Showreels that impress casting directors & agents.

We've been editing reels for actors all around the world via Zoom since 2011.

​*Looking to shoot a scene? Click here.

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​T.J. Craig, professional actor

I've been in this business for 20+ years and have never worked with a more professional, courteous, and talented team. My new reel is terrific.

​What they did with my footage far exceeded my expectations, and I can't recommend them highly enough.

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​Cheryl Pickett, professional actress

​The whole team is really knowledgeable about everything that makes for a great reel, and they made the process of picking the right footage for my reel easy.

Truly professional service and I got my reel VERY quickly.

The Demo Reel:
​The Ultimate Marketing Tool

Anyone can pay money for a great headshot.

Anyone can design a professionally-formatted resume using templates they find online (and some actors might even lie or pad their resumes to make their credits look more impressive).

​But when it comes to the demo reel? That's hard to fake.

​And that's exactly why casting directors, agents, and managers take demo reels so seriously. They really are the Ultimate Marketing Tool you have to prove that you're as good as they expect you to be.​

So What Makes for a Great Reel?

Casting directors only care about two main things when they watch your reel:

1. Can you act?
Casting directors need to know whether you can act for screen. Just having professionally shot footage is no longer good enough because so many actors are now paying money to have high-end scenes filmed solely for their reel. But casting directors can see right through it – they'll know within the first few seconds if you can act for camera or not.

This is why, even if your footage isn't super "professional" (perhaps it's from a low-budget student production or you're working with self-tape footage), casting directors won't actually care. As long as your acting is on-point and they "feel" something and stay engaged as they watch your reel, you're good to go.

Choosing the right clips for your reel – the moments with your absolute BEST performances – is critical, and we can help with that.

2. Are you right for the roles you're going after?
​Unsurprisingly, industry gatekeepers also watch reels to get a sense of whether you'd be right for the roles you're applying to. A headshot doesn't tell them what you sound like or what your mannerisms are, and if they realize something doesn't match, they'll instantly turn your reel off.

A great reel MUST capture and highlight the Types you want to be called in for. The clearer you are on your Types, the better your chance of being taken seriously by those industry gatekeepers. Because no matter how nice it would be to be "right for everything," unfortunately it's just not possible.

​We can help you get clear on your Types and choose the clips that support those Types during your edit session.

What Makes Us Different

Our top priority is making sure you leave with a reel that highlights you in the best possible way. We want casting directors, agents, and managers to take you seriously and respond positively when they watch your reel.

We want you to ultimately walk away with a reel that generates new career opportunities – both in the form of better auditions and even eventual representation by a high-level agency. Learn how to get a talent agent here.

​Here are just some of the benefits of working with us:

Lighting-quick turnaround and straightforward pricing - Time is of the essence in this industry! That's why in our "Expert Guidance" package, you'll receive your final reel same-day. For other packages, the entire process typically takes less than a week (including any back-and-forths if you want changes). And there is no nickel-and-diming for those "after-the-fact" adjustments – our packages are all inclusive.

Find and access hard-to-get footage - We use special software to pull clips from footage that is hard to get. Even if it's blocked from downloading, we can almost always access it and include it in your reel, as long as you're solely planning to use it for your reel (fair use). And we will let you know if there's something we can't access before you pay.

Expand your range - If you consistently get called in for roles you don't enjoy, we can manipulate where and how certain scenes are used in your reel to actually get casting directors to see you as a different Type (thereby opening up new audition opportunities).

Ensure your acting technique looks fantastic - As filmmakers, we have a keen eye for what looks great and what looks slightly off. We'll be 100% honest and tell you exactly what parts of your performance might be making your reel weaker (along with actually fixing it in the edit).

Make YOU the focus of the scene - By cutting down on other actor's lines but still incorporating their reaction shots as you speak (so there are no jarring cuts), we can make your part look bigger in the scene, while keeping the length of your reel short and snappy.

Make your footage look and sound better than it did before - If you're dealing with footage that was shot too dark or washed out, we can fix it by applying color correction and color grading. We can sometimes even reduce background sounds to make your voice easier to hear.

We guarantee you'll LOVE your reel, or your money back - We hate cookie-cutter template reels, and although there are some general rules and guidelines for industry-standard reels, each edit session is customized to you and your unique brand. We guarantee you'll walk away with a truly outstanding and unique reel you're proud of, and if you're not happy (and there's nothing we can do to fix it), we'll refund you in full.

