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GET NOTICED

Headshots

The most important calling card you can own. This is your first impression, so it better make an impact.

Two people interacting at a doorway, with one person standing outside wearing a striped sweater, and the other smiling at them from inside, wearing a yellow polka dot top.

GET HIRED

Showreels

Bespoke scripts can elevate you by showcasing your strengths and give you that edge over the competition.

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GET PAID

Voicereels

Voice-over offers a real opportunity to earn some extra income allowing you more time to focus on what matters.

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"I was delighted in landing a position in a leading voice-over agency. I cannot recommend highly enough."

- Zoe Thorne - Actor, UK

The actor’s dilemma.

Film crew on set with director and actors in a bedroom scene, director holding a clipboard, actors sitting on a bed, cinematographer operating a camera.

Many actors (myself included) want to showcase everything we can do, without considering how casting directors, directors, or producers view our material—let alone what they actually want from us.

When starting out, we often have only a few (if any) examples of our work for showreels. This usually results in a montage of two-second clips, flashy edits, and quick cuts that, while exciting, lack real substance. It might feel good to cram in as many characters, styles, and emotions as possible—including stunts, crying, and yelling—but in reality, it doesn’t showcase our talent. More importantly, it doesn’t show who we are, how we look, or what we bring to the screen.

Showreels aren’t full stories. Headshots aren’t expressions of emotional depth. Voice reels aren’t auditions for how many accents you can do.

These materials exist to present your best work in a way that serves the industry—not your ego or your Instagram followers. Unless you're already a household name, no one cares about a flashy montage.

Casting professionals want to see you—looking like yourself, sounding like yourself, and acting as believably as possible. That’s why it’s crucial to put together a showreel that reflects your true strengths. And to do that, you need an objective eye—someone who can help you showcase an honest, compelling representation of yourself.

Don’t make the same mistakes that 99% of actors do. Let us help you create an impactful headshot, showreel and voice reel that showcase your talent the way the industry wants to see it—so you can get noticed, get hired, and get paid for your craft.

How it works.

A film set scene with a director's clapperboard being held in front of a person sitting at a cluttered desk. There are office supplies and papers scattered around. A camera and microphone are visible in the foreground, indicating a filming process.

Firstly, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your goals and create a bespoke plan tailored to your needs.

  • Our scriptwriter crafts personalised scenes based on your casting strengths and sends them to you to learn.

  • We source appropriate material for your voice reel and set recording dates.

  • We book professional actors to perform alongside you in your scenes, helping bring out your best. Alternatively, you can share your package with other actors and split the cost.

  • We rehearse and film your showreel scenes in the morning, then record your voice reel and take headshots in the afternoon—or vice versa, depending on how you feel.

  • Rough cuts and drafts are available for you to review and provide feedback on within five working days.

  • Once approved, your final materials are professionally edited, formatted, and delivered to you within 10 working days.

The result? A series of professional headshots, a strong showreel, and a polished voice reel that showcase your talent at its best.

You can then share your materials, add them to your website, use them to secure an agent, and get work—knowing you’ve taken the right steps to boost your career opportunities.

Ethos.

Man with a beard and nose ring in close-up portrait

After working as a professional actor in both the UK and Finland, and completing a Master’s Degree in the craft, I’ve often reflected on the seemingly superficial nature of the actor's headshot. It’s often the first—and in many cases, the only—chance to get in the room with an agent, casting director, or producer.

I’ve been there, wondering how to present myself, which look to go for, and whether my photos are helping or hindering me during this crucial stage of the casting process. As Eminem says, “You only get one shot”—so you'd better get it right, right? RIGHT!

The bottom line is, casting directors want three simple things from an actor:

  1. They want your headshot to look like you—the person they’ll bring into the room.

  2. They want you to know your casting.

  3. They want you to be GOOD.

I can’t always help with #2. If you’re unsure about your casting, take a long, hard look at your CV, past roles, and start developing a clearer idea of how the industry sees you (not just how you see yourself). Speak to colleagues, your agent, or even casting directors—they’re more than happy to help you understand your casting better.

As for #3, I can’t provide you with talent, but if you keep working at it, never give up, and stay focused, you’ll get there.

What I can provide is the best possible version of #1. I pride myself on being able to communicate well during the session, making you feel at ease, and finding the strongest, most suitable portrait/headshot that brings out your inner energy and allows you to shine.

For me, natural light is key—it creates the most genuine representation of you. I’m not a fan of studio lighting; I’ve rarely seen shots taken in those ‘fake’ environments that don’t look contrived or overproduced.

