Showreel - An Artists’ Business Card

In this day and age, having references is essential for finding work in any industry, from handymen to film and media professionals. For artists and performers, these references are filmed and compiled into a ‘showreel’ or a ‘demo’- but what actually is a showreel? What makes a good one?

What is a showreel?

A showreel is basically an extensive portfolio of an artist's work. In English speaking countries it is also known as a “demo/sizzle reel”; in German it’s called a ‘Demoband’ or a ‘Demoaufnahme’ The portfolio compiles short clips of previous projects you’ve worked on to help casting directors assess and analyse your working methods as an artist. This also helps potential clients gain a judgement of your character and your talent . A picture from an agency’s directory is not usually enough to judge whether or not the talent would be suitable for a project. A photo won’t show your personality, your voice or how you move. Voice is especially important if you’d like to act in speaking roles. The showreel is therefore an extremely important part of an artist’s profile- in some cases, it completely replaces in-person auditions.

Does every artist need a showreel?

You should always have an up-to-date portfolio that can be used for castings and auditions. It is not only essential for actors , performers and models , but also for influencers and such, to demonstrate your skills and showcase your talent. For top-budget films, casting directors use showreels to cast extras and stand-ins- basically anybody in the industry needs a showreel! Naturally if you are a voice actor , your showreel will be an audio recording.

How do I put together a showreel?

A basic showreel is just material that artist’s have already worked on that they can show to casting directors and at auditions. You simply just need to put together a compilation of your best work- aka scenes that are particularly expressive/emotive. Alternatively, you can also work with someone to film extra material and put together a customised portfolio for specific areas of the industry. This gives you an advantage because you have full control of the script , costume, set and production.

Top tips for putting together a good showreel

- Keep it short- as a rule, a typical showreel is two to five minutes long.
- Select the best scenes from your previous projects
- Make sure you are the main focus of each scene
- Clearly separate each clip (like chapters of a book)
- Start the reel with your most recent or best project
- Make sure the visuals and sound are top quality

Can I do anything else instead of a showreel?

In the media and advertising industry, although very few productions rely wholly on the performer’s showreel, there isn’t a better alternative to a showreel. It doesn’t have to be super professional or filled with numerous credits but it is still important to have a way to easily showcase your talent. A good smartphone camera, a tripod or someone there for moral support will be just enough for filming your first showreel. A supportive and experienced agency will also be hugely beneficial to help get you started on the road to success: Apply now online to take the next step!