​The Process

Our goal is to make the entire process as easy as possible for you. Most reels take less than a week to complete, from start to finish.

NOTE: We'll be working with you via Zoom and email, so you do NOT have to be based in NYC. There is no need to meet with us in-person.

Step 1.
When you reach out to us, we’ll first respond to confirm that we can access all your footage. Don't worry if your footage is difficult to access or download. All you have to do is let us know where we can find it and we'll take care of the complex downloading, converting, etc.

​Note: Generally, you can use almost any footage in your reel without needing to get permission (as long as you keep the clips short and don't intend to sell or make money off the footage).
​*We are not lawyers, but you can read more about Fair Use for demo reels here.

Step 2.
Once we've confirmed we can access and edit everything, we’ll email you a link to place your payment so we can get started.

Step 3.
Once payment has been placed, we'll schedule a date for your edit session ("Expert Guidance" package) or you'll send us your edit notes via email ("You Direct" package).

Step 4.
At that point, we’ll take care of everything - downloading and converting your files, editing them together, adjusting color balance and sound on the clips to make them look professional, and finally sending you back a private link to see the cut.

The "You Direct" package typically takes a few days, and you'll receive a link to your reel via email.

The "Expert Guidance" package is done live over Zoom with you. We'll share our screen so you can see your reel being created in real-time before your eyes, and then the finalized reel will be sent to you same-day!

Step 5.
 At that point, if you’re happy with the reel, you’re done! But if you still have further adjustments you want, you can email us with any change requests and we’ll take care of them within another day or so.

​If you need your reel converted into a specific format for easy upload onto casting sites or sharing via email, just let us know – there is no additional charge for that.

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​​Want Your Footage Back?
These 4 Email Templates Will Help You

Get your footage back from deadbeat directors who take forever. In this short guide, we reveal a special film festival loophole that proves directors must give you access to your footage – even if their film hasn't screened anywhere yet:

Here is what you'll get:

• 4 Email Templates: ​These copy-and-paste email templates will help you get your footage back (and they're written in a way to avoid making you seem annoying or bothersome so you keep a positive relationship)
• A Special Loophole That Proves They Can Release Your Footage: The email templates reference a special clause from Sundance Film Festival that states that filmmakers cannot be disqualified from festivals by giving out segments of their film for use in actor's reels
• An Exact, Step by Step Process to Follow: Learn how long to wait between sending each email, PLUS what to say depending on how they respond to each of your messages (there is even a phone call script if you decide to call them)
• A Free Tool to Ensure You NEVER Forget to Follow Up: This special tool makes it easy to NEVER forget to follow up until you get your footage back (you can even use it to make future networking easy!)

Send Me the FREE Guide!

​Acting Reel Prices

"You Direct" Reel Edit
$150 - $250

If you know exactly what you want done and just need someone to take care of the actual editing and downloading of footage, this is the option for you. Just send us links to your footage plus detailed edit notes, and we'll cut it together for you in less than a week.

Quick adjustments to a preexisting reel range from $150-225, and full reel edits (from scratch) are $250.

The main difference between this and the "Expert Guidance" package is that in this one, you're in charge and we'll just follow your notes (we also allow for some additional adjustments/passes to your reel after the first cut is sent to you).

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"Expert Guidance" Reel Edit
​$350

If you've got footage and want our in-depth guidance to create a killer reel, this is the package for you.

​We'll meet over Zoom for about two hours to edit your reel together right there on the spot. The session starts by discussing your brand and goals, and then we'll look through your clips to decide which are most compelling.

​Together, we'll cut a 2-minute reel with the best moments, highlighting your performance and ensuring everything is tailored to the Types you want to project. You'll even be able to watch it again the next day with fresh eyes in case you want any final changes.

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​Shoot a Scene
From $450

​Do you not have enough footage to create a reel yet, or you just want to take your current reel up a notch with a high-end scene?

​We offer the option of shooting a scene custom-written for you, based on the character or type you're going for. We guarantee you'll love your footage (or you get a full refund).

Take a look at our other website www.actorscreenershoot.com to learn more about how you can use HD or 4K professional footage to take your reel to the next level.

Testimonials

​Bill Morton, professional actor

I couldn't be happier! From start to finish the experience was positive. I chose their "Expert Guidance" option and found their knowledge of the industry and perception of my work very helpful. They looked at over 12 scenes and helped me quickly reduce it to six.