The Oak and the Willow

Large oak tree and small willow tree in a lush forest setting

Perspective #1
You are an oak tree—strong, grounded, unshakable. Your roots run deep, your branches stretch wide. When the wind blows, you sway but never break. People see you and say, “That’s an oak. We need an oak. Cast that oak.”

Perspective #2
You are an oak tree, but you think you should be a willow. So you bend unnaturally, trying to be something you’re not. The wind blows, and instead of standing firm, you strain and twist. You feel unsure, out of place. “Something seems off,” people say. “It looks like an oak… but it’s acting like a willow? What even is this tree?”

Perspective #3
You are an oak tree, but you’re convinced no one wants oaks. So you strap willow branches to your arms, weave ivy through your bark, and practice drooping. But now, you don’t look like a strong oak or a graceful willow. You look… confused. “What is this tree trying to be?” people ask. “It’s not an oak, it’s not a willow… It’s just uncomfortable.”

Here’s the truth: Oaks don’t need to be willows. Willows don’t need to be oaks. You, as you are, are enough. When people look for an oak, they want an oak. When they need a willow, they want a willow. Be who you are, completely and unapologetically. That’s what people connect with.

The strongest performers, the most captivating voices, the most memorable faces—they don’t try to be something else. They own who they are. So stand tall. Root deep. Be the tree you were meant to be.

Meet Darren McStay

Darren McStay is an actor, filmmaker, and voice coach with a deep understanding of how performers present themselves on screen. With a Master’s in Acting from East 15 and experience on prestigious stages like the National Theatre and London’s West End, he knows firsthand what casting directors look for.

Through Polymath House Productions, Darren has worked both in front of and behind the camera, directing award-winning films and producing content that has reached millions. His background in filmmaking, photography, and editing allows him to craft headshots and showreels that highlight an actor’s unique presence, ensuring they make a strong impression.

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Package services & fees

    • Two showreel scenes (1 monologue + 1 scene with another actor)

    • 2 edited headshots (in color and black & white)

    • 1 x 45-second voice reel (15 seconds each: narrative, commercial, and corporate)

    Pricing: – 995€ (inc. VAT)

    • Three showreel scenes (1 monologue + 2 scenes with actors)

    • Makeup assistance included

    • 2 edited headshots and 1 edited half-body shot (in color and black & white)

    • 3 x 30-second voice reel (narrative, commercial, and corporate)

    Pricing: 1,295€ (inc. VAT)

    • Two scenes with two actors and one monologue scene

    • Makeup assistance included

    • 4 edited headshots, 1 half-body shot, and 1 full-body shot (in color and black & white)

    • 3 x 45-second voice reels (narrative, commercial, and corporate; accent or character work possible)

    Pricing: 1,495€ (inc. VAT)

Individual services & fees

    • During the session, we typically take several hundred shots.

    • I then narrow down the selection to around 50 images.

    • These photos will be available for review online by the evening of the following day in low-resolution format (easier to download).

    • From the selection, I’ll retouch my favourite 2–3 images, which you are welcome to use. You’ll also receive your own selection of 3 images (6 in total, including Colour and Black & White versions) as part of the initial price.

    • You will receive the finished, retouched images within 10 working days of confirming your selections (provided payment is received).

    • The retouched images are high quality, ready for print and use on Backstage, IMDb, Spotlight, etc.

    • I keep the files for at least three years, so you can order additional shots later.

    • Sessions are for clients over 18 only.

    • Only one person per session—no joint bookings or additional people (parents, friends, pets, etc.).

    Pricing:
    90-minute headshot session with 3 finalised images of your choice (+2 or 3 of my choice) - 295€ (inc. VAT).
    Extra images - 25€ (inc. VAT) per photo.

    Look at examples HERE.

    • We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your casting strengths, the roles you are aiming for, and the style of showreel that will best highlight your talent.

    • Our scriptwriter creates two scenes specifically tailored to your casting type, which you will receive to learn and rehearse.

    • We arrange for other actors to work alongside you in your scenes, helping bring out your best performance. You can also share the costs with other actors in a joint session.

    • On the day of the shoot, we rehearse and film the showreel scenes in the morning, and record your voice reel and take headshots in the afternoon (or vice versa, depending on your preference).

    • Rough cuts of your scenes will be available for review within 5 working days, allowing you to provide feedback before final edits.

    • After approval, your professionally edited showreel will be ready within 10 working days.

    • The final showreel will highlight your best performances, making sure you're presented in the most polished and professional manner.

    • Your showreel will be high quality and ready to submit to agents, casting directors, or use for online platforms like IMDb and Backstage.

