Testimonials
Jeff Kim, Actor
Thank you so much Lee! You have far surpassed my expectations. I initially thought that my first attempt at making a reel was going to be just “okay.” I mean, it all depends upon what kind of footage you can provide, right? Needless to say, I was flabergasted by Lee’s first draft of my reel–it was amazing. Lee is an editor who is creative, imaginative, enthusiastic about your success in this business, and able to ascertain that unique essence of who you are that will allow you to contribute artistically. Additionally, I found him to be very easy to work with, and he really paid attention to my concerns. I highly recommend him! Much better to get your reel done right the first time rather than having a so-so reel, missing out on auditions and having to re-do it in the end.
Amanda Brooke Lerner, Actor
Creating a reel can be a very exciting yet daunting ordeal. Lee Kaplan goes above a beyond the call of duty to make it an absolutely wonderful experience. He is an excellent editor but above all, he is an artist so his passion and creativity translates beautifully into his work. Lee does his homework and knows what the Industry demands. He is a joy to work with – charming, caring, patient, collaborative but knows when to take charge. Since creating my reel, I’ve booked an industrial, a web-series, a cable TV pilot and 5 Indie Films – 3 of which I booked without an audition. Thank you Lee!!
Deb Collins, Actor
Lee helped me in a pinch and shot my audition for a Showtime pilot called “House of Lies” starring Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. He was insightful and came up with the idea of shooting in the park. We did so and I’m pleased to say I booked the role using the video Lee shot — without even having to audition!
Karen Culp, Actor
Lee is amazing! He went above and beyond to make sure my demo reel showcased my versatility. He was incredibly patient and welcomed my input throughout the entire creative process. I highly recommend him if you want a top-quality reel that can get you noticed in this insanely competitive business!
Jason Yachanin, Actor
The first audition that I sent my reel into I ended up getting! How bout that??!! I didn’t even have to audition. They just cast me from the reel… so nice job with it!! Thanks again!
Dr. Robi Ludwig, TV commentator/author/psychotherapist
Lee Kaplan is an amazing talent! He’s extraordinarily gifted at putting the best clips together and weaving it together in the most creative way. I feel so fortunate to have found him!!! He intuitively got what I wanted to achieve; right away!
Liz Samuel, Actor
It’s validating when people see your reel and have such wonderful things to say about it. Lee was so professional and cut my reel so quickly, I was so impressed! He really has a great sense of timing and knows how to tell a story. I feel that he really had a good grasp of what would work for the reel. He cut out the ‘fat’ and left a short but sweet showcase of my work. I would highly recommend him to any actor — he’s easy to work with and understands the actors’ needs.
Megan-Brette Hamilton, TV Host
I wasn’t surprised by the top-notch professionalism or creativity that went into making my reel. What DID surprise me was how well Lee “got me” after asking all the right questions, really listening to my answers, and understanding my energy. He took my vision and merged it with his own creativity and knowledge of the industry – creating a reel that represents me, my talents, and has gotten me great feedback and auditions. Lee is a treasure to have in this business. He’s also just a really great guy!
Susan Slatin, Actor
I am getting invited to many auditions because of my reel. I even booked several! The feedback I got was terrific. Thank you so much.
Chelsea Marino, Actor
Lee genuinely cares about each and every actor with whom he works. A talented actor himself, Lee uses his instincts and creative impulses to really develop the best compilation of each client’s footage. I knew I could trust Lee to take my footage, and turn it into a professional, high quality reel, which would really demonstrate my individual talents as an actress. I have had numerous opportunities arise, as a result of having my reel both easily accessible and professionally finished. I highly recommend Lee Kaplan’s services.
Spencer Adams, Actor
Just the thought of putting together a reel is so overwhelming that many actors put it off for as long as they can. Lee has an uncanny ability to calm actors and put their minds at ease. He puts the whole process into perspective and helps you create a brilliant representation of your work. The final result that I left with far surpassed what I was expecting. If you need a reel made, Lee is the guy you want helping.
