FAQs

 

Actor’s Showreels

Preferred Formats for Showreel Content: What Works Best

I accept a variety of formats including digital files (.mp4, .mov), and online links. Content can also be downloaded directly from Vimeo or YouTube. The higher the quality, the better the final showreel will be.

Please email the time codes for the specific scenes you wish to feature in your showreel.

Due to strong Digital Rights Management protocols, ripping content from platforms like Netflix, 4OD, Amazon Prime, ITV Player, and BBC iPlayer is not possible.

Receiving Your Completed Showreel: The Final Steps

Upon your approval of the final showreel, you will receive a Vimeo-ready video file. This can easily be downloaded and added to platforms like your Spotlight page, agency website, or personal website.

If you require help with uploading the file, I can provide straightforward guidance.

Additionally, you will receive a link to your showreel stored on my Vimeo account. This will be available for 3 years, giving you the freedom to embed it as you see fit on various platforms.

Showreel Editing Timeline: What to Expect

While the time required can vary, the editing process rarely takes more than one week from receipt of your footage and time codes.

  1. First Edit: I will create an initial cut that, in my view, optimizes your footage.

  2. Feedback Rounds: You are entitled to two rounds of changes to finalize the showreel.

The entire process can be managed remotely through the use of private Vimeo links, Zoom meetings, and email communication.

To secure a spot, please get in touch.

Having Trouble Choosing Showreel Content? I Can Help.

If you're unsure about which scenes to include, don't worry. Offering consultative advice on selecting and sequencing your best work is part of my service.

  1. Send Your Material: Share all available footage with the necessary time codes.

  2. Initial Review: I will review your content and propose an initial cut that runs between 5 to 6 minutes.

  3. Your Input: Ultimately, it's your showreel, so you (or your agent) make the final decisions.

For scenes that are fragmented or don't focus on you, custom editing is available at an additional cost to make you the star of the show.

Ideal Showreel Length and Scene Count

For optimal impact, a showreel should ideally be between 3 and 4 minutes. However, the length can be adjusted to suit your specific needs.

An average showreel typically contains 5 to 6 key scenes to showcase your talents effectively.

Though casting directors generally prefer not to see montages, if you're set on including one, rest assured that we excel at creating them. Please contact me for a tailored quote.

Filming vs. Editing: What I Offer

Filming Services: I do not offer filming services for showreels from scratch.

Editing Services: I specialise in editing showreels, using your pre-existing footage. This footage can be from various sources such as feature films, short films, television shows, commercials, music videos, or filmed theatre performances.

Copyright Permission: It's crucial to obtain permission for the use of any copyrighted material. I recommend reaching out to the production company to secure the necessary rights for your footage.

 

This is Spotlight’s guide to everything you need to know about your showreel.

 

Websites

Web Building Platform & Subscription Details

Platform Used: I use Squarespace to design websites, as it aligns well with the aesthetic and functionality I aim to provide.

Template Selection: You're welcome to come with a pre-selected template, or we can collaborate to choose one that suits your needs.

Subscription Responsibility: When your website goes live, you will be responsible for the subscription costs, which are separate from my design fee. This can be settled directly using your payment details.

Membership Benefits: As a member of the Squarespace Circle, I offer 6 months of free development time on your project, as well as a 20% discount on your first-year subscription.

Domain Purchase: You'll need to purchase the URL for your website separately, which I can connect as soon as you've acquired it.

For Squarespace pricing, you can consult their official website.

Post-Completion Website Management

Initial 3-Week Period: For the initial three weeks after your website goes live, I provide complimentary maintenance and updates to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Ongoing Management: Beyond the initial period, I offer ongoing website management services at an hourly rate of £30.

Handover Training: Both the Lyra and Peaches packages include basic handover training, empowering you to make simple updates and changes to your website.

Major Updates: For more substantial updates or redesigns, a minimum fee of £100 applies. Additional work will be billed at my standard hourly rate of £30.

If you have any specific needs or questions, feel free to reach out. We can discuss your requirements and determine the best approach tailored to your situation.

Content Requirements for Your Website

Initial Ideas: Before we start, it's essential that you have a strong sense of what you want your website to achieve. I recommend sending over examples of websites you admire to guide our design process.

Providing Content: After we've selected a template, I'll give you guidelines on the types of photos, images, and written copy needed. It's your responsibility to supply these elements.

Stock Images: If you don't have any photos or images, we can utilize a stock image library. Should you choose images that are not free, I will charge you the cost of the image plus a 10% handling fee. However, numerous websites offer free image options.

First Steps: If you're hesitant about getting started, don't worry. Just reach out, and I'll guide you through the process.

Platform Choice for Website Building

Squarespace Exclusivity: I exclusively use Squarespace to build websites. This platform offers templates that align well with the needs of my clientele, enabling fast and effective website creation.

Cost-Efficiency: Because Squarespace is user-friendly, I can efficiently create your website and then hand it over to you with ease. This dual convenience helps save you both time and money.

Squarespace Circle Member Benefits: As a Squarespace Circle Member, I can offer additional perks like a 20% discount on your first year's subscription, along with 6 months of free development time while I'm crafting your website.

Website Development Timeline

Timeframe Variability: The time required to build your website can differ significantly based on its size and intricacy.

Working Hours: I work evenings and weekends, allowing for an expedited turnaround. Typically, a 'Lyra' website can be completed in approximately 10 days. A more complex 'Peaches' website may take up to a month or even two months if the project becomes especially intricate or if there's a delay in gathering the required content.

Rapid Development: If you're in a hurry and have all the necessary elements prepared, a more streamlined website can potentially be expedited.

Personalised Estimate: For a tailored time estimate that accommodates your specific needs, I recommend reaching out for a consultation.

Additional Website Features: E-commerce, Scheduling, and Blogging

Feature Inclusion: I can certainly incorporate e-commerce, scheduling, or blog functionalities into your Squarespace website.

Additional Costs: Each of these features is available as an add-on for an extra £135.

Ongoing Management: After the initial 3-week period of complimentary website maintenance, I can manage these additional features for you at a rate of £30 per hour.

Self-Management: However, Squarespace's user-friendly platform makes it relatively easy for you to manage these elements on your own, offering you more flexibility in the long run.