By now, most people know that companies like Create Your Reel exist to help actors without footage compete with those who do. Rather than being at the mercy of the roles and lines someone else created, you have the luxury of having custom scenes written for you, and you can choose what roles you want to showcase.
But before you set out on that path, keep in mind one very important mistake to avoid in this process: the big emotional scene.
Actors can really appreciate the work that goes into a highly emotional scene, whether it’s a sobbing breakdown, or a loud, angry, yelling rant. In film or on TV, those scenes are usually a poignant moment in that character’s story. The actor has a real opportunity to affect the audience with an honest, vulnerable performance. You’ve been following them on that journey, and as a viewer, you truly empathize with the character—you’re emotionally invested.
For example, Tom Cruise’s breakdown at his father’s bedside in “Magnolia” is a gut-wrenching scene if you’ve gone through his frustration, rage, and regret. But imagine watching just that scene without having seen the entire film up to that point. You’d probably feel like an outsider, awkward and disconnected to the emotional breakdown. Without the emotional investment, without the backstory and knowing what this character has been through, the scene won’t be as powerful.
This isn’t to say you can’t have an emotional scene on your reel. If you have control over how it all goes, a more subtle performance tends to be more effective. Watching you try to not cry is usually more interesting than watching you sob—especially when you have a very short time to show casting what you can do. When you hold back on the tears like people do in real life, you’re allowing us, as the viewers, to feel what you’re feeling.
Remember, CDs are likely watching hundreds of reels a day. Make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons.
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