    • Files are stored for at least three years, so you can update or request additional materials in the future.

    Pricing:
    Showreel filming session with 2 tailored scenes: 1 monologue and 1 scene with another actor - 750€ (inc. VAT).
    Additional scenes - 300€.
    Additional actors - 150€ per 4 hours.

    • We begin with a free consultation to discuss the types of voice work you’re aiming for and the style of voice reel that best highlights your strengths.

    • Together, we select the appropriate material to represent your vocal range and skills.

    • The session includes the recording of three 30-second samples:

      • Narrative reel

      • Commercial reel

      • Corporate reel

    • After the recording, we professionally edit the samples to create a polished, high-quality reel that highlights your best voice work.

    • You’ll have the opportunity to review the first draft and provide feedback within 5 working days.

    • Once approved, the final voice reel will be delivered within 10 working days, ready for submission to agents, casting directors, or online platforms like IMDb and Backstage.

    • The final reel will be of high quality and professionally formatted.

    • Files are stored for at least three years, so you can update or request additional material in the future.

    Pricing:
    Voice reel recording session with material selection and professional editing - 450€ (inc. VAT).
    Additional material or revisions - 100€ per item.

    Listen to examples: HERE

Contact.

Get in touch and book a fee consultation. We can figure out what you want together and plan the perfect approach to a unique, bespoke package designed to get you work.

Deposits & Cancellations

A non-refundable deposit is required when booking:

  • 200€ for sessions with a makeup artist

  • 100€ for all other sessions

This deposit counts toward your total fee.

  • You may reschedule once if you notify me at least 48 hours before your session.

  • If you need to reschedule again, a new deposit will be required.

  • Cancellations or rescheduling within 48 hours of your session will result in the loss of your deposit.

Payments

The remaining balance (total session fee minus the deposit) must be paid on or before the session day. Payments can be made online by card, bank transfer or mobile pay. No cash.

Reshoots, Revisions & Refunds

I take great care to ensure you’re happy with the process across all services:

For Headshots

We’ll review shots throughout the session to adjust lighting, framing, and backgrounds as needed. Your input is key, so I encourage open communication to get the best results.

For Showreels

Performance, and delivery are your responsibility, but I’ll provide guidance to help bring out your best. We’ll work efficiently to capture your scenes and review key moments on the day. Reshoots due to performance issues will require booking a new session.

For Voice Reels

We’ll adjust pacing, tone, and performance as we go. The final reel will be professionally edited, mixed, and mastered. Minor adjustments to balance and clarity can be requested, but full retakes or major revisions will require additional fees.

Photography, film, and audio are artistic processes, and interpretation is subjective. Reshoots, refunds, or revisions are not offered unless a technical issue (such as equipment failure) prevents me from delivering the agreed number of high-quality, professionally edited materials.

FAQs

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations may result in a rescheduling fee.

  • Yes, additional actors can be booked for your showreel session. If you wish to share the session with others, you can also split the costs.

  • Yes, we can tailor your voice reel to include accents or character voices. However, if you are not already fully proficient, I strongly advise against it, as authenticity is key in voice work. We can discuss this further during your free consultation to ensure the best approach for your reel.

  • Raw footage is not included. We provide you with edited and retouched headshots, showreels, and voice reels only. While the content is yours, the artistic copyright of the footage remains with me. However, if you'd like to receive the raw footage, it can be requested for an additional fee, upon prior agreement.

  • Wear clothes that represent your casting type and make you feel confident. Avoid busy patterns and bright colors that could distract from your face. Keep makeup and hairstyle simple for a more natural look. We can discuss this further during your free consultation to ensure the best approach.

  • Makeup assistance is available with our Standard and Premium Packages. For the Basic Package, you will need to do your own makeup, but we can offer advice if needed.

  • Yes, we offer a rough cut of your headshots, showreel or voice reel for review. You can provide feedback, and we will make adjustments to ensure you’re completely happy with the final product.

  • For showreel sessions, please bring your script, appropriate clothing, and any props that you feel represent your character. For headshot sessions, please come prepared with a fresh face (unless you’ve chosen a makeup package), and wear clothes that highlight your personality and casting type. We can discuss this further during your free consultation to ensure the best approach.

  • Absolutely! Investing in professional headshots, showreels, and voice reels can significantly enhance your chances of landing auditions and securing roles. Casting directors, agents, and producers rely on high-quality visuals and audio to make quick decisions. A strong first impression with polished materials can set you apart from the competition and ensure you present yourself in the best possible light.