I'm in a unique situation. I've been in several independent and student films, but have never been able to get footage from the directors (or sometimes the directors dropped off the face of the earth) except for one bad vhs copy. So I'm thinking of just "filming from scratch" 2 scenes into a demo reel just so I have something.

I know most people advise against this-- but this is what we do in voice over (ie have clips that are just demonstrations). And in the UK more people do it.

Can anyone recommend anyone in NYC who films, edits, and puts these kind of demo reels together?
Thanks!

I can relate!! I have less than nothing to show, reel-wise. Checked out a few of those professional demo places but by and large was very disappointed in what I saw- lots of scams and ripoffs. I'll post anything i find that looks promising but so far it looks like a bust, overall. One of the prices I was quoted was in the thousands of $$$. I was thinking of just getting together with a film school student somewhere and have him film a scene with myself and some ex-classmates. Could it be any worse than paying through the nose for footage that looks canned??

Thanks. Yes I also got a quote from one (great sounding) place for over $2,000!

I would guess that film students should want to do this, but there is no formal information on this.

FYI, your situation is not unique. I think if you don't have success with our idea, make your next indie film director sign a contract saying if you don't get a copy, he doesn't have your permission to use your imgae. There is sample contract language to this effect available if you google it.

Yes I agree. Sign a contract. I've produced some shorts before and wasn't able to pay anyone. However the least I can do is make SURE they get a copy. And I mean a real copy, not a rough cut.

I used this place for my demo reel. I think it came out great. And it didn't cost that much. www.reelactor.com

FYI - there is PERFECT contract language on Holdenlog.com !!! They have a contract you can download for free that pretty much tells your student filmaker/director that they HAVE to give you a copy, etc.... I've used it, it's great!

Thanks a lot, those sites were really helpful. And if anyone does come across a good situation for creating at least one scene for a demo reel, do let us know.

If you have a little money to spend, I recently hired an LA based company called Best Shot Films.com The Director did an incredible job. My scenes looked like a whole crew shot them and I was amazed that one man did it all.

Kayleigh- You mentioned that in another post. You also said you were waiting on your website to be completed to post the scenes you did. Well, it must be done by now so I am sure we would all love to see the reel you keep mentioning.I know of the company so I am especially interested.

For those of you suggesting writing up a contract when you do a "for copy" film, I couldn't agree more. I wanted to add that if its a student film make sure that the student's FACULTY adviser or teacher gets a copy of that contract. And get that person's number while you are shooting. (Just tell the filmmaker you have had a bad experience in the past and someone suggested this as due diligence). Then, if you do not get the copy by the agreed upon date, and the student is being evasive, call the TEACHER. I would withhold a student's grade until he or she provided an actor with a copy as promised, and many other teachers will too!

Redheadlady...
Where in Holdenlog.com is the sample contract/wording?
I'm new to the site and it was HUGE... can you direct me a bit more?

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Siren:
I'm in a unique situation. I've been in several independent and student films, but have never been able to get footage from the directors (or sometimes the directors dropped off the face of the earth) except for one bad vhs copy. So I'm thinking of just "filming from scratch" 2 scenes into a demo reel just so I have something.

I know most people advise against this-- but this is what we do in voice over (ie have clips that are just demonstrations). And in the UK more people do it.

Can anyone recommend anyone in NYC who films, edits, and puts these kind of demo reels together?
Thanks!

TRUST me when I say this is NOT a unique situation! Everyone gets screwed eventually when it comes to getting footage. I am definitely going to hire someone to film my scenes. Sick of doing crap....

Not bestshotfilms, Kayleigh,
BestShotReels. I agree, they are great. Love them.

If you don't find a business in NY who does the filming, editing, etc. Why not do it yourself?

That's what I did, and it was an amazing experience. I am so proud of the two shorts that I did. I put out an ad just like student filmmakers do for actors and got two amazing actors who were wonderful to work with. I got a cinematographer friend with a camera to shoot it for a nominal fee. If you don't have a friend, there's are tons of cinematographers with cameras on Craigslist. Just put out an ad and request their day rate. Once you have the footage, you can find an editor. Going to an editing school is a great way to hook up with an editor or again an ad on Craigslist.

It was a lot of work, but it was such an empowering experience. I am so proud of the people I worked with and all that I learned. I have a true appreciation for what every member of a film crew does, and I feel like not only did I get great footage that looks like a real film but I grew as an actress, a writer and now know on a small scale what it's like to be a producer.

Another possibility would be:

attend a short film festival. Jot down the people you like. Approach them, and tell them you truly love their work.

Chances are, that they, like you, do not have much money, and if you throw in a little money for a co-production, you will get highly personal work.