Demo Reel Critique Please

Norm_Li

Norm_Li

Well-known member
Hey everyone,

This message string was somewhat part of the "DEVOTION" string but I think it's better if I start a new one because some may have not looked at that. Sorry if this causes any inconveniences.

Based on John Hudson's helpful suggestions on making the demo reel better, I slapped together a new one yesterday.
Your comments will be very helpful. I want to send this to potential employers so any critique is welcome to make this as good as I can get it.

New Demo Reel: http://www.q-films.com/temp/demoreel2004v3.mov

Also, do you think it's better to send out a high-quality file on regular CD for computer viewing or a DVD for the demo reel?

Thanks!

Norm
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Much better work on the second reel than the first one. Beautiful images... the shot in the cemetery looks too grainy... even though is one of my favorites in your collection. I'd say probably not include it (unless, otherwise sharpened). If you are not in a rush to distribute it... I'd recommend you to keep playing with various editing techniques… perhaps a faster pace for the overall reel, or maybe different music without the sounds of the original productions (something more dramatic) just to give you more choices; the reel is good but can be even better.
About your final output… I’d say DVD simply because the people you want to see the reel will most likely be in the industry, which means they will most likely have a DVD player; you know the standard Sshnees-it*

One more thing… what out for the typeface you choose for your slate.
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

There is some really nice stuff in here. I looked at your web site and was kind of surprised you do weddings.

As for sending it around, definitely do DVD.
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Opening credits you mention 24p and 16mm. Is all of this shot with the DVX or was their 16mm in there too? If so, which parts?
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Yep, I do weddings too. That's how I started my business actually. But of course it's not exactly what I want to do even though it was some good experience.

Everything was 16mm there except the DEVOTION movie clips (mother and daughter one) and the KILL ME clips (the two guys with the gun). Those two were DVX.

I have a few more days to edit but I would like to send stuff as soon as possible! Money is tight!!

Thanks for the suggestions, I will take them into consideration for sure.
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Oh,

And since I only did 5 or so short films that I would like to use for the demo reel, should I just mix up those or does it seem like I haven't done too much? I have done about 25-30 other video productions but I'm not sure if it would match if I stick in wedding and promo type stuff in this 2min demo reel either.

What do you guys think? I can pick up the pace a lot if I stick in the other non-drama video productions type stuff but I'm not sure if my demo reel should be separated into niches for job hunting.

If I saturate the 2minutes with the 5 short films I already did, it would look like I have limited experience (which in some ways I do! haha) but still... I want to make this as attractive as I can and to show that I have some other stuff under my belt too, not just a few short films.

Norm
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Wow, Norm, that's really awesome stuff. Very compelling to watch and you have a great eye.
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Love your reel norm.

Id hire you if you were in LA.

ONE THING THOUGH.....Can you please kill that cheesy scream that we hear everytime someone falls out of a window or off of a cliff. YEARRRHHHAAAAAAAHHHHGGGGHHH

I think I found someone who loves Oldboy just as much as I do.

Peace
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Thanks :)

I'm in the midst of almost completely another edit of the demo based on everyone's opinions here. I took off the two previous versions from my website and I will upload the new one in a few hours or so for additional suggestions/comments.

I think this one is more fast-paced and exciting than the rest now and showcases more footage than before.

Just so that I know what you mean, which cheezy scream are you talking about? :) The girl at the end? You mean the action or the sound?

Thanks!

Norm
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

i think the scream is part of the opening song that you chose its got that whole Sound library feel. The screams at the end are great...REAL
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please


I thought about that too! That was actually part of the song which I can't remember which song. Anyhow, it is taken out!

Darkstyle8, do you own a production company in L.A? I'm willing to relocate if necessary! Or do you know of any contacts in Canada?

I'm now uploading the newest revised demo reel:

http://www.q-films.com/temp/demoreel2004v3.mov

Thanks,

Norm
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

For those of you that have not seen Norm's DEVOTION film; do it! It's worth the Download!

:D
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

"pla pla pla pla...." thats me clapping ;D
Dude, You've nailed it.... sooo much better. I love the work you have done with the audio... strong support to your pictures. I'd still do something you your typeface. I think is a personal thing of mine, I strongly believe that a clean sans serif font with no additional decoration (like the glow you have) will help you more. Try a font like Akzidenz or more commonly Helvetica and play with the tracking. Remember that you want to show your cinematic skills and not your motion graphics one, it seems to me they are kind of competing with each other.

Good luck, I hope prospect employers see your potentials. You seem very talented.
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Hey thanks again guys!

Good idea! I forgot to change the typeface. I'll take your suggestion and do that sometime tonight for sure.

I wrote a few short scripts but unfortunately I haven't been able to direct them yet. I really want to though! I've mainly shot for people and directed one script that someone else wrote.

Haha! John loves Devotion!! lol

Norm
 
Re: Demo Reel Critique Please

Devotion is a great little film. Horror is one of my favorite junkie genres. Devotion is a twisted little short that is so well done. Spreadin the love!
 
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