Timeline: The Reel Deal

Morgan Paar
November 2007

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Your demo reel is more likely to be a demo DVD, or (I know it's hard to believe) a demo VHS tape. But the industry likes to call them demo reels, so we'll oblige. Demo, short for demonstration, is accurate. This short compilation of audio, video and editing (and possibly titles, graphics, animation, etc.), gathered from all the media you have ever produced in your career, must demonstrate your potential to your prospective client or boss. Let's take a look at the elements of a successful demo reel.

We'll start as we start any project - at the end. Who will be watching this short compilation, and what is it you want to communicate? It is obvious that you want them to think you are the best video professional for the particular job you are seeking. Your DVD will most likely sit in a stack with fifty other applicants' demo reels. What will make these producers pick yours over all the others?

Are you applying for a cinematographer's position? Then you need to showcase your camera and lighting skills. If it's an editing job, you will then need to show a creative variety of artistic and/or skillful cuts. Maybe you are a jack-of-all-trades. The great thing about a menu-driven DVD is its ability to have a menu showing demo reels for all of your skills. But keep it simple. Unless you are applying for a job in DVD authoring, just have one bold, simple opening menu pointing to your individual reels..

For many of us, the most difficult step in this process will be finding, reviewing and selecting clips from our long history of video production. This is the first "edit" - the decision to or not to digitize or capture media. Some of us have to weed through hours upon hours of footage to find the 20 to 50 shots that will make up our calling card. For those new to the industry, your problem may be having too little footage. Making your few shots look their best will be your challenge.

And speaking of the best, this is all you want: a demo reel is no place for mediocre work. A producer, needing to review fifty-plus reels, will most likely be sitting in front of the monitor with a finger on the remote control's eject button. One so-so shot or lukewarm edit may trigger that finger to reject your possibilities with that organization.

So you have sifted through all of your life's work, and you have captured/digitized all the shots you wish to use to showcase your abilities. What will be the thread that strings together all of your images? For the majority of demo reels, this will be music. We here at Videomaker are strong advocates for not using copyrighted music in your videos, yet many professionals still use copyrighted music for their demo reel. If you know a musician or a group who can make a strong score for your demo reel, that would be best.

Pick a song that represents the mood and pacing you want for your work. We recommend against using very popular music, as many viewers may already have experiences relating to that tune. Imagine the score you pick is the favorite song of the evaluating person's ex-mate - could be a bad impression. Most soundtracks for demo reels are usually without lyrics, as the singing will most likely distract from your art. .

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