Demo Reel Advice..

[jophus14]

I have been thinking of putting a demo reel together lately and I would like some advice on the do's and do not's. I know that only my best work should by involved, but what is a good structure for a reel? Should I stick to Interior, Exterior, Detail Shots and Products or mix it all together? Since I mainly work on still images, 99% of the reel will be just that....still images. I am learning AE but it's a slow process and I planned on using AE to compile my work for the reel. What is a decent length for a reel? I have seen hundreds of reels, but with my lack of animation clips how can I make this work and still be worth the time it'll take to put it together? Thanks.

[kippu]

check out some templates at videohive for presentations , that should work the purpose

[jophus14]

Thanks for the reply Kippu. I will have to check out that site.

[Dave Buckley]

good little tips on showreels in the latest 3d world (from the likes of spine 3d - i think) - all be it a single page but the rest of the mag may be useful too

[MattFrench]

If arch/viz is like any other kind of CG, here's my tips based on submitting reels and reviewing reels:

 

Length: 2mins tops. No recruiter wants to watch 5minute long demo reels

 

Contact details: Put them everywhere, start, end on the CD, on your CV. Nothing worse than not being able to get someones details.

 

Start quickly: Don't spend 30seconds doing an amazing motion graphics animated intro of your name and contact details.

 

Best stuff first: Put your amazing work first. You want to impress immediately

No Work in Progress or work that is not top shelf: If *you* don't think it is that impressive, why would prospective clients?

 

Focus: Focus your content for the particular work for which you are trying to get (unless you are a jack of all trades).

 

Codec: Quicktime for the most part is bullet proof. Almost every studio will have it. Using crazy mp4 avi ogg mkv codecs because you are bleeding edge at home is no good if they can't watch it at their office. Possibly consider making a DVD-ROM which can be played on a standalone DVD player/TV with hi-def content that can be viewed from the computer if they want to get off the couch.

 

Basically, make it good, make it short, make it easy to contact you when they think you are awesome

Edited July 20, 2010 by MattFrench
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[jophus14]

MattFrench: Thanks for the breakdown. I have been checking out ton of demo reels on Vimeo. Time to start weeding out my work and getting down to business.

 

Dave Buckley: I was looking at the 3DWorld Magazine yesterday. Thanks for the heads up. They have a great article online about top 20 tips for CG artists. Good stuff.

 

Thank you both.

[Noise]

I would suggest having a good sound track (make it nice and tuneful) and edit the visuals to marry with the music. Impactful at the beginning with a steady dose of work at a good flow and something excellent at the end then your logo/details as the tune tails off. I would aim for 2:30, don't feel rushed to stick in too much work too quickly, the potential client wants to take it in but not get bored.