How do I know if Stormland is for me?

Though we want to include as many levels of performers as possible, our packages are aimed at the trained actor who has either graduated from an acting conservatory, diploma program, university degree or has taken professional classes at a studio for at least six months. We say this not to dissuade newer performers but so that you feel you’ve truly got a lasting product that you feel confident sending to agents or creatives for years to come.

Why is acting training necessary before creating your demo?

We know getting started in this business is not cheap. Between headshots, classes, workshops and gym memberships it’s a struggle to stay afloat and remain passionate. So we want be sure we are helping you take that next step to seek representation or get in front of casting directors and without learning the basics first we do not feel we’d be setting you up to succeed.

Why do I need a demo reel?

Since most casting sessions have gone remote post 2020, casting and creatives rarely get the chance to meet you beyond watching your audition tapes. Though demo reels have always been an arrow in an actor’s quiver to showcase a range of abilities, they are even more valuable now to demonstrate who you are beyond the character you may be reading for. Filmmaking is a visual medium and so asking creatives to trust that you can play the part of Detective Johnny without them seeing a sample of what that might look like outside of self tapes can sometimes be a leap. We aim to close that gap by widening your range of possibilities in their eyes and yours.

If I’m new to acting, why not just make a demo from my work in student films or other non-union projects?

We deeply support you getting on set immediately if that’s what you know you need to do. And sometimes the footage from a Vancouver Film School, UBC Film Program project or ultra low budget short film can turn out great and actors keep that footage for years to come. However, there are many risks involved in banking on that strategy.

1) There is usually no guarantee that the project will be completed. Or you may go months and months begging for your footage that never comes.

2) Actors can be cut from projects all the time and filmmakers are not obliged to include them in the final cut or deliver them their footage. Their priority is rightly the quality of the project as a whole and not solely your performance.

3) Lower budget productions rarely will have time for rehearsal between actors and directors and your acting may not be the priority of the creatives. It’s very possible your performance could be intentionally out of focus, not on camera or distorted in many ways that might serve the artist’s vision but leave you with little to show of YOUR ability.

What if I am an established actor looking to punch up my reel?

We would be honoured to be trusted with adding to an already professional reel. As we aim for the highest quality for all clients the process will be much the same. We will strive our best to pair you with a suitable scene partner. Alternatively you are welcome to bring your own.

What/who are the acting supports?

In both our Demo In A Day and Buddy Reel packages, we work with a roster of talented actors within Vancouver who can be cast opposite you to help you shine so that filming day will be about one thing only: your performance.

How are my scenes chosen?

From scratch! Once we know the types of scenes you are looking to work on we pair you with a Stormland writer for a virtual meeting and design the demo reel you’ve always wanted. They will take your notes and present some options before diving into the screenwriting. Our crew of writers have experience at many genres and are adept at crafting something unique but current.

What’s the timeline from booking with Stormland to receiving my demo?

Once you pay your deposit we can start the process of pairing you with a writer. We pick a shooting day that works for you and the locations chosen. Zoom rehearsals will take place approximately a week prior to shooting with Max or another Stormland coach. After wrapping on your demo scenes our editor will aim to deliver your package within weeks to a downloadable link for your convenience.

How are my scenes chosen for me?

We listen to the style, genre, pace, and level of difficulty you are aiming for in your demo and a Stormland writer will work with you (and your buddy if you choose The Buddy Reel package) to create a unique piece to showcase your abilities and leave you proud to forward your work to agents and casting alike.

How long are the scenes?

We aim to limit our scenes from between TWO AND THREE PAGES and all under FIVE MINUTE run times. A standard demo does not require scenes that a longer than roughly two minutes so this gives you a chance to cut the best bit of your scene into your final demo reel.

Where do you film?

Our basic package pricing does not include studio locations in order to make your demo as affordable as possible. Mostly, we film at your clients’ place of residence or work, a park, underground parking, forest, back alleys, etc. We keep the crew small and don’t attract fuss.

Obviously, there can be complications with shooting like this so we are more than happy to work with you to find private/commercial spaces to rent for the day to ensure maximum privacy.

What is the booking process exactly?

In our inquiry email there is a form asking some basic questions of what you are looking in a demo reel. We make sure to understand your needs or help you choose what might be beneficial to best serve your acting style and desired kind of work. We will assign a Stormland writer (or writers) we think can best matches your style and you will work together to create your scenes.

If you are looking to Tailor Your Demo we will put you in touch with our partners whether it be fight choreo, hair and makeup, etc.

On picture day you will be given approximately two hours per scene of which we will be shoot a total of up to four scenes per day if you have purchased the additional scene.

We then pass the footage over to our in house editor and work alongside them to pick the best performance for you both and deliver your scenes through our online drive for download at your leisure. Aaaaaand that’s a wrap!

What is your cancellation policy?

Here is a link to our full cancellation and privacy policy.