You already know Backstage is the go-to for any and all information pertaining to your craft. But now, you have the chance to get in on the action with the Backstage Community Forum. Here, you can engage with others in your industry, as well as teachers, experts, and, yep, even agents and casting directors. Below are some of this week’s most interesting new topics; drop a reply or post a new thread. Either way, fire up that keyboard and get involved right here!
Swearing in a demo reel?
“Hello!
“I may have an upcoming opportunity to act in a film with swearing in it, and I was wondering if it would be disadvantageous to include lines of me swearing in my demo reel. I am just starting out and don’t have much to include in my reel, but I don’t want my image to be damaged by some lines I said in a short film.
“Is this something I should be concerned about/will it affect how I’m cast in future projects? What is your take on including swearing in a demo reel?” —Blase
Nervous about self-taping…
“Hi there,
“I’ve been nervous lately about self-tape backgrounds. My voice coach told me that my closet doors wouldn’t work, despite being plain white, due to the lines of the wood and square/rectangular indentations. Would a green or blue screen appear excessive?
“Thanks, Corey” —Corey
Question about demo reels:
“Hi everyone! I am a musical theater actress, but I want to branch out and start working in film. I do not currently have any film that is high quality enough to include in a demo reel, but I do have videos of me acting in musicals. I have heard that it looks inexperienced to include these in a demo reel, but one musical I was in was filmed professionally with high quality lighting, sound, and visuals. The clip I would include in a demo reel is zoomed in, so it it easy to see my facial expressions. I am just hoping to get some opinions on whether it would look unprofessional to include this in my demo reel. Thank you so much!” —Demitra
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