On the acting websites I see tons of postings to do filmed scenes in directing classes, like at USC. Since the scripts are from prior projects, can the footage be used for ones reel? Is this worthwhile to do? Thanks!

If it's a recognizable scene, you really shouldn't use it on a reel. I don't submit to these.

I have done a couple scenes from plays... because this is LA, and no one knows theater anyway.

No one knows theatre in L.A.? What are you talking about?

Haha. I have to admit, that is pretty silly to say Iceman. The best film actors all seem to have trained in theater. And a lot of film professionals love the theater as well. Of course LA folk know theater...just...not as much as NYC.

I don't see why you can't use a filmed clip from a public domain production (as long as you realize certain plays won't translate as well to film). You can write your own scenes and put them on your reel...if what you're writing is strong. You should never put anything weak on your reel...I don't mean all your reel material needs to be pro...as long as it's not weak.

And I wouldn't do a scene from a big movie with a hotshot actor...I doubt many actors are going to do the Deniro 'You talkin' to me scene' better than he can...don't force a casting director to choose Deniro over you. Stick with lesser known films...obscure films, if you must.

If you think it won't jive...trust your instinct and don't do it. A shady reel won't get your foot in the door.

Also, obviously you shouldn't use original pieces on your reel without the consent of the writer...obviously right.

Ok... "Nobody" wasn't the write word.

Almost no one in casting in LA knows theater well. And almost no one in LA goes to theater in LA. Most of those that do are actors.

quote:

Originally posted by expandingto1:
Is this worthwhile to do? Thanks!

I think it would be worthwhile to participate in these depending on where someone is in their career. It can be a nice way to meet people trying to break through from the other side of the camera. I feel like once you make good impressions on some of the film school students, they tend to build loyalties and will use you for other things as well. Maybe you do a scene...they like it...then you end up in their next project which might travel the festival circuit. I'm not saying this is what happens all the time, but it is potential.
If you are consistently booking network tv and lots of films...doing something like this might be more of a waste of time.

In regards to using it on a reel---I agree with other sentiments posted---If the production value is high, then maybe it's useable. If its a very recognizeable original project then I wouldnt use your version on a reel.

First of all I am going to assume that you have little acting experience. Not a judgement, just a guess.

If my hunch is correct then I say that you should do as much work as you can.

It can be EXTREMELY dangerous to do famous scenes from films and then put them on a reel. EX. Try and do "Rainman", and nobody will give you the time of day, because in the eyes of Hollywood, no other person could do that role other than Mr. Hoffman.

If your goal is to learn technique, I personally think that theatre is the way to go. But I am biased because I have an MFA in acting.

Hope this helps