Buckle up for this one folks… because we feel strongly that this is nothing but a grade-A #myth.
First of all, regardless of what anyone tells you, there are no rules when it comes to your demo reel.
CSA and SAG-AFTRA do NOT have a set rules as to what can and cannot be in your demo reel. ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ฌ๐บ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ช๐ด๐ฆ.
There is no โlistโ that CDs have come up with that they adhere to when watching your reel.
Anyone who says you cannot put a self tape in your reel is speaking from their own opinionโnot from a rule book.
Nowโletโs break down the if/when scenario for when a self tape addition might be the right choice for you.
But first, consider this:
CDs have a boatload of submissions and pitches to get through. A really big boatload.
We need to be efficient with our time.
If you have a demo reel on your AA profile + some other self tapes as supplemental material, thatโs fine.
But whatโs the likelihood those self tapes will get clicked on if they are not in your reel?
About as likely as Ikea having everything in stock that youโre looking for.
AKA: slim to none.
So if your reel is lacking and not showing us what youโre capable of, donโt expect us to then look at your other clips for back-up material.
If itโs not in your reel, ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ.
This is not to say everyone needs to supplement their reel with a well-done self tape.
But if the footage you’ve booked isnโt serving you, youโre going to feel all sorts of stuck.
The only actual rules that you need to abide by are:
1. You cannot use a recent audition or a self tape where you cannot confirm whether the project has aired and/or premiered (unless you get written director/producer permission)
2. Not necessarily a ruleโฆ but when choosing material, best to not choose anything thatโs too iconic or overly recognizable. Please donโt do the Leo D monologue from Wolf of Wall Street, for example ๐
This industry is tough as it is. Donโt let the endless supply of circulating โrulesโ dim your light.
๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐ค ๐ค๐๐ ๐ช๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ค๐ค.
#themoreyouknow #thecastingdirectorscut #mondaymythdebunker #actorslife