FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It usually takes 3-4 hours to film a single scene (including around an hours’ rehearsal), and multiple scenes are filmed consecutively, without breaks in between. Start time is 9am, unless we mutually agree otherwise. I always rehearse with you before we go out to shoot (and usually have a chat and a cup of tea beforehand!).

Please bear in mind, that if you do not give us enough time to shoot (i.e. you book train tickets 2 hours apart), the quality of your finished scene will be directly and negatively affected.

Start time is 9am, unless we mutually agree otherwise in advance. If you are more than 60 minutes late, your filming will be considered cancelled, and your deposit will not be refunded.

In terms of runtime, they’re as long as they need to be. I limit my scenes by script length instead. 

Showreel scene scripts must be no longer than 1.5 pages of industry-standard formatted film script, and must include all relevant scene headings and directions.

To keep quality high, we only film up to two scenes in one day.

All filmed showreel scenes come with a custom script if you don't wish to provide your own. You usually receive your script 7 days before your shoot. You only get one script, and scripts will not be re-written.

Yes, you can. If you're providing your own scripts, they must be copyright-free and sent over to me for approval at least 7 days before your shoot day. Scripts must be no longer than 1.5 pages of industry-standard formatted film script (Final Draft), and must include all relevant scene headings and directions.

Scenes must be set in a single location, and have only two actors. No blood, gore, or weapons of any kind are allowed in showreel scenes. There can be no fight scenes, special effects, action sequences, or animals included in your script.

I reserve the right to refuse to film any script I deem inappropriate or find offensive.

No, I don't do this. I never bring in actors for a person's showreel scene in case they're not exactly what that person wanted. I advise that you ask around, bring in a friend, or put out a casting call if you get really stuck.

A maximum of 2.

Sadly no, though I'd love to! We can only use locations I can get for free, unless you arrange them yourself. The locations I have access to are mainly public spaces: the general countryside, forests, parks, and outdoors urban/suburban areas. I do not shoot showreel scenes in my own home. If you're after something different or specific, please ask before writing or organising your scenes. Also, I can travel to you to shoot showreel scenes, but this will incur extra costs.

Yes! But it has to be shot somewhere I can get for free and you have to source your own costumes. My period scenes are shot in a forest or in the countryside, somewhere where only your costumes denote what time period it is. If you'd like to use a different location, you'd be responsible for finding it and paying any associated hire fees.

No, unfortunately not. It takes an enormous amount of rehearsal, planning, camera shots, and time to shoot a fight or action sequence well. A properly shot 20-second fight sequence takes about 4 hours to shoot, so I don't offer this as part of my showreel service.

Also, no blood, gore, or weapons of any kind are allowed in showreel scenes.

No, you are responsible for sourcing your own costumes.

For safety reasons, we can only shoot in stationary cars. You cannot properly concentrate on driving while delivering lines and taking direction.

Yes! But you will have to cover extra travel costs for me and my sound recordist. Travel costs start from 0.50p per mile, plus £25 per hour.

No. However, if you'd like to arrange to have a professional makeup artist for the day, you're more than welcome!

Usually 14 days. If you need it sooner, I may be able to do a fast turnaround for an additional fee, depending on my schedule.

Possibly. From a technical perspective, we film out on location. As a result, sound isn't something we can control fully, so I may have to use music in your scene to blend your audio together. From a narrative perspective, some scenes work better with a soundtrack; it enhances performance and audience experience. That is why music is used in all film and television; it is an absolutely vital part of storytelling.

Your custom filmed showreel scenes will be sent to you as HD YouTube-ready video files, via a download link. Showreel scenes are sent individually if you have not paid for additional showreel editing.

I'm sorry, but no.

I only guarantee to keep them for 30 days.

No, showreel scenes are not credits. From my perspective as a director, my credits reflect on me. For my short films, I'm ultimately responsible for everything; script, casting, wardrobe, locations, and the final edit, which I am categorically not when it comes to showreel scenes. You are in charge, so they are not a true reflection of my work.

For you, if a potential employer (be it casting director, agent, or filmmaker) comes to me and asks what you were like to work with or if they can see more of you in this 'short film', I will tell them it was a showreel scene and not a 'real' film. False credits and embellishing your CV do not make for a good impression, and could very well lose you that job or chance at representation.

If you claim a showreel scene is a 'short film' directed by me, I won't approve it anywhere and will ask that you or your agent remove the false credit.

No, you cannot submit your showreel scene to any film festival. As a filmmaker, any short films with my name attached that are submitted to festivals reflect highly on me because they are seen as 'calling cards' by those in the industry.
As I said above, with my actual short films, I'm ultimately responsible for everything: script, casting, wardrobe, locations, and the final edit, which I am categorically not when it comes to showreel scenes. As a result, they are not a true reflection of me and my work.

Showreel scene filming starts from £500 per scene. The cost of individual scenes can be split between you and a friend.

My showreel packages have inbuilt discounts, but otherwise, no.

For showreel scenes, half of your total payment is required up front as a non-refundable deposit. This needs to be paid within 48 hours to secure your date. As a freelancer, I need to protect myself with a deposit, else you could book a day's filming and decide not to turn up. A deposit ensures that you're committed. The second half of payment is due before I send over any video files.

For individual showreel scenes, I can, but I will be asking for your total payment upfront. This is to stop one party running off and not paying a second invoice, leaving the remaining party footing the rest of the bill. It keeps everyone safe and happy. I do not split invoices for showreel packages.

You can cancel your filming date, but your deposit will not be refunded. And no, you cannot change your booked filming date.

Bank transfer is my preferred payment method. When you book a showreel scene with me, I'll send you an invoice with all the relevant details.