Producing a Demo Video (page 3)
Don't:
- Use work that isn't yours.
- Use student projects or home videos.
- Include personal pleas for business.
- Include shots of yourself or anyone else giving testimonials about your work. Let the work speak for itself.
Sidebar: Helpful Tips
Watch Your Watch
The one thing all of us have in common is that we have only 24 hours in our day. Keeping your reel short is as much about common courtesy as it is about professional humility. Four to five minutes in length is what people will expect. It's also the extent of time that most viewers are willing to invest.
Choose Wisely
If you're looking to market yourself as a pro, make sure to leave home videos, student projects and the like on the cutting room floor, no matter how well shot or relevant you think they might be.
VHS or DVD
While VHS tape is still a widely acceptable format, the world of video is changing and competition is increasingly stiff. If you're able, send your finished reel to potential clients on DVD. It may give you an extra edge today, but it'll probably be the standard by tomorrow.
Trust
