoughts on using a teleprompter (off camera) for a reel? Quick note, Im starting from scratch 10 yrs after doing a few short films.

[@rickysu5219]

Will, do you have any recommended demo reel production companies?

[@anthonymoorejr01]

Hey! Can our reel include a monologue and a scene or should it just be one or the other?

[@charlotteh305]

Just watched your reel and I thought it was great. I do wonder why you don't have anything from DIY Dream Space on there? Is it because it wasn't an acting job? I thought you did a great job presenting it with Andie and it shows another side of you

[@WillyDubz]

Yeah, it’s mainly because they’re different. However I plan on making a hosting reel in the future and it’ll have DIY Dream Space on there!

[@Grt2u]

just came across your video, very helpful info. What about child actors?

[@FlyoverMeTez]

Do i have to use my own monologue? Or can i find one online to use?

[@silvianguyen2232]

so i made a short film in my old highschool but i just appeared a few scenes and no voice in there. I intend to make some reels now so can i call that short film is a reel? Hope you answer!!!!

[@ginger6617]

The penguin 😂

[@danilojones1618]

Im in the beginning I did some extra work im trying to get some paid gigs n do some commercials

[@katdior2346]

So is there like an app or something that you can make a reel on?

[@AhmedKhan-by5zl]

When I am done with shooting reel where do I post it

[@kaliakissestv]

I have projects... and some of the most recent I don’t have lines, it’s either a voice over(someone else’s voice) or music (not music video). Should I include those too? I have a lot of face time on camera.

[@Kira-lb5ns]

Can we make scenes from other tv shows or does it have to be original?

[@NathalieKohler]

most student films ask for a demo too:D

[@nickshannon9895]

what video editing software do you use? you didn't say in the video while this is a helpful video it would also help by saying the software you use or some good ones to use

[@tongakid77]

Great tips! If we do have footage, how do we avoid the copyright email from youtube where they take down your professional reel, sighting copyright infringement? I understand tv/film may file the claim but do we not own our footage? I turned off monetization and was still flagged. Any advise would really be helpful. THANK YOU!

[@breyanneeastin]

What editing system are you using ?

[@stellazovak]

My biggest credits are not my best acting - they're one-liners, usually playing a no-name character like "secretary" or "mother", I've even been "drunk puck #1" LOL. Should I put my best acting first (i.e. indie stuff that no one's ever heard of with lower quality sound/lighting, etc.) or should I put my big, recognizable credits first, even though it doesn't really show much acting (not extra work, proper cast, but still very small).

[@talkingstraightwithnate]

Question: what about music videos?

[@PaigeWells]

I did a commercial where I was smoking for a cannabis product, which is legal where I am (Canada). Is that something I can include or would it be better to leave it out?

[@Azeel]

so, from what I THINK I learned, someone like myself who is currently taking acting classes and has NO footage for reels can just make some fun clips with people or friends and that also works? I assume the whole point is just to see acting potential in scenarios. I just don't have any footage from any films.

[@carapercoco9433]

Can you put clips from theatre performances in your reel?

[@JoshuaBrittonAndrews]

Will! Where did you get your paper rolls from, and also are they 86”? Trying to invest in a couple but I don’t want to buy them too small.

[@WillyDubz]

I talk more about my paper rolls in this video (and I link them in the description). kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXWmqaend6lnoc0 I don’t remember the exact dimensions because I cut them to fit our space.

[@KickItWithKenn]

@willydubz If I haven't been casted for anything yet meaning I have no footage, would you recommend just hiring someone to film me doing different scenes?

[@HannahKaySA]

Hey! Can I make a reel from self-tapes?

[@ydoihave2picaname]

It's funny, I find now that so many student films are asking for a video real...you gotta have I.D. to get I.D. lol

[@ttylol13]

hey i don't know if you touched on this in the video but what do you think of those companies who will make a demo reel for you? like they shoot scenes professionally and cast other actors and make it look like it was from a film. is that a good idea or no?

[@WillyDubz]

I think it’s up to you! I wouldn’t break the bank doing it, but if it’s something you want to try then go for it!

[@jacquelinehannah8870]

This is what I'm confused about, so here's my question. What do we record our demo reel onto? Will a flash drive or disk? I know some agent want us to mail our resume and reel to them.

[@StephenLyonsMusic]

Getting our footage is such a pain sometimes. Word of caution I'm seeing A LOT of bad malware issues with screen rippers such as Clip Converter. Anyone have safe software suggestions for Conversion from YTB to Mp4?

