Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
demo reel should not run longer than two minutes. Arguably, even that is too long;
some great demo reels are considerably shorter than that. You have a maximum of 30
seconds to excite, and even less if the viewer sees anything—even something minor—
that they strongly dislike.
Selecting highlights
Like any other portfolio, the rule is: only your best stuff. However, the format
of the demo reel gives you the opportunity to cherry pick. Maybe you have a fairly
early project with flaws, but that also included some
great short bits. In a demo reel, you won't have to show
anything but the little gems. The same is true for a
piece you've been working on in your spare time but
haven't finished. No one will wonder whether the proj-
ect the clips came from was complete, unless they are
so impressed with your reel that they start searching
your portfolio site for it. And by that time, you've
probably grabbed them anyway.
Go through your work looking only for the highlights, particularly those that
support your expertise in your chosen area. If you are a film editor, for example,
you should highlight the way you juxtapose two types of material, maintain perfect
continuity, or cleverly recut a scene to create a subtext. If you are looking to break
into 3D animation, you'll want to show proficiency in texturing and modeling. For
work in game animations, clever workarounds in low-poly environments and good 2D
work are important.
But these are only broad categories, and can change year to year as new
features are added to software packages. One of the best ways to figure out the types
of skills that are currently in demand is to look at the reel submission requirements
for companies you'd like to work for. In many cases they will be quite specific about
what techniques matter to them. Of course, you always have to remember that such
guidelines will only give you a sense of in-demand technology, and that everyone
who pays attention will have seen the same lists. It's still your game to find the
expressive and creative ways to meet the technical basics that will make your reel
memorable.
The vast majority of demo reels
don't get past the first 20 seconds.
I'll hit play and five seconds, 10
seconds tops, if I'm not totally
enthralled I'm already on the fast
forward button.
—Terrence Masson
Variety
Within the highlights of your best work, look for variety. Part of what makes a
good reel is a broad mix of styles, types of projects, and subject matters. Variations in
pacing can be particularly useful, because they can help you establish a rhythm and
