A showreel can be an excellent way of showing prospective employees just what you are capable of – and from Models Direct’s point of view helps us to promote you to our clients.

Once you have made your showreel it can be uploaded to your e-portfolio, giving us and those we find models and actors for, another window to your skills and capabilities.

Not only could a showreel take you one step closer to your dream of appearing in advertisements, but it could also eventually lead to television programmes and even movies.

Models Direct has a broad spectrum of clients on its books who make requests for male, female, child and other types of model.

Having a showreel can set you apart from everyone else and almost act as an audition for a role – without you having to do anything else once it has been created and uploaded.

So where do you start?

As with anything creative, it is always a good idea to seek inspiration from what other people have done.

We are not suggesting you copy the showreels of other models and actors, but by watching their videos you can see what works and what doesn’t.

Jot down a few notes as you go when something strikes you as working especially well.

Then look at what footage you already have that could be included…

Have you appeared in video material before, whether on an assignment you have completed for Models Direct or others?

Take your time going through this film and choosing only the sections that you feel show you at your very best.

Resist the temptation to include everything – your showreel has to be short and punchy to hold the attention.

If you don’t have any existing video then make some.

Let’s see you introducing yourself, modelling different outfits and interacting with others in an interesting and engaging manner.

Again, keep it tight, bright and interesting.

Ensure your very best material comes at the beginning and end of the showreel so you grab the attention of the viewer from the start and leave them with a good impression at the end.

You may well have editing software on your laptop, tablet or phone already.

If not, you should be able to download some from a reputable and trustworthy website. This is usually fairly straightforward to use.

Once you have made your showreel, show it to friends and family members and ask them for their honest opinion.

Take their criticisms on board – all of us get too close to whatever it is we are creating and need to hear the truth from others about it.

Then, make the changes, check it again and when you are ready upload it to your e-portfolio.

Now you are ready to go!

Perhaps you have a dream of ultimately ending up in big screen film or television – or perhaps you are keen to promote your skills in front of a film camera for modelling work.

Our many and varied clients often require models of all ages, looks and types to take part in their filmed advertisements, campaign material and promotions.

And if they can see just how much you shine out within a moving image then you stand a much greater chance of being selected by them.

So what suggestions do we have for would-be models and actors who have never made a showreel before?

1. Look online to see examples of other people’s showreels. You want to draw ideas from the very best showreels and also consider what you feel doesn’t work very well. Watch lots of different examples and make lots of notes.

2. If you have existing sections of film that you want to include – perhaps from work you have already done – then think carefully about which footage to use. You want to use the sections that will most appeal to the people offering the kind of bookings you would like to accept. Resist the temptation to include everything. Just select the best bits.

3. If you are making a showreel from scratch and do not yet have professional material but want to show yourself moving and interacting with other people in different settings, think about how you can do this. Perhaps select a couple of outfits and ask a friend to film you modelling them. Smile, laugh and change your position as you move, so we can really see what you look like.

4. Make an impression at the beginning of the showreel. Start with the footage you think has the most impact. Then try to keep it engaging throughout. Consider how to finish with a memorable section as well. After all, you want people to remember you.

5. You do not have to pay for a professionally made showreel. There is software that will work on most phones, tablets and laptops these days. Have fun playing about with your showreel. Ask friends and family for advice. Keep it short and sweet, lively and interesting and update it regularly by adding new sections as and when you have them, especially if you complete assignments for us that involve video work.