Reels: Should I Pay to Create One if I Don’t Have any Real Footage Yet?

I get it. We all want footage to show what we can do to book a role and get footage to show what we can do! Double edged sword, is it not? Actually, I’ll make this pretty simple, so go ahead slide that back in your sheath.

No, You should not. And here is why.

Why to NOT pay for Reels When You Don’t Have Footage

When casting directors see a created reel, 99.9999999% of the time it is evident that the reel was created and is not footage from work that you booked and aired. As soon as casting recognizes that it isn’t real (which a well trained casting director can do in about 4 seconds) you are basically highlighting that you have no credits, and you paid to make your career appear to be something that it’s not. One of the giants in the industry, Amy Jo Berman, has a great explanation of this very topic on her channel. Watch her perspective here.

What About if I Have Footage but it isn’t Great?

No reel is better than a low quality reel. Again, by using low quality footage that is putting on full display that you don’t yet have any credits to highlight. Poor sound quality, choppy editing, and low production value are taking away from the very thing you are trying to sell- your skill!

What Can You Don’t Have a Reel?

Okay, now that we are feeling frustrated and frankly ticked off that we don’t have quality footage and shouldn’t create one, what the heck should we do? Use a very good, high quality self tape. I’m talking perfect quality, industry standard, great lighting, highlighting your talent, so-good-they-can’t-stop-watching, self tape. That way you are showing your acting skill, the viewer gets an idea of what you look and sound like, you can show off those self tape tech skills, and you aren’t pretending it is something that it isn’t. Label that bad boy “(Insert name) Tape” and attach that media to every submission you make on your online profiles. Bonus points for having two different tapes that target the roles you go in for and select the appropriate one based on submission.

Annnnnndddd when that tape gets you an audition that you absolutely nail, your on set experience give you the footage you have earned and you are well on your way to a reel! If you need help creating your self tape, reach out to 1st Team! We’ll be happy to help!