Demo Reel |
A demo reel is a video or audio presentation designed to showcase your talents to a potential employer.
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Purpose
The idea is that the employer can see what you are capable of based on the examples you have supplied. Depending on your area of experience and the position you are applying for, your demo reel may include examples of your camerawork, editing, graphics, sound mixing, presenting, etc.
The best demo reels not only show what you can do but also who you are. By displaying a bit of your personality, demo reels convey to your audience why you are the person they want to hire and work with on important projects. - Adobe
Types of Demo Reels
Scene-based reels usually contain 15–20 sec. segments showcasing a technique or specific theme. These reels are best for showing off one’s cinematography, documentary, or narrative work.
The scene-based reel example shown here is by the visual effects company Stargate Studios and shows the extensive effects work they did on the TNT series, "Mob City."
Collage-style reels are cut to music and contain many short clips of your best work. These reels are best for showcasing short-form commercial work, also known as "spot work." This tutorial series focuses on assembling a collage-style demo reel.
The collage-style reel example shown here is by the production company Coyote Post and highlights the studio’s commercial, music video, promo, and VFX work. - Taken for Adobe.com
The scene-based reel example shown here is by the visual effects company Stargate Studios and shows the extensive effects work they did on the TNT series, "Mob City."
Collage-style reels are cut to music and contain many short clips of your best work. These reels are best for showcasing short-form commercial work, also known as "spot work." This tutorial series focuses on assembling a collage-style demo reel.
The collage-style reel example shown here is by the production company Coyote Post and highlights the studio’s commercial, music video, promo, and VFX work. - Taken for Adobe.com
What to Include
Name & Job/Skill you are Showcasing (in the Opening & Closing Title)
Name & Job/Skill you are Showcasing & How to Contact you (in the Closing Title)
YOUR Work (not anybody else's...this is plagiarism)
Professional Quality Work (no substandard work)
Name & Job/Skill you are Showcasing & How to Contact you (in the Closing Title)
YOUR Work (not anybody else's...this is plagiarism)
Professional Quality Work (no substandard work)
How Long?
Usually around 1:30 - 2:00mins (2:00mins is the ABSOLUTE MAX)
The 1st 30secs are the MOST IMPORTANT (MAKE THEM COUNT!!!)
The 1st 30secs are the MOST IMPORTANT (MAKE THEM COUNT!!!)
Keys to a Demo Reel
Make it Relevant
Tailor your reel to your dream job
Make it Short
Edit with Refinement
Cut to the Beat of the Song
Show a Variety of Good Quality Work
Make it Good
Tailor your reel to your dream job
Make it Short
Edit with Refinement
Cut to the Beat of the Song
Show a Variety of Good Quality Work
Make it Good
Selecting the Background Music
Select a song that has not been OVERDONE
Your song should not distract your viewer or overpower your reel
Preferably use a song that has creative commons license
Buy a song or use a song from a website that gives your permission
Your song should not distract your viewer or overpower your reel
Preferably use a song that has creative commons license
Buy a song or use a song from a website that gives your permission
Tailor YOur Reel For a Specific Job
Film Reel Examples
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Graphics Reel Examples
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Animation Reel Examples
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Talent Reel Examples
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Lesson
(Individual Project)
Pre-Production
- Gather all of your best work (if you don't know where it is find it and make a copy...Save Copies in Google Drive)
- Order your work in priority of best (most worthy of highlighting) to worst
- Try to highlight a variety of your work
- Do not use sub par work
- Find a background song (preferably without lyrics because spoken lyrics in the background can become distracting to the viewer. Remember this real is so you can secure a job/career you are not promoting the song artist)
Grading TBD
production
- This should already be completed
- I do not recommend shooting clips just to add to your reel
- Your reel should consist of clips taken from work already completed
Grading TBD
Postproduction
- Edit your reel
- Even if you are not an editor your reel needs to be edited with finesse (crappy edited reels = employers assuming your work is also crappy)
- If needed reach out to editors to help you edit a refined reel
- 1st 30 secs are your most impactful, make them count
- Start and end your reel with your strongest work
- Keep your reel around 90secs (this is the sweet spot)
- Finally once your reel is complete, post it online so it is easy to find and view/play
- You should update your reel as you execute new professional work to stay update just like you would a resume
Grading TBD