Our work is focused on showcasing range, pulling different things out of you: a shift in energy, a change in emotional register, a different side of who you can be on screen. It's built for established and upcoming actors alike, whether you're showing a side casting hasn't seen yet or creating your very first piece of material.
This is a director-led session, not a filming service. Sebastian Thiel has spent over a decade shaping performances with actors at every level, both in reels and in TV, and the day is built to guide you, settle the nerves, and find your strongest work together.
Below, we'll walk you through how it works, what to prepare, and what to keep in mind, so you arrive ready and leave with something you're proud of and gets you through doors.
Not at all. We work with actors at every level. For established actors, a reel is a chance to show a side casting directors haven't seen yet, whether that's a new accent, a different emotional register, or breaking out of the type you keep getting boxed into. For newer actors without an agent or much experience, it's just as valuable, whether you want to watch yourself back, work with an experienced director, or build a reel to land your first agent or role. Wherever you're at, the session is built to get the strongest version of you on screen.
There's zero judgement here. Our whole aim is to put you at ease so you feel free to explore and play. It's a relaxed, supportive space, and most people tell us that by the end it felt like performing in their own bedroom.
Always. Every session is directed by Sebastian Thiel, an award-winning director and writer who's been crafting Upshot Reels for over ten years. He'll guide you through as much or as little as you need.
Yes. You can pay in instalments using PayPal or finance, both found via the Stripe checkout. If you're paying from the US or elsewhere internationally, you may occasionally run into issues, so just message us and we'll set up a personal payment plan for you.
Start with our monologue database, it's there to help you find and choose your pieces. Pick something contrasting, and where you can, lean towards material from TV and film rather than theatre. If a play piece feels right, you can always adapt it to work on camera. The goal is to choose pieces that show genuinely different sides of you.
Each piece should feel distinctly different, in energy, accent, emotional state, or genre. The goal is to show as much range as possible, so every monologue reveals something fresh about you.
Absolutely, and we encourage it. If you'd like to improvise, prepare a few scenarios beforehand. Playing around the script keeps things alive, continuity isn't something you need to worry about.
Black, white, or earthy tones work best. No logos, nothing see-through, and keep jewellery to a minimum. Short sleeves are great, but wear what feels comfortable. Avoid anything too "characterful," and skip dresses or outfits that make it hard to attach a mic pack. We don't recommend wardrobe changes, mainly because they eat into your session time, but if you can quickly throw on a blazer or a hoodie, that's completely fine. Just be aware it comes out of your session.
There's no dressing room, but we have beauty mirrors in the studio you're welcome to use, along with a reception area where you can wait and relax before your session. There's no one on hand to do your make-up, so that's yours to manage. Feel free to arrive early to get ready, and we'd suggest keeping it natural.
We now have a new database of monologues to help guide you, and we recommend diving through that as a starting point. Beyond that, there are plenty of books out there, and a good deep dive online will help support you in finding the right material.
A 40% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. For cancellations within 48 hours, or any booking made with a discount code, no refund is available. For all other cancellations, we offer a 60% refund.
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Rescheduling costs 25% of the booking total and is subject to availability of future slots.
Within 4–8 weeks (working days), due to current demand, so please factor in bank holidays. You'll receive your fully edited, graded reel plus all the raw footage, delivered digitally via Google Drive.
contact@upshotentertainment.com
North Studios, The Ridgeway, London NW7 1RP