Jas Nada: Screenwriter, editor and director in Naples, Florida.

I recently had a casting call looking for a teenage girl and her older step mom for an independent movie I was producing and directing. As I live in the middle of California I went through three different casting websites, one from SF, one from LA and the other one "National". I was shocked when I saw that roughly 80% of the actors, SAG and non-SAG did not have any video reels showing their work. It told me that if they were not even professional enough to create a reel or even a clip on themselves, then I wouldn't waste my time contacting them. Years ago when I was an actor and before good video was around, it was difficult for actors to get film on themselves because they hadn't been cast in anything yet or doing their own scenes on film with rented cameras was cost prohibited. The smart ones went to college film departments and volunteered their time for student films. Actors, today there is no excuse for not having a reel showing your work! That tells me you are lazy and unprofessional. Everyone has a video camera/phone. I have seen 20 minute movies shot on I-phones which looked great on my computer monitor. Professional sound is not important. Music is not necessary and the editing doesn't even have to be good. The scene you do must however have another person in it so that you may react to them. Monologues are a waste of time. Directors are mainly looking for what you do with your face and body when you are not speaking. The speaking part is easy. Copy a scene from a movie or TV show that has a character similar to yours. Then go out and have your mom or roommate shoot it. Two or three short scenes showing your range are best. If you have little or no range, just one good scene. The camera used is not important. HD is great if you have it available. Lighting must show your eyes. If you don't have good lights shoot it during the day in the shade. Beware of people who want to charge you a lot for professional cameras and pro lighting. If you don't have a good scene (with another actor) that challenges your acting ability and one that you do well, then the best camera gear in the world will not convince someone to hire you. Hope this helps--

I made this video discussing the benefits of pre-producition and storyboarding with a buddy of mine while I work on a new project titled, "The Last Today". There will be a bunch more videos discussing the filmmaking process in the future with featured filmmakers. Stay tuned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_0xU91dzvs

I'd love to hear your thoughts.