Spotlight Demo Reels

Demo Reels

This is the perfect package to put you in the Spotlight.
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2 Minute reel $125: All your clips edited up to 2 minutes
4 Minute reel $175: All your clips edited up to 4 minutes

• 2 DVDs with designed color label in mini jewel case
• Option for montage intro with up to 5 photos or 3 video excerpts edited up to 10 seconds
• Title slides at beginning and end with your name and contact information
• Video reels formatted for web publishing*

NEW: Now offering FREE 1 minute excerpt for quick post on agency sites and submit for casting.

Discount Multiple Demo Reels - $125 each

Do you need a Commercial Reel and a Film Reel, or Television, Host, or Theater Reel? This package includes all features with a discount for ordering 2 or more reels together.

2 Minute Demo Reels - $125 each
4 Minute Demo Reels - $150 each

Highly recommended that reels be kept under 4 minutes.
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Reel Update - Existing clients with files in storage $50*

Do you have new footage for your demo? You'll want to update your reel to show off your best. Client project files are stored free for 4 months for just that purpose. That saves us both time and money.

• Clips edited to add/replace 1 minute on your reel
• 1 Updated DVD with original color label in mini jewel case
• Updated video reels formatted for web publishing

*Available to New Asha clients for whom I created their original reels and with files in storage.

Reel Update - New clients & those without files in storage $75**

• Clips edited to add/replace 1 minute on your reel
• 1 Updated DVD with color label in mini jewel case.
• Reel formatted for web publishing

**New material is spliced as one segment into existing reel.
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Free Services With Every New Demo Reel

My goal is to provide high quality affordable service. That means I'll make some adjustments at no cost to you.

• Conversion to Web Media: All reels on CD formatted for upload to Myspace, YouTube, as well as casting agencies. NEW: now formatting for iPod, iPhone, and mobile devices. Compare with others who charge up to $80 extra.
• Designed Color Label: choose from many colors and styles.
• Color Correction: If video white balance was off during taping resulting in a look that is too yellow, red or blue, I'll make some minor adjustments to correct. See Tips for improving video recording.
• Scan Photos and Minor Removal of Dust/Scratches: I'll remove surface dust and very minor scratches. This does not include repair or alteration to damaged photos.
• Audio Volume Balance*: I'll adjust the volume level to balance between clips so that one isn't too loud or too soft.
• Audio Editing*: If you want to use your favorite music for the montage intro, bring in the CD or e-mail the MP3. I'll edit the clip to use in your reel.
• 4 Months Storage for Updates: I'll keep your project digital files for 4 months for updates with new material. Additional storage time is $25 for 4 months - up to 2 reels.

Add-Ons

• Extra DVDs: $5 each, includes color label and mini jewel case
• Photo touch-ups: $5 per photo for minor touch-up. Please see Touch-ups and Restoration pages for more details.
• 1 Minute Photo Portfolio Montage: $50. Add your best head shots or photos (up to 10) to your DVD with its own link on the main menu.

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Steps to a Demo Reel

1. Contact me about your reel and complete the New Reel Info Sheet.
2. Gather & Prepare your clips and photos, pick the best. I'll send you a log sheet so you can review and note the location of each clip, cue tapes to the start of the 1st clip. This saves us both time and money. Or you can pay me $30/hr while we search to find each clip one by one.
3. Select your favorite music for the intro, something that conveys the persona - character you want viewers to "feel" in your reel. With or without vocals - most songs have about 10 seconds of instrumental - I can work with that.
4. We'll meet to discuss the details. I'll transfer and digitize your clips, then start creating your reel.
5. Within 1 week I'll upload a low resolution draft for your review and approval.
6. If you'd like adjustments, then allow 1 week for a final draft.
7. After final approval, please allow a few days to produce the discs.

Okay -- Who Wanted to Read All That?

Bottom Line: About 2 weeks for your project; less if you like the first draft. Need a RUSH? Contact me and we'll see what we can work out.

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Tips

1. Video Taping: Check the white balance on your camera if you're taping a class, monologue or scene for your reel. This tells the camera to adjust color based on lighting conditions. Tungsten incandescent bulbs (like the kind in your dresser lamp) will make the video yellow, while fluorescent bulbs can make you appear blue. I can adjust some, but it's best to do this when taping. Use a new tape with enough time for your scene.
   Check the Focus: Test whether the camera's focus setting works best on automatic or manual. If you move and the camera's sensor picks up something behind or nearby, you may be in and out of focus during taping.
   
2. Check the Camera: Use the AC power adapter or make sure the battery is fully charged. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the lens.
3. Wide Screen or High Definition (HD)?: No. I recommend using Standard Digital Video and normal 4:3 TV frame. Unless I'm pulling your clips from a movie, standard TV frame will look larger to see you better, especially for smaller format web video. While HD is gaining popularity, you want your DVD to be easily viewed by more people - who don't have HD players. Also, HD files are very large, and quality is lost for web video format.
4. Use a Tripod: frame your scene and keep it stable. Avoid having someone hold the camera. If the camera needs to follow you (pan or tilt), use a fluid head tripod to keep it smooth.
5. Audio During Taping: If you have access to a quality boom microphone, by all means use that. Otherwise, use a lapel (lavaliere) microphone or a hand held for which the volume level has been tested and set. If you use the camera's built-in microphone, most camcorders pick up some of their own noise; they also pick up some room noise, ambient sound, air conditioner hum, and echo (sound bouncing off walls). Turn off all appliances and cell phones.
6. Taping Your Clip that's Broadcast on TV: Days before your clip airs, check your TV/VCR system's connections to ensure it's receiving and taping the cleanest signal. Use a new tape. Set the speed to SP (fast) for better quality. Run a recording test and review the playback, you may need to change the VCR's channel, speed, tracking, or clean the video heads. Playing any magnetic tape leaves residue over time, which reduces quality. Video head cleaner can be found for about $10.

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Lets get started today :o) New Demo Reel Info Sheet