waiting for footage sucks.
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 one camp left in 2025
gimme the deets
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 + delivery
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.
even more details
scene delivery
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.
Coming Up Next
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Let your users get to know you.
5 days to the eventSun, Nov 16Chicago ForgeJoin us for a no-holding-back feedback session with four prominent Chicago talent agents.
early bird pricing32 days to the eventSat, Dec 13Chicago ForgeAfter Broadway's Glengarry Glen Ross, catch Actor John Pirruccello back in Chicago for his one-day Scene Study intensive at Forge Film Acting, which gives actors a place to work through scary roadblocks in their process.- 33 days to the eventSun, Dec 14RantoulAfter Broadway's Glengarry Glen Ross, catch Actor John Pirruccello back in the midwest for his one-day Scene Study intensive at the Central Forge, which gives actors a place to work through scary roadblocks in their process.
60 days to the eventSat, Jan 10Central Forge at Flyover Film StudiosJump into commercial auditioning with actor and tv host Jaclyn Friedlander's one-day audition intensive! Get a taste of what it’s like to break down commercial scripts, make acting choices, use the camera to your advantage, and take commercial direction.
67 days to the eventSat, Jan 17Central Forge at Flyover StudiosWork with Chicago actor and teaching artist Emma Knott in her one-day on-camera acting intensive that gives a taste of her weekly class
Sat, Nov 01Chicago ForgeDemo Camp is back one more time in 2025, this time with the option to be horror specific with your scenes.
Sun, Oct 12Chicago ForgeShoot one look with Chicago headshot photographer Jeff Kurysz
all the
nitty
gritty
Please find our detailed policies here. When you sign up for camp, you're agreeing to these policies.
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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!
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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.
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