[How to Make A Demo Reel]

By Jaqueline Afonso

Demo reels are not just clips of scenes spliced together – they’re the meat and potatoes of your portfolio. Whether you’re an art director, special effects artist or cinematographer, you need a demo reel.

It’s an important tool that captures the artist’s knowledge and talent in a collection of brief episodes. The reels can be made in video, DVD, digital video tape or web based formats.

Craig Mullins, a cinematographer and business director of Demo Reel Network, says a standard demo reel reveals a filmmaker’s strengths. It is important that filmmakers target their demo reels toward a specific job, Mullins says. A cinematographer’s demo reel should display attractive scene settings and landscapes, while a director’s should “have a lot of dialogue, some complicated emotional scenes, and things that are challenging for a director to direct.”

Production staff also use demo reels. Camera operators should showcase their skills by including scenes where they’ve “operated the camera in a variety of difficult situations.” An editor’s reel should “show his ability to edit a variety of styles,” Mullins says.

Bill Davis, a professional video producer for over 15 years, says demo reels must be brief.

“The most common mistake people make is making (it) too long, showcasing entire performances or whole works rather than the ‘best of the best’.”

Commercial reels are the exception.

“The form of the work is so brief, typically 30 to 60 seconds, that it’s appropriate to include a variety of complete examples.”

Davis warns not to sacrifice quality for quantity.

“Make the first thing they see, the best thing they see.”

Demo reels can be made in the privacy of your own home with a personal computer. All you need is the appropriate video editing software. If you need a hand, book time with a video production facility. The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto is a good place to start, especially if you’re cash-strapped. You can use their equipment for free if you volunteer 20 hours of your time.

Mailing your demo reel to a potential employer can cost an arm and a leg. Instead, put your demo reel online. It’s more accessible to professionals. Mullins’ Demo Reel Network charges $25 a month for eight minutes worth of episodes and allows filmmakers to personalize their web address. If you have your demo reel online, you can update it at a moment’s notice.

Get your creative juices flowing before you plunge in. Don’t go over the top or the time limit. Remember, the purpose of a demo reel is not only to entertain but to sell yourself to potential employers.

 

<<<BACK

NEXT>>>