A Showreel: What Is It?

You’re wondering, “What is a showreel?” after being requested to provide one. You’ve arrived at the ideal location. Showreels will be defined in this article along with their many formats and applications. If you’re wondering what a professional showreel companies are, we’ve also covered that. Showreels are primarily utilized by performers, but they may also be a part of a company’s portfolio.

A showreel: what is it?

A showreel is a brief film that highlights a person’s prior experience and work. People in the creative industries typically create showreels for themselves. Although actors are frequently included in showreels, other artists who may be featured include directors, animators, composers, editors, and models.

A showreel may also be referred to as a demo reel, sizzle reel, or, in certain cases, just a show reel. They typically last two to three minutes and showcase the variety of people’s work by showcasing multiple projects. Usually, they will be accompanied by a list of their previous projects and a resume. Casting directors, agents, and recruiters use these showreels to assess a candidate’s suitability for a position. Check out our instructions on How to Make a Showreel and How to Make a Showreel Without Any Experience.

Describe a voice reel.

While most showreels are in the visual format of a video with accompanying sound, they are not necessary for all actors. A voice actor may create an audio-only showreel, also referred to as a voice reel. This will display their skill level for voice-only parts such as voiceovers and animation characters. Radio presenters and actors may also create a voice reel to showcase their talents, without the need for strong visuals.

Any performer recording a voice reel should take the same care and attention as a visual showreel. The sound quality should be perfect using professional recording equipment and each segment should reflect your range.

What is a self-tape?

A self-tape is a more stripped back showreel. It usually features just one, possibly two, scenes that are for future work rather than your previous work. A self-tape is simply an audition tape. The performer films oneself remotely and transmits the self-tape to casting directors for a certain job.

A self-tape is less polished than a showreel. Instructions are given to the performer, such as passages from a screenplay that must be performed to the camera. General information about the character are frequently included as well. The performance may be videotaped anyplace with no props and costuming, the onus is solely on the performer to bring the character to life. It’s all about making a great first impression to casting directors.

A corporate showreel: what is it?

Showreels are used by businesses outside of the entertainment sector for marketing and public relations initiatives, such as brand awareness campaigns. These business showreels, sometimes referred to as portfolio showreels or business showreels, showcase the company’s culture and offerings.

The main purpose of a corporate showreel is to attract new customers. But it can also be used to hire new staff members or welcome them to the company. Businesses looking to expand should invest in corporate showreels, which are a crucial component of any contemporary company communication. To get you started, here are some excellent corporate video samples and ideas.

Reserve a Showreel

We can assist you if you would like to create any of the reels mentioned above. With decades of combined experience in the acting and filmmaking fields, we are a seasoned production company. We can provide showreels for actors, voice actors, performers and those looking to create a quality self-tape. Our showreel service is a bespoke package for each person but will include scriptwriting, directing and coaching, full crew and equipment, sound and video editing and extra cast if you need.

Can you edit your own acting showreel?

It depends on your editing abilities – and you need to be realistic about this.

It’s usually advisable to go to a professional. A showreel is as crucial as your headshots, so if you can afford it, it’s advisable to invest and consider it as part of your professional growth and necessary portfolio. It’s often evident when clips have been smushed together on iMovie and exported in low quality. A professional editor will know how to maintain quality and carry out clever tricks like moving a bit of audio, zooming in on a frame to favour you, and ensure smooth transitions between scenes to keep the showreel pacy. If you feel like you can do this and you’re on a budget then go for it, but it can sometimes be quite hard to make an accurate assessment of yourself – we are not always the best judge of ourselves.

So, if you’re not using a professional to cut the clips, at least make sure that you have sought advice from others who can offer suggestions on the order and choice of content. “Send it round and get feedback!” advises Abushwesha. She also recommends adding text at the bottom of each scene, crediting where it is from, to add context and show what you have been in.