DEMO REEL RESEARCH

The breakdown for a demo reel pretty much goes like this. There are lot's of do's and don't of the demo reel but basically it boils down to:

1. Make it short.   Don't jumble it up with lots of stuff.  It's a bit like a pitch line.

2. Include a good variety of different work that highlights what it is that you do.

3.  Make sure that it is your best work.  Why would you want to include something you almost did well to a possible employer????

4.  The music isn't all that important.

$. Nothing gross or weird.  Make it presentable as if you were going to be present in an interview when the people watch this video.  You are not trying to get a show at the Whitney after all.  So... BE PROFESSIONAL!!!


There are some really funny demo reels out there.  this one is great for a good laugh.  It made me laugh anyways.  It's not a great demo reel. First, the dude's animation/cinema work isn't anything to write home about, and second, the music cusses a lot.  It's very juvenile, and so, that is probably why I laughed at it.


Ian Pfaff's Demo Reel from Ian Pfaff on Vimeo.
Here is another one demo reel. this one is very long, but there is a great multitude of awesome footage and work from some Television and commercial work. The music is not offensive and seems to be okay, but I hate the music for some reason. could be just my taste preferences.
Branit|vfx 2009 Reel from BranitVFX on Vimeo.

Here is a wonderful (and very LONG) cinematographer's demo reel.  this one is done with super wide screen. The music is totally freaky, but then again, so is the imagery, so it has a nice flow.



Director | Cinematographer REEL from Elliott Sellers on Vimeo.

Here is another professional demo reel that seems to work well.  It is short and sweet, (only a minute and a half).  Although it doesn't have the widest range of variety, it does have a lot of good work and the music doesn't seem to weigh too much.  I would love to have something about half this long.

2011 Demo Reel from Daniel Oeffinger on Vimeo.