The fine tuning of the reel was smooth - I really felt like they wanted to hear my input - and the final product is excellent. I just started submitting it and have already gotten several auditions (truth!).  I will definitely be back when it's time to do a new reel and I absolutely recommend that you check them out for yours as well.

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​Debora Balardini, professional actress

I had a wonderful experience. I had some materials to be compiled into a reel and the Demo Reels team was super professional, responsive and careful.

They helped me choose what was best to include in the reel and also helped me find out what my "types" were. The end result was a good quality video for a great value. Thank you so much!

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​Tyrone L. Robinson, professional actor

​The team did an excellent job editing my reel. I couldn’t be happier with the quality of their work. They were fast, responsive to my feedback, and had changes back to me within two days!

​I’d highly recommend their service!

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​Caroline Plyler, professional actress

They were beyond helpful in aiding me in creating my first reel. They made sure to take a lot of time, energy and effort to ensure I was totally happy with my reel and went out of their way to explain all about what makes for a strong actor demo reel.

Would most definitely recommend them to anyone needing reel editing services. Their attention to detail is unprecedented and that's why I believe they're the best!

About

We want you to look your absolute best, and for casting directors to see you as a true professional.

​We want industry gatekeepers thinking, "Wow, this actor offers exactly what I'm looking for – I think I'll give them a shot."​

​

Martin Bentsen (founder)
Branding Consultant

​Hey I'm Martin, and I appreciate that you've taken the time to check out Demo Reels!

​At least a few times a month an actor we've worked with tells us their new reel footage helped them land a dream role or secured them an agent or manager. It's amazing to hear about everyone's success, and I hope it continues for each of our clients.

A little about me – I've helped actors land on Broadway & get recurring television roles through my actor consulting work, I've interviewed successful actors, agents, and casting directors, and my headshot work has been featured on billboards in Times Square, in The New York Times, and in The Wall Street Journal.

I graduated from NYU in 2011 with an honors degree in film production, and am currently in post-production on my second feature-length film called Dakota: Dedicated to My Best Friend.

​In 2009 I founded City Headshots, which, according to Yelp and Google, is ranked the #1 headshot studio in New York.

Ryan Miele
Reel Editor & Filmmaker

​​Hello! My name’s Ryan! I am a videographer and Photographer based in Brooklyn, NY and I’ve previously worked on acting reels and voice over demos for various NYC studios since graduating from Purchase College School of Film and Media studies in 2020. My experience has given me the opportunity to work closely with major talent agents in NY and from around the country.

During my time in college I produced 2 short films that will soon be taking the festival route and I am happy to say that I continue to work on various, creative independent projects whenever an opportunity arises.

My passion to create top quality photo and video content has led me to Demo Reels where everyday I’m always looking forward to highlighting your best performances!

​J Warner
Reel Editor & Filmmaker

​J Warner is a filmmaker and editor, originally from Los Angeles. He began his career in 2001 as an Apprentice Film Editor at Paramount Pictures, and as such was the last person trained on film in the studio system before digital took hold.

Since then, he has worked on a wide array of digital shorts, concert films, music videos, trailers and promotional spots. He also worked as assistant editor on the 2013 indie feature Deadly Revisions , as well as serving as production coordinator on The Simpsons: The Longest Daycare , which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short. After that, J shot and edited many projects for Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), including a feature-length training DVD, "Essentials of Dog Behavior: Socialization." 

Most recently, J spent three years doing digital restoration and as Assistant Editor for a soon-to-be-released documentary about Frank Zappa, as well as editing video montage pieces for the "Bizarre World of Frank Zappa" hologram show. He's currently editing a narrative feature called Dakota, directed by Martin Bentsen.

Get in Touch

We'd love the opportunity to work with you! Feel free to reach out with any questions you have, and we'll get back to you right away.

​Email is fastest – we strive to respond within a few business hours or sooner.

(212) 706-1902
martin@cityheadshots.com

For email, please include:

1. Edit or Shoot? Are you looking to edit footage you already have, or do you want to shoot a brand new scene from scratch?
2. Package you're considering? Are you just looking for a quick modification to an existing reel, or would you prefer the "You Direct" or "Expert Guidance" session?
3. Any other info you want us to have. If you're not sure between packages, just let us know and we can also make a recommendation.

We look forward to helping you out!