Demo Reels

[Prairieboy]

My Videographer reel is in need of updating, and I have been doing so much post work I believe it is time for one of those as well. So I would love to see some reels out there. I will show you mine, if you show me yours.

Mine is a bit old, but then again, I feel am going that way as well.

http://flatlandfilms.com/reel/demoweb.mov

[HorseFilms]

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I love your reel. It's pretty bad ass, my friend.:beer:

[Prairieboy]

Thanks. I think I have seen it way too many times. Time for the new freshness.
Come on people, show em! I need to steal some cool ideas.

[jpbankesmercer]

Mines on my web front page but im thinking of changing it :( Overland used the line "camp/ sideshow/ underground" :crybaby: :dankk2: :)

[David George Ellis]

Hey Prairie,

Sorry to make this long, but I care...

Not sure if this is your old or new reel but... Some constructive points to make;

Start with your strongest shots. Your opening shot is good, but it's not your strongest. Conversely, your 2:33 shot is very strong. I would like to see that at the beginning. Line up those strong shots in the first 45 seconds.

Cut down or eliminate fades, zooms and flash edits where applicable. See the shot for what it is, not how it cuts. Post effects can become too distracting, which becomes annoying and the Producer turns you off.

Stay dangerous. I see you have shots that break the conventionality of cinematography, keep them in. Keep my attention. Producers have innumerable reels to look at and if you have something alluring, it may tempt them to look a little longer. This can be good and bad. Good if you've got good stuff, bad if you've got bad stuff (Capt. Obvious says).

The two similar dolly shots through the gate may seem a little redundant to producers. You might wanna reconsider cutting one of them out. I prefer the first b/c I can see the attractive woman's face more clearly.

The first crucial 12 of 45 seconds are spent telling people what they already know about you. We want to see your shots. Not your graphics. The last 22 are spent telling people nothing worth waiting for. A waste of 34 seconds total. IMO, your contact info should be seen somewhere other than in your reel, i.e., the rest of your website, the DVD face/cover your reel came with, or the business card you ship the DVD with. If you're gonna put it in, do it at the beginning. That way, people know how to contact you from the get go rather than leaving it up to mystery at the end. But make it short and sweet. Producers can always press pause.

Now to build you up...

I see you have some really strong stuff in there, you just need to bring it up to the forefront. I love your cinematic shots. You may want to consolidate them so producers can get a full feel for what you offer. Sometimes mixing doesn't match. You may take this with a grain of salt, but I've had the distinct opportunity to work with these two gentlemen:

Alec Jarnagin
www.floatingcamera.com

Joe Labisi
www.joelabisi.com

I was charged with editing Alec's Steadicam reel and it represents what his agent wants to show to producers. Joe is a superb D.P., and I've had the lucky chance to operate for and be liked by him, I think. Both reels are comprised of a similar structure. Short, poppy shots, followed by lengthier, more complete scenes. Alec's is geared for episodic TV and movies, Joe's leans toward music videos. But in the first 45 seconds, you are getting some of their hottest ish.

I hope you take this with the utmost respect. I remember putting my first reel together and was greeted with harsh criticism by Alec and his wife, Jendra, who is also a great D.P. They didn't give it to me because they thought I couldn't take it. I'm just passing their wisdom onto you because I honor their opinion and they are time-proven professionals. I feel the same love from Joe.

I wish you the best in your work. I see there is greatness in you and I feel you'll do well. Take my advice for what it's worth and good luck. If you do change your reel, I would love to see it. If not, maybe I'm an idiot. So here's my glass house so you can throw stones. Mind you, it's over a year and a half old and I've learned a lot of this since then. Still waiting for new footage to come in. THAT is the hardest part of making your reel. Stay on your producers!!! Alright, no more excuses.

MY .MAC SITE (http://homepage.mac.com/citizenblack)

ONE,

David

[jpbankesmercer]

Prairei boy, really like your reel, Im defo changing mine now :)

Ok music super, the only thing that put me off was so many interview sections, cut them down. Love the dolly shots, book on fire, opening shots. Think with a slight re-jig it will be ace. I suppose youve got to ask yourself who am I aiming this reel at. When the interviews sections came up, I said to myself is this a corporate reel or drama...Just a few thoughts for you.

Now that I'm changing mine, anybody help me on the shots to keep??

http://www.jpbankesmercer.com/movielinks/00.wmv
http://www.jpbankesmercer.com/movielinks/00.mov

Cheers.
J.P.

[Prairieboy]

I appreciat the kind words. I know mine is dated, it has been a few years, and seveal clients ago. What I was really trying to get going was to have members see various reels, and different styles and skills out there.