While in Italy | and advice on your reel

I was recognized a few times, so that is always fun especially when it happens all of never in my own Country…  I digress.

I was amazed to find out recently that Actors Access charges $50.00 per minute to upload your demo reel, and an amazing discount of $100.00 total for a whole 5 minute reel.  WOW, that is just absurd, I cannot believe they extort that kind of money from actors.

www.myactingsite.com allows for up to 3 demo reels FOR FREE!!! and they will even throw in a few extras and help with editing if you really need it… now that is the price it should be.  For the cost of getting your reel up at Actors Access you can have a full web site with your reel up for 1/2 the cost.  AMAZING!!!

I am so sick and tired of companies extorting money from actors, the normal actor is not a major celebrity and is just making ends meet, and probably working another one or two gigs on the side.

I only like companies that give a great price to actors, and really do something for them, thus my love for My Acting Site!

Back to you soon, with much Peace!

- Frank

Actors Reel

The great demo reel, how long should it be, what should it show…  I have at least a dozen close friends that are casting directors, and they all say the same thing:

Most actors blow their reel by making it #1 too long, #2 showing off too much of others (like that scene you did with a major celebrity) They do not care, they want to see YOU!!!  not them…

A good real is 3 minutes long, anything less is too little, and anything more is boring…  Sorry but that is the way it goes.

Casting directors also hate seeing reels that are on the internet, because they download slow and are too small too see.  They do however like what Myactingsite did, as they turn the video into a big sexy flash movie that downloads as it plays, so they can see it all FAST!!! and its BIG!!!  

You want a pro quality reel, which you need to probably pay for, unless you are a great video editor…  there are many places that do this, and it should cost no more than $250.00 to take all of your tape and turn it into a great 3 minute short film about you and your great work.  Then you can post it on your web site, if you have one that converts it to a flash movie, or else get one from myactingsite.com as they do it as part of the service they provide for $19.95 per month.  

You will also want to copy the DVD that you will get and sent it out to those that need it… CASTING DIRECTORS!  and yes, believe me they watch them.

What I have been doing lately is sending out head-shots  with my web site address, and a personal note to have them watch my new reel on myactingsite, its been working out great, and I have had several responses and auditions as a result!

If you use technology correctly it can only help, and its not that hard.  If you have a myspace account you can figure out anything.

So remember its a THREE MINUTE REEL!!!

Take care, 

Frank