Comments

the_learninator wrote on 2/15/2005, 6:40 PM
i wish i could give you some pointers. I'm far from that point. maybe someone else can help with that
ArmyVideo wrote on 2/15/2005, 7:34 PM
Ana-
While I'm not too experienced in having to submit a demo reel (the Army doesn't care what you have done.. they send you where they want) I have recieved a lot of feedback from asking the same question to many folks in numerous aspects of the production field. Here is what I've been told and seen on others reels:
First, know your audience. (If you're applying for an editing position, they don't want to see you camera work.) If it's an ENG job, why would they care about your Photoshop skills?
Keep it short and to the point. Anything too long will bore them. I actually did a demo reel when I was planning on getting out a few years ago. I had a little bit of everything on it.. graphics capabilities, editing, camera work... the whole 9 yards and then some. It ran about 15 minutes. About 5 minutes in the interviewer stopped the tape (yes, it was on tape... tells you how long it's been). He said he liked what he saw and offered me a position- but that sinking feeling of "my reel wasn't good enough to watch to the end" was, and still is, quite uncomfortable. 5 minutes is more than long enough to showcase yourself.
Be sure to provide contact information on a slate at the head of the piece. If you're doding it on DVD, add a link to your website, and a .pdf of your resume.
The more time you have to tailor your reel to the company you're interested in working for, the better off you'll be.
Burn, or have made, some business card sized DVD's with your reel on it. This would be a more generalized one, showcasing all your talents. Carry a few with you always.
I'm sure others have many other (and most likely better) tips to offer. Good Luck!

Brian
FrigidNDEditing wrote on 2/15/2005, 9:47 PM
Bit of a hi-jack here,

"some business card sized DVD's with your reel on it"
I am guessing that you mean mini-DVD's like the ones that go in those Direct to DVD recording handycams. That's one big business card :-)

Dave
Peeks wrote on 2/15/2005, 9:54 PM
Thanks Brian, real helpful!Ü

Cheers guys!
stormstereo wrote on 2/16/2005, 12:08 PM
Well, here's my old, old, old reel. 2:51 minutes long. I agree with the other posters and would like to add one thing: don't use copyrighted music like I did. Some people complained a lot but since this reel never been used for any commercial purpose, only for the Vegas community viewing "pleasure", I think it's ok.

http://www.stormstereo.com/webreel.htm

Best/Tommy
UFP wrote on 2/16/2005, 12:32 PM
"some business card sized DVD's with your reel on it"
I am guessing that you mean mini-DVD's like the ones that go in those Direct to DVD recording handycams. That's one big business card :-)

No thats not what he means. There are mini-DVD's where you cut the edges off, so it is in business card format, then you stick it on the back of your card and voila...here is your interactive business card.
Peeks wrote on 2/16/2005, 5:04 PM
Really? I haven't seen DVDs like that yet. I'll try to check if they've already reached my side of the world. Thanks for the information!

Tommy: Your reel made me realize that i'm not yet ready to create a demo reel. Yours was really cool! Good job! I can just imagine the kind of stuff you at the present.

Another question, did you do all the 3D stuff yourself? What program?

Cheers!Ü
stormstereo wrote on 2/18/2005, 12:46 PM
Hey Peeks,
Thank you for the kind words. Of course you are ready to make your own reel! Always be self critic but never stop yourself from going places.

Yes, the 3D-stuff was made with Lightwave, in-house by me and my colleague at the time, mostly my colleague actually, to be fair. :) I've had my fingers in all the material in that reel, but for some of it my input does not show visually in the frame. You know, like, if I write a story it does not necessarily mean I'm acting in the piece.

Best/Tommy