ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXNew Shoots - Actors Award Winner
1 year, 3 months ago - Martin Johnston
Hello I'm Martin Johnston,
To any actor reading this I urge you to enter the current New Shoots Actors Award.
In 2021 I was the proud recipient of Shooting People's: New Shoots Actors Award. Our industry was still finding its feet as we emerged from a period of lockdown, and winning the award was an enormous validation. What actor doesn't love external validation?!
Part of the prize was a bursary which I used to subsidise an update to my showreel.
I am delighted to report that winning the award made a huge difference to my confidence, my self belief (especially after a very difficult personal time in my life) and my ability to promote myself to gaining further work.
A good showreel is a vital part of an actors armoury. It gives you a presence and gets your on screen work instantly seen.
Having said that, I hope you don't mind me taking this opportunity to share my 2024 showreel with you (seize every moment to do some self-promotion!) and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you to Shooting People for the award and thank you for your time;
https://youtu.be/wD8EGqUDzaA?si=gDVC5VY7lUbPbMBZ
Wishing you all great success with the projects you are working on, may they open doors and create further creative opportunities for you.
https://app.spotlight.com/5312-4501-6519
Martin
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1 year, 3 months ago - CK Goldiing
Hi Martin,
Beautifully written and heartfelt. Congratulations on your 2021 win and your ongoing journey. I actually submitted my entry this morning, so reading your words was gratifying.
Your showreel has some lovely moments. I actually laughed out loud at SCENE 2 when your character said "Oh look, another one!!" Outrageous :)
My immediate thought on the reel was.... do you think having your photo on the opening title card would help casting agents know you you are in the first scene? It's fairly standard practice to do this so I'm sure you have perfectly valid reasons for not :)
1 year, 3 months ago - Martin Johnston
Hi CK, thank you for your kind words.
I have long debated with myself about having a headshot at the start but opted against. Invariably most Casting Director's using Spotlight or other reputable casting platforms will have already seen your headshot(s) and this has piqued their interest and taken them to watching your reel.
It then needs immediacy. Getting them to see your work - speaking, listening and interacting.
I wish you every success with your submission for New Shoots Actors.
1 year, 3 months ago - CK Goldiing
Hi again,
In the context of spotlight, yes, a CD might be familiar with your face from your profile.... but, if the CD passes your reel onto a colleague for example OR if someone stumbles across your reel elsewhere (e.g. YouTube), they won't have that initial headshot to work with.
Ultimately, it's your call, of course, I'm simply playing devil's advocate in the hope of maximising your reel's effectiveness :)
1 year, 3 months ago - Martin Johnston
I like the challenge to my way of thinking.
In truth the initial headshot isn’t necessary if they’re looking at your reel.
A headshot is a posed photo. A sort of perfect sanitised presentation of self. A showreel goes further than that.
As actors we have a range of headshots. Which suggest differing moods which one to use is the question?
By watching 2 scenes of the reel you will know who the actor is. Staying with the reel you will also know how to make professional contact with the actor.
Your professional name is your trading name and this can be easily searched. Search mine and you’ll see a range of photos from differing times and ages (some I’d like to be forgotten!).
Our looks may change but what one hopes is our talent and what we can offer a production counts more than a photo of a particular moment frozen in time.
I have had it said to me that based upon my headshot casting wouldn’t have called me in but having seen the reel I got the job. Reinforcing a specific look, which is what a headshot is, could potentially prove counter-productive to the casting process.
As chameleon’s we change and adapt who we are depending on the needs and history of the character.
Also, gratefully, my reel has got me work. So I’ll subscribe to the belief if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
Have you a reel?
1 year, 3 months ago - Martin Johnston
Hi again from me.
CK you have a terrific look and an incredible website.
Congratulations on your work ethic and in creating work interesting and insightful work.
I genuinely take mt hat off to you.
You are definitely one to watch.
Martin
1 year, 3 months ago - CK Goldiing
That's very kind, thank you Martin.
1 year, 3 months ago - Lynne O'Sullivan
They seem perfect roles for you, Martin. Not surprised you won the award!
All best
Lynne (actor)
https://app.spotlight.com/9616-6756-4755
1 year, 3 months ago - Martin Johnston
Thank you Lynne,
Wishing you abundant successs in all you do.
Martin