[@KasseeRheanne]

Hey, I have a quick question! I am dying my har light brown next week, but ny entire reel is with black hair, and on top of that I've lost anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds since my other projects. Is it okay to still use that for now or do I need a new one asap?

[@acrididi]

New one

[@victorcalfatluzzi8286]

Hey will, I came to the US with an f1 visa (student) I seem not to be allowed to work, but I came to try to get in the business. Do you know any path that I can go to try to be an actor? Thanks

[@sumyyahafzal]

Hi! im filming my own demo reel with self-tape vids I am filming. Am I allowed to cut out some lines from the script? or do I need to stick with the script 100%

[@WillyDubz]

Cut away! It’s your demo.

[@AhmedKhan-by5zl]

Can i know are you a professional actor. Do you work with big actors

[@brandirininger1724]

How to make commercial acting reel?? Should you still do a monologue?

[@AhmedKhan-by5zl]

And lastly can I know where can I get a acting manager

[@technokinesis3910]

Can you make a video on acting in a small town (e.g. lesser-known midwest? *cough* Minnesota *cough*)

[@stellazovak]

Hi! I'm not Will, but I know for myself, just getting into the acting community and learning how they do things really helps me. I live in Prague, Czech Republic and we have a really unique market here for native English speakers. Much of the "business" advice I hear from people who are in LA just does not apply to our market, so I talk to my actor friends, I look at what people who are doing better than I am and assess what they're doing and try to emulate. Hope that helps!

[@seventorres_]

I have 3 silent films on youtube for my film classes that I have acting in. Would that be fine? I did 2 other short films but I've never got the copy back for those. Or should I just do the monologue choice.

[@WillyDubz]

I would maybe do a bit of both monologues and the silent film. We need to know what you sound like. Bummer about not being able to get the footage for the other project :/ it is not fun when that happens (and it can happen a lot).

[@seventorres_]

TheWillyDubz awesome will do! thank you for the feed back!

[@Detriq3]

What’s the editing software ? I’m trying to do this immediately

[@WillyDubz]

I use Premiere Pro.

[@XanderShiller]

Hi I'm an actor looking for work in NYC. I have years of experience and a college degree for media.. my problem is that I'm technologically inept..like a grandmother who needs help turning on the computer..so is there a more "for dummies" version of the diff parts of this adventure? When I was working background years ago, I just needed a headshot and occasionally a resume on the back..now it's reels, tech, etc..im still young but its like I have to learn how to be a tech support agent just to act. Please reply if you know easier ways/apps/ideas and if you're in NYC pls lmk where good places to look for work are. Many thanks people and many fortunes to y'all 😎

[@sultanforherb1139]

bro until now you didnt talk about how you got your voice over agent , please do a video about it and is voice over is hard job or not?

[@WillyDubz]

Sultan For Herb yes I did. It’s in my How to get an Agent video

[@FlyoverMeTez]

How can i add 30 second reels together on my phone?? App i can use thanks???

[@AshriyaJaveed]

iMovie for iPhone

[@AshriyaJaveed]

Kinemaster for Android or Apple

[@tinystarthegrey4319]

how old is too old? can I use a video from a year ago?

[@ohhenatural4996]

That clip converter website you shared doesn't work. I just get a lot of popups and spam

[@WillyDubz]

Phillip Brown it’s definitely a website to use your Adblock on. Often many of the buttons will work following a pop-up. Sorry it’s giving you difficulty :/ I felt the same way when I was first using it. If you find another suitable video ripper let me know!

[@ohhenatural4996]

@@WillyDubz I finally got it to work. Thanks for sharing!!

[@MyUnjust]

What if i have no real experience? Could i make my own reel from videos i make myself?.. Can i record short clips specifically for the purpose of making a reel??

[@esoheesther3848]

I had that same question too :/

[@MyUnjust]

@@esoheesther3848 I've seen a few videos like this butt, no one ever seems to ask that question or address the issue... I'm planning on making a few with friends in the next couple of weeks.lol

[@esoheesther3848]

MyUnjust I think the best option for me as well! Like a short film with you as the “main character” to give them a visual of how you are as an actor !

[@MyUnjust]

@@esoheesther3848 yeah. Maybe 2 or 3. Something really short.. Maybe even just specific scenes with me as the focus of each

[@esoheesther3848]

MyUnjust yeah that’s the best route tbh. Are you finding your monologues online? I can’t seem to find a good website for them/ any that are long enough for me to use.