OK, so in watching reels from actors I've discovered something. It's difficult sometimes for me to differentiate between bad acting and bad writing. My advice to those actors out there who are getting started is put something of substance on your reel. If you're going to put theater stuff on your resume, put a clip of that on your reel. As far as short films go, be sure the script you work with is good.

I realize that this is a catch-22. You have to get experience and the only person who will cast you is some geek fresh out of film school who thinks he's Fellini and writes like he's Big Bird. Once you have experience, then you can work with the Steve Mudds and Charlie Kauffmans of the world (ha!).

You know, the world is in such a reality TV craze, that might be a better type of reel. Have your little brother follow you around with a video camera for a couple of days. Show me you. If you're interesting, we can make you a good actor. If you're vacuous, then I really don't want to spend a lot of time with you anyway.

(Note to actors who have sent reels: the criticisms in this blog do not refer to your reel, but another actor's whose reel was much worse than yours.)