Prep for Your Shoot
How to Make the Most of Your Scenes
​- by Martin Bentsen (founder of Scenematic Studios)

This guide covers:

• The small prep steps that make a huge difference in how “real” your performance feels on screen
• What to do (and not do) on shoot day to keep your footage usable and compelling
• How to avoid being overshadowed in your scene (even if you’re sharing it with a stronger actor)​
• ​And much more...

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​My team and I are excited to work with you!

I wanted to put this short guide together to make sure your money is well-spent.

I've heard too many horror stories of actors spending thousands of dollars for reel production services, only to wind up with footage that does NOT help them get more auditions or meetings with agents.

I don't want that to happen to you!

So please read or skim through this guide to learn what to wear, how to prep, and how to perform at your absolute best.

Start by watching the short video below (it may take a moment to load):

Martin Bentsen

If you have questions, you can email me at [email protected].

To learn more about my actor coaching & career consulting services, visit www.martinbentsen.com.

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Part 1: Planning for the Shoot...
Pre-Production

Before the shoot day, you should plan out a few things in advance:

​1. Know Your Scenes and Characters

• Read your scripts multiple times. Make sure you understand what your character wants in the scene. While we will help with these things on set, it's useful to have at least considered them in advance, which will also make any Zoom rehearsals you do with your scene partners more fruitful.
• Think about what happened right before the scene starts. This “moment before” will help you feel real and present when the camera rolls.
• Decide the emotional tone. Do you want the scene to be intense, playful, heartfelt, or something else?

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2. Memorize Your Lines

• Be as off-book as possible. This helps you focus on emotion and connection instead of trying to remember words. It also makes timing for the shoot run more efficiently.
• I highly recommend setting up 1-2 Zoom rehearsals with your scene partners to practice ahead of time.

3. Choose and Prepare Outfits

• Bring 2–3 options to fit each character type you'll be shooting. Be sure to discuss outfits with your scene partners as well, especially if you have color or style preferences.
• Stick to solid colors and simple textures. Avoid pure white or other very pale colors (at least as the primary color in your outfit). I also recommend avoiding strong patterns or logos.
• Make sure your clothes fit well because baggy clothes can make you look heavier than you are.
• If you want to dive deeper on clothing, I have an in-depth guide here. Even though it was written for headshots, it applies to reel shoots too!

4. Hair, Makeup, and Grooming

• Keep makeup natural and simple. Aim to look like your best real-life self. The biggest distracting issue with makeup tends to be shine, so if you have translucent powder, feel free to bring it. It's best to keep your face matte under the bright studio lights.
  • We also keep powder on set if needed.
• Hair should be clean, styled, and out of your face. I recommend wearing whatever hair styles both make sense for the scene and are also easy for you to replicate for auditions.

5. Rest, Hydration, and Food

• Drink plenty of water the day before and morning of your shoot.
• Avoid salty foods or alcohol the day before.
• Get a full night of sleep so you look fresh and alert. Remember that video clips can't be photoshopped the way headshots can!

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6. Pack Essentials

• Bring your wardrobe options on hangers if they are likely to get wrinkled. If anything does get wrinkled, note that we have a steamer on set, but it's still best to try to keep your clothes as wrinkle free as you can.
• Consider bringing water, snacks, deodorant, lint roller, brush/comb, and makeup for touch-ups.
• Finally, be sure to bring a copy of your script, especially if you made markups to it. We usually provide 2 extra copies on set, but only yours will have your notes.

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​Part 2: Planning for the Shoot...
Production Day

​To make the most of the shoot day itself, here are my recommendations:
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​1. Arrive On Time and Ready

• Plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early so you can settle in. We usually start shooting about 15-25 minutes in, but start doing rehearsals and setup right away.
• Check your outfit, hair, and makeup before filming starts, and feel free to ask the crew to see still frames if you want to know what you're looking like on camera. My team and I are happy to show you!
• Don't forget to turn off or silence your phone.

2. Get into the Right Headspace

• Remember during takes to take a few slow breaths and really focus on your character’s goal.
• Treat it like a real film set — your job is to connect with the other actor, not worry about what you look like on camera.
• Don’t worry about looking “interesting.” Just focus on being truthful. My team and I will direct and coach you throughout the scene to make sure you and your scene partners are performing at your best!

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3. Important On-Camera Tips

• First, remember that we'll be editing your footage to focus on you (while still making it look like a believable, real scene). For that reason, I want to remind you that you should not try to make your performance bigger or more interesting just to draw attention to yourself.
  • Note: If you're a scene partner, you’ll receive the footage and final scene for free. If you’d like a custom version that highlights more of your performance, we’re happy to offer that as a personalized re-edit. Just email me at [email protected] for details/pricing.
• On screen, you want to keep your movements small and natural. Remember that film, unlike theater, is all about subtlety. The camera picks up everything and if you "emote" or "indicate," your performance will look fake/distracting.
• Listen to your scene partner and the meaning of what they're saying. Don't just wait for them to finish so you can deliver your next line, or your response is going to look unnatural.
• Avoid rushing your lines; let moments breathe and feel free to take your time. We can always shorten pauses in editing, but can't add longer pauses!
• If you make a mistake, don’t panic — we'll do another take and the final, edited scenes will only comprise of your best moments.
• At the end of the day, remember that we will work with you very closely to ensure you perform your best.
• Finally, I highly recommend you listen to my podcast episode called "The Single Biggest Mistake to Avoid in Performances." It's all about how to reduce "indication," which is the biggest problem I see in new actors' performances (especially those with a lot of theater training).

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4. Work With the Director and Crew

• Be open to feedback and direction. Remember that our goal is to help you look your best.
• That said, don't be afraid to push back and ask questions if something doesn’t make sense or you disagree with something we're recommending. We won't get offended and actually prefer that you be honest with us on set rather than after the shoot is done when no further changes can be made.

5. Keep Energy Up

• Stay hydrated and bring a snack in case you get hungry between scenes (especially for longer 2 or 3 scene shoots).
• Finally, remember that this is supposed to be fun! We're a very relaxed team and want you to have a great experience, so don't stress out!

​Part 3: Planning for the Shoot...
Post-Production

​There are a few final things to keep in mind in terms of what will happen after the shoot day:
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​1. Editing and Delivery

• My team will edit and color-grade your footage for a final, cinematic (or Scenematic!) look.
• Final payment is due before or at the end of the shoot day. If you need extra time to make final payment, just let us know, but please note that we can't begin the editing process or release any raw footage until final payment has been made.
• You’ll receive your final scene about two weeks after the shoot, once editing is complete.

2. Reviewing & Adjusting Your Scenes

• Watch your scene objectively. Focus on your authenticity and connection rather than small imperfections.
• If you have specific notes or want to see the raw footage, just ask. We are happy to make edit adjustments before finalizing your scene.
• Scene partners receive the footage and edited scene at no cost. If you’d like your own personalized version that focuses more on your character, we can create that upon request at a discounted rate. Just email me at [email protected] and I’ll walk you through the options.

3. Using Your Scenes

• Add them to your Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage profiles.
• Add them to your reel if it makes sense. If you need a new reel edited from these scenes or other footage you already have, just visit www.demoreelsnyc.com.
• Share your scenes with agents or managers as a professional example of your on-camera work.
• I'll be sending you a much more in-depth guide on how to make the most of your footage after the shoot is complete.​

​Have any questions? Hit reply to any of our emails or reach me at [email protected] and we'll get back to you within a day or so.