Teresa Meza, Actor
I completely trusted Lee each step of the way as I just had him update my reel two months after I had the original created. Lee, you’re the best!! (Oh, and affordable too!)
David Sisco, Composer / Performer / Musical Director
It’s difficult to find someone who is both professional and enthusiastic, who can deal with specifics while also keeping perspective of the big picture. Lee is this rare breed of person. What could have been a stressful process of putting together my promo was very enjoyable. Lee has great instincts, a wonderful sense of timing, and is very collaborative. I give him my highest recommendation!
Julia Knight, Actor
Lee Kaplan is very gifted in the craft of editing. Lee was able to find a variety of clips of my work to create a short one minute reel. I have used this as a tool to share my talent with casting people and directors. I [recently] premiered on “Law and Order: SVU”…it was this reel that got me in the door. Thank-you Lee!
Lianna Nielsen, Actor
I was dreading the thought of putting together my reel. I avoided doing it for nearly a year, thinking it was going to be an awful process. But after reviewing my work and bringing Lee a variety of material, he got me really excited about it. He not only is enthusiastic about what he does but he is extremely talented. Lee makes sure that he understands exactly what you want and then goes above and beyond to make that a reality. He will take control and give advice when you need it and knows when to sit back and let you make decisions. Collaborating with him was a truly fun and creative endeavor that not only gave me a wonderful marketing tool, but also helped me to realize some strengths I have as an actress that I would have never seen on my own. I highly recommend him.
Brian Fuqua, Actor
Just a shout out of appreciation for your professionalism and churning this [DVD] out so quickly. I’m especially grateful for your talent; your camerawork was outstanding and you knew JUST when to go to blackout. You’re truly a born filmmaker and I look forward to working with you again someday.
Harry Chambarry, Actor
I’ve had many versions of demo reels created for me, but never has one been so impactful as the one Lee recently edited for me. His being an actor and artist helped me to define the best cuts from my work. As a result, I’ve gained access to some extraordinary opportunities.
Callie Chardonnay, Actor
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job on putting {my audition DVD} together for me on a moment’s notice. You truly are the best!!!
Warren Kelley, Actor
I cannot say enough about Lee Kaplan. He is really astonishing. He put my reel together in one sitting. He has a very rare combination of attributes that make him perfectly suited to what he does. He has enormous technical facility, tremendous talent and passion for the work, and is an extremely fine and ethical person. I honestly can’t imagine there is anyone in the city doing this work better than Lee Kaplan does.
Jenny Lee Mitchell, Actor
Lee has an amazing eye! He took my footage and edited it so that it showed my best moments in a captivating edit. He really has the ability to see who you are as an actor, and have that come through in your reel. I love his passion about what he does. He treats each and every reel like a piece of art work. Like a mini indie film that sells you.
Maria Victoria, Actor
As I am a former tutor for an Ithaca College video editing class, I was blown away by Lee Kaplan’s instinct on how the rhythm of my reel could best highlight my skills as a performer. We saw eye to eye on every detail, laughing and high fiving as we finished each other’s sentences and agreed on each cut, fade, and insert. It was the most enjoyable editing experience I’ve had and when he had to fine tune the rough cut into the final cut, I trusted him completely. If you want the industry to see the best you have to offer, put your trust in Lee Kaplan.
Carla Brandberg, Actor
Lee Kaplan worked professionally, efficiently and with remarkable insight and creativity in the production of my demo reel. The environment was collaborative, fun and stress free. I was very, very, pleased with MakeItReel.
Gail Yudain, Actor
I am so pleased with my demo reel. It’s opened up so many wonderful opportunities for me. Thank you for creating the perfect professional tool to help me succeed in this business.
Barry Phillips, Actor
My reel is featured as “reel of the month” for OneWayOrAnother Productions. They said, “we saw about 13 top reels this month and yours was head and shoulders more original, better cut, and had a lot more range.”
