Why You Need a Demo Reel and How to Make One

How make an actor demo reel and how to use it.

LIST OF SELF TAPE TOOLS FOR ACTORS:

My Demo Reel on IMDb:

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[Mundillou]

KURT YOU ARE A WIZARD. Since I started watching you I moved out. started taking acting classes. and booked my first role BECAUSE OF YOU. Today I googled just what I need for my next step. It was a demo reel. THANK YOU KURT!!!!

[ADifferentVibe]

As an actor in LA, I can attest to anyone pursuing this you MUST have a reel! Even if it is a high quality self-tape audition (and not the final clips from the film/TV show that you performed), that is better than nothing.

Using myself as an example, a film I did took months in post-production. Instead of waiting for that footage, I took my best self-tape auditions for roles I didn't book (best performances AND best quality like lighting, sound etc) and posted that on my Backstage and Actors Access profiles when I submit for projects. Since then with new headshots, I've gotten more audition requests than I can count.

[wyatthaas]

I’ve only done two acting classes but, I’m going full force. I’ve already scheduled my headshots, I’m planning to create my demo reel here. I’ve memorized and practiced two commercials and one monologue.


You’re an inspiration, Kurt! Your advice is so helpful.

[tamarmuthama]

KURT I SAW YOU ON DYNASTY SEASON 4 AND LITERALLY YELLED AT MY MOM ''HEY THAT'S MY YOU TUBE ACTING COACH''😂❤
LOVE YOUUU

[azrielmateria]

Close to 100k subscribers a year ago up to almost 200k this year. Way to go dude. Invaluable advice and you give clear examples and explanations. Even someone like me with wondering attention can comprehend most if not everything you talk about, Great work.

[scottslotterbeck]

Excellent advice, Kurt! Actors have to sell themselves. When I cast a film, I really, really, really like demo reels. I ALWAYS ask for them. How else can I see what you can do, to see if you fit? Please give me a wide variety of your roles, so I can tell if you would be right for the part. A variety of your roles help, because the films I've made range from dramas to comedies to thrillers. Oh, and a good head shot with a resume.

[nikkikruz]

I thought that was you on Ordinary Joe!!! When I saw you, I was like, "That's I was so excited as if I really know you. Congrats Kurt!!!

[JakeReehl]

Yep, this is on my list of things to do, I haven’t updated my demo reel in years. I have gotten some new footage since then. My main point of procrastination is that I want it to be close to perfect, and I don’t know if I should hire someone to cut it for me or if I should cut it myself. Also, there is some footage of me where I have no dialogue, but my action acting skills are highlighted, and since action is my main interest, I wonder if it’s ok to put a scene in my reel with no dialogue, just physical acting. Thank you for this video!

[anita]

Hey Kurt! How do we get a dialogue for a demon reel? Does it have to be created by me or can I use pre-existing scripts online?

[DreaGiaAlice-Darko]

2:47 gets to the point.
Also congrats keep on going don’t stop what you’re doing, let your art speak for itself and get more jobs I wish you the best my fellow artist. ❤🎉😊

[bambinocinefilo]

We’re really close to 100k subscribers!!! I’m so excited for you Kurt! Love this channel.

[JoGirl]

This was helpful, I'm primarily a stage actor so I've been stumped on how to make a professional demo reel for agent submissions. Thanks for the tips!

[navy_dude]

Can't thank you enough for spreading your knowledge, and helping other actors. It is much appreciated. -Shayne from Louisiana

[daniellasansom]

Are you kidding me! YOU GOT IN BLACK WIDOW :O. getting a audition is just... wow.
Not only do you help other people reach their goals, you help youself. I LOVE YOU

[updaddy]

I quit acting in live shows 20 years ago. Thus has inspired me to get back at it. Thanks, I'm gonna make a demo reel

[LizzieRFreeman]

Thank you so much for all your advice Kurt! I'm a working voice-over actor in LA and I have been so interested in trying film. Your content gives me a great place to start! I'm not sure if on-camera work is for me yet, but I'm excited to see what happens <3

[kalebnaquin]

Hey Kurt! I was wondering maybe in a future video maybe you can talk about Demo Reels vs. Clips? I’ve been advised my multiple fellow actors/industry folks on podcast/YouTube videos that casting is more attracted to smaller clips opposed to only having a demo reel. Both reels and clips obviously serve different purposes and I’d love to hear your talk on that subject!

[thepowerofdancewithann]

Hi Kurt, great info on self-taping. I've been watching your videos for a while since deciding to go back into TV & film & want to thank you for the wide variety of information. I've been out of the industry for almost 35 years & had done cold readings on all my auditions back then (did get a few small parts & commercials). I dipped my toe back into live theater in 2007 & am still performing. And wow things have changed so much in the TV / film process! I'm brushing up on my technical skills & will be putting together my information soon. Thanks again, looking forward to more videos.

[veronicasandre]

I am so happy you are working and getting so many new roles. You are a great actor and person! x Thank you! for sharing your knowledge with us!

[mattharmatuk]

I would love to see you put together a video on how to make a reel when you already have work to pull from tv and film. What software or apps do you use to pull the content, how to pull the content and how to piece it all together.