How To Put Together An Inexpensive Reel

Last night I was at this really cool networking event. Of course, I was recognized right away and was mobbed by a bunch of beautiful actresses. It got really ugly because they started arguing amongst each other who would get to talk to me first.

I actually had to jump in and break it up before it was too late. I really hate to see women, especially in this industry, belittle themselves in such displays.

It was just unprofessional and uncalled for!

So to address the situation in a fair and impartial way, I immediately got the baby oil out. The girls oiled themselves up and then I threw them into a ring in the center of the floor

where they wrestled it out. The winner got the chance to audition for me. Okay, okay I am just kidding. But hey, you never know what can happen in this business.

But seriously, standing out and getting people's attention is very important. At the event a young actress did approach me asking if she could read for my next film. I asked her if she had a reel I could see first and she said no. I was taken aback by her answer and told her that she really need one in this business.

Look, the bottom line is that there is no excuse for anyone not to have a reel. A good reel can make or break you. Or, I should say in this case, the lack thereof could break

you. Now there are many factors why one may not. There is the cost of putting a good one together which could run you hundreds of dollars.

Then there is the fact that some filmmakers never send you a copy of your work leaving you out in the cold. But again, those are still not good enough excuses. First, let's look at the two types of reels you need. They are as follows:

1. A DVD of your work which you can handout or mail. This is the most costly type but the most professional representation of your work. Usually, you provide a company, or

College film student if you are smart, clips of your work from which they compile a nice reel for you. This can include anything from cool credits to jazzy transition effects.

2. A clip of your work on your website AND on social networking sites. This is the most streamlined approach. You simply upload tidbits of your work to your personal website and some social sites such as YouTube, MySpace or Google Video and you are in business. Simply print up business or comp cards with the website address on them and anyone can see your work. The link should be included on all of your future correspondences such as email, voice mail and letterhead.

Now route number one, which is the best and most costly, is not for everyone. But route number two is accessible and affordable by everyone! In this day and age of digital technology and the Internet revolution there is NO EXCUSE why you shouldn't have your work online. Let me say it again, NO EXCUSE!!!!

Okay, you may be trying to get away with, "But Ron, my idol, my mentor, my reason for existing; I have never been in a film or shot a movie before."

Listen, I don't care if you are a filmmaker or actor I just don't buy it. But here's what you can do. Just grab a friend's Mini DV camera and go out and shoot a quick five minute segment of you performing your monologue or something that shows off your filmmaking ability. Then upload that baby to your site and a couple of the social websites and you're done! See, simple as A, B, and C.

So, I have just given you a cost effective formula to creating a reel. Of course there is the right way of putting the reel together so it gets the attention of that agent or producer. Such tricks include viral marketing, editing techniques, and keyword tags that will get you seen. But that is a discussion for another time. 

Well, enough talk. I have to run. I think I will buy that bottle of baby oil just in case a group of actresses want to fight for my attention. You never know.  But if you want more tips on putting together a reel visit: http://www.kamiticartssystem.com 

Later...