DEMO CAMP
NEW CAMPS NOW AVAILABLE
After selling out the last three camps, we're launching both dates so folks can snag a seat. These are the only two demo camps of 2025.
Want to take both camps? Get in touch to bundle and save!
Waiting for footage sucks.
Period.
Getting footage that doesn't show your range sucks. Subpar footage sucks. Not having enough footage for a reel sucks. Badgering filmmakers for footage that may or may not be any good sucks. We're here to help.
The Forge provides a service that actors desperately need. By designing two scenes catered to your needs, we put the control back in your hands.
Show casting the types of roles you want to play. Be taken more seriously for roles because they can see your talent. Fill in the gaps your current reel might have. Captivate the industry's discerning eyes by showcasing your ability to navigate the enigmatic depths of indie film.
Finally, get footage as fast and as professionally as you've been hoping for.
Note: If you've joined us for a previous camp, this is the perfect opportunity to supplement the shiny procedural or glitzy sitcom footage with something completely different, shot by professionals.
ONLY TWO CAMPS LEFT IN 2025
Help Casting Help You
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Show casting your range
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Let them see you a role they've never seen before
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Show them a better version of what you already have.
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Get taken seriously for larger roles than you're being seen.
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Show off a skill you don't have footage of yet!
Writing
When you enroll, you'll be prompted to fill out a short survey about the types of roles that your reel may be missing.
We'll write two scenes, specifically tailored to your needs. For any additional scenes, please contact us.
Production
You will have a day of rehearsal followed by a day of shooting your scenes.
A team of professional filmmakers are brought in to shoot your scenes to look as if they are taken from full-length projects. Lights, camera, sound, art department, hair/makeup - we take care of all of it.
Post
Our editors will cut and edit your scenes to showcase your skills and talent.
We'll then send you two 1080p files for you to upload, cut into an existing reel, and share however you want. All footage will be delivered to students within 3 weeks of filming.
ON LOCATION
Production Value
We'll be filming on location at a fully-furnished Chicago home, packed with production value and loved by our talented art department. Because we're renting out the entire space, we're able to control sound, light, and foot traffic all while giving cast and crew a comfortable space to work.
New Looks
If you need footage that looks unlike your current reel enjoy a brand new look. We'll be able to move throughout the entire home, filming in whichever scenes make the most sense for your reel.
All Covered
Shooting at any location means moving cast, crew, and lots of legal liability away from our home base. We've got you covered with a completely insured production.
ENROLLMENT OPEN
Details
Your scenes will be sent to you the Friday before the week of the demo reel intensive. (No, you can't have it earlier - we don't want you over-preparing). We will also email orientation information, including guidance for wardrobe, and answers to a number of frequently asked questions.
Rehearsals
The Thursday and Friday prior to your shoot is our rehearsal days. You will work with your scene partners and Sarah in order to focus your film acting technique and solidify your choices for the shoot.
Production
We will take every precaution we can to prioritize your safety during your shoot day. While we will be providing a hair/makeup artist, we do request that you provide your own makeup base, arrive with your hair done and ready for touch-ups, and that you bring your own wardrobe.
Deliverables
Three weeks from production wrap, you will be delivered two 1080p files of your scenes. Upon completion of camp, if you would like to work with our editors to craft your demo reel, you'll be eligible for a 10% discount on our demo reel editing services for 6 months following your last day on set for camp.
What's Included
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Writing - Bespoke scenes written based on your feedback
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Location - Booking and scouting locations, a new location for each camp, so they never look the same.
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Rehearsal - One dry rehearsal at The Forge and one location rehearsal with our cinematographer.
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Hair & Makeup - Our hair and makeup team will have their full kits to make sure you have the looks you want.
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Crew - We secure our ten-person crew and handle all their paperwork.
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Gear - All our gear is sourced and rented here in Chicago, specific to each shoot.
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Edit - The edit includes assembly, color correction, sound mixing, and score, delivered within three weeks of filming.
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BTS Photography - We'll have an on-set photographer capturing your work with us for the day.
This was a big investment for me financially, but I am so glad I made it. Sarah really stood out, she clearly knows what she’s doing. I really feel like I learned a lot and had a blast doing it. Sarah and Lauren were just fabulous to work with, and the whole crew was extremely professional and kind!
SNAG A SEAT
29 days to the eventSat, Jul 19ChicagoShow casting the types of roles you want to play. Be taken more seriously for roles because they can see your talent.
134 days to the eventSat, Nov 01Location will be announced soon 👀Show casting the types of roles you want to play. Be taken more seriously for roles because they can see your talent.
Demos with us > Waiting for footage
Your time is money. How are you spending it?
Audition + Wait
The free* option is auditioning for projects to get enough footage to make a reel. It looks like this:
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Spend hours submitting for projects that may or may not be good.
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Commute to an audition, hopefully at a safe location.
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Audition for a role you may or may not be right for.
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Get cast - yay!
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Commute to set, shoot for 12 hours, get a cold lunch.
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Wait for a long time (sometimes years) to get footage and cross your fingers it looks good.
* free - If you put an hourly rate on how much time this will take, you're still losing money.
Shoot on your own
It's expensive to do a demo on your own and not split the cost with other actors.
It costs multiple thousands of dollars per day, promise.
Splitting the cost amongst other actors will make it affordable and gives us other talent for you to act with.
Shoot with us
You walk away with two beautifully shot and edited scenes within 3 weeks of filming.
You come in, you film, you get your footage in three weeks. The end.
Even more information
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There is a non-refundable, non-transferrable, and non-negotiable deposit of $400.
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67% refund is available within 72 hours of enrollment, as long as enrollment is completed 6 weeks before camp.
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50% refund is available if cancellation is made prior to 30 days before the start of camp.
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25% refund is available if cancellation is made 21 days before the start of camp.
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There is no refund available within 20 days of the start of camp.
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If you are unable to pay in full upon booking, we've got your back! Please contact us at hello@theforgechi so that we can invoice you for the non-refundable $400 deposit, and set up a payment plan of 3 installments for the remaining balance.