 | Demo Reel Tips
The point of demo reel is to get you an interview and, ideally, a job. Your reel has to stand out against a sea of other aspiring VFX artists. This list of tips is pretty overwhelming at first, but read it through once with an open mind and apply what specifically relates to you and the job you want. I hope this compilation of tips is helpful in the end. | | « Aug 2008 » | | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | | | | | | | 1 | 2 | | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | | 31 | | | | | | |
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Log Out | - Only put your best work on your reel. You’ll get more calls from showing one thing well than one thing well and 7 things done poorly. If you don't know how to effectively light and render an object, leave it gray.
- Include work that shows your skills and/or interests.
- Stick with VHS. It is simply the standard for Hollywood job seeking. Any other format puts a burden on the viewer and may fall through the cracks. That being said, DVD is getting more acceptance. If in doubt, check with the VFX house you will be sending your demo reel to and ask what format they prefer.
- Find out about the company and tell them your life's passion is to do exactly what they do. If you send in a letter saying you want to be or do something they don't do, your reel will be tossed aside.
- Tailor your cover letter to the company you are applying to. It shows extra effort.
- A short reel (2-3 minutes, maximum) with better quality artwork is preferred over a longer reel with artwork that is only just adequate.
- Editing makes a difference. A reel consisting of a string of images laid to tape is much less interesting (read: attention grabbing) than a reel cut to music. Also, make the music fit the "feel" of your work.
- Get to the point. We don't need to see your name fade in and out for 45 seconds before your reel starts. We don't have 45 seconds to spare, and you will be fast-forwarded, possibly passing up vital imagery. A demo reel is not a rock video. Don't send a five minute movie unless you are the next Steven Spielberg.
- Avoid showing things over and over. If a viewer wants to see something again, they can rewind the tape.
- Make sure to have an outside label on your tape (and case) with contact information clearly available. A potential employer can't call if they don't know your name.
- View your tape before sending it out to check for errors. There's nothing worse than wasting a viewer’s time with a bad copy of your reel.
- Include a written log of the work that you specifically did on each shot in your reel. It is important to distinguish the quality of your work from others whose work may be a part of your reel. It's handy to include the log on an inside jacket of your reel case. If you can include a video overlay outlining your involvement on a shot, do so.
- Read the ad and reply if you fit. An ad for modelers should not trigger compositors to send in a reel. If you are applying for a modelling position the ideal reel would include a turnaround showing the object in wireframe, shaded, then maybe also textured if you are good at textures. If you are not, leave them off. Never show anything bad.
- If you do a lot of commercial work, it is a poor idea to show the complete commercials, especially if you have just a bit of work in the piece. A better idea is to showcase your work in your reel and then put the complete commercials at the end of your reel (make sure to have a pause between the end of the reel and the commercials).
- Don't use stock objects included with a software package. These objects are easily recognizable and don't show your skills (unless of course you do something creative with them!)
- Try showing a realistic human before churning out alien demons that could look like anything and nobody knows if it is right or not. You are not communicating anything by twisting a shape around and adding teeth and horns.
- Once hired, it will be your job to execute someone else’s concept with precision and invisibility. Sorry to disappoint, but showing something cool is less important than showing something ON MODEL.
- Packaging makes a difference. A reel delivered in a case that attracts the eye may get your reel viewed sooner than another.
- Last but not least, READ THIS THREAD ON CGTALK!
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