Guidelines for Building a Demo Reel

Length:

  • Shorter is always better. Reviewing reels can be a daunting task. Often the task involves reviewers looking at hundreds of tapes/cds/dvds in a single sitting. Because of this hectic schedule your masterpiece may only have a few seconds to spark the interest of your audience.
  • The industry recommendation is to keep your reel under two minutes (60 seconds would be ideal).
  • If you can’t possibly present all of your work (and talents) in two minutes, try separating your reel into two parts. Part one should be a 1-2 minute clip presenting your work, while the second part can be a longer format designed to present your pieces in their entirety. If you use this method be sure to clearly identify the sections and leave a menu or black slate between the parts.
    • One popular idea is to create a menu with time-code and details about each piece to be viewed.

Format:

  • Check with the company to see what format they prefer. Sometimes there are specific viewing requirements. The typical formats are:
    • VHS Tape
    • CD-Rom
    • DVD
    • Web site
      • Never submit a website unless you were specifically asked to do so
      • Be certain that the site navigates flawlessly in every browser
  • Create a table of contents or breakdown sheet identifying the disc/tape contents and details for each project. The details should include:
    • Project Title (with time-code if applicable)
    • Project description (2-3 sentences)
    • Your contribution to the project.
      • If the submitted work was a collaboration, be sure to specify your involvement in the final piece. (i.e. “developed shading algorithm for cityscape” or “provided original music and foley work”). Never take credit for someone else’s work.
      • If you did everything on your own then say so.
    • Software used in production and any special techniques used to achieve a particular effect.
  • Label the demo reel with your name and contact information. This is a simple suggestions but one that is often forgotten. During the review process your reel and resume may get separated, labeling your reel insures that you get credit for the work. Your name and contact information should appear in the opening and closing of the reel, on the reel packaging, on the breakdown sheet, as well as in all communications with the company recruiter.

The Process:

  • The first piece you present should be your best work. It’s important to grab the audience’s attention at the start of your reel. Remember, a reviewer will be “scanning” hundreds of reels. It’s rare they’ll have time to look at your work in its entirety. If they don’t see something interesting in the first few seconds your hard work might get passed by without further consideration.
    • Create multiple versions of your reel customized for each industry or technical area of focus. And remember to label them accordingly.
    • It’s also handy to have a separate version of your reel for personal/face-to-face viewing. This piece can be a little longer (3 minutes max) because you’ll probably narrate the contents during the interview.
    • Update the content every six months. Add new pieces, but more importantly get rid of old or outdated work.
  • Carefully consider the content and structure of your reel. This is often the first impression you’ll create with the reviewers. Take the time and plan out the flow of your work. Find or develop a mechanism for transitioning from one section to the next.
    • Think linearly; build an opening and a closing for the reel.
    • Create a transitional element/style to tie everything together
  • Many people create a source reel first. The source reel contains all of your work together in one format (probably DV tape).
    • This will become the source for your demo reels. It will help streamline your selection process
    • Build this source reel now. Don’t wait until you need a demo reel. It’s much easier to just add your latest masterpiece to the source reel.
  • Use your own work! Use your own work!
    • If you must use someone else’s work, be sure to give them proper credit on the breakdown sheet and with the reel itself.

Other Notes:

Jack Lew of Electronic Arts adds the follow comments:

Be aware that most studios will not return reels due to the quantity they receive.

Be patient. Companies have procedures in the reel review process and this can take a week or it can take a month. It’s fine to follow up with an email inquiry after 2 or 3 weeks. One follow up is sufficient.

Get as much background information as you can per the studio and position you are applying for so that you can gear your reel towards that end.

If you are applying to a company that has studios in different geographic locations, indicate in your cover letter which location(s) you prefer and why. An honest statement does not eliminate you if there is no opening in the location of your choice. If we really want you, we’ll approach you about openings in other locations.

If you are rejected, don’t hesitate to apply again at another time because job openings change regularly. Check the company’s website periodically. You should try to send an updated and improved reel when you resubmit.

Unfortunately, companies don’t usually have the time and resources to give each applicant personal feedback. But, we all know that there is always room for improvement so keep developing that knock out reel!