Showreel feedback?

Grug

Grug

Veteran
Hi guys,

I'd be keen to hear any feedback or suggestions people might have on the new reel I've cut. It's a bit different from most of the cinematography showreels I've seen because it shows sequences rather than montage, so I'm wondering whether people think it works, or whether I'd do better to have a montaged reel that shows shots from a broader range of projects?

I figure that for narrative work, the more important aspect is to show that you can shoot cohesive scenes, but it does play very differently to a montage cut to music so I'm a little unsure whether it's a good idea or not.

Password: showreel

Any thoughts or suggestions on the cut would be much appreciated.

Cheers
 
Here's my humble take on it:

First of all, good reel. Lots of talent.

But the sequence v. montage thing...

Producers/directors aren't cinematographers. I'm willing to bet that you're going to miss out on a lot of jobs to people who may not be as good as you but put in their reel montage shots of their absolute best work.

But, the jobs you DO get will probably be had because someone recognized your style and ability to light an entire scene, not just someone who got a few good/lucky shots in.

So my analysis of the situation? Your current reel is likely to get you fewer, but more rewarding jobs. Depends on where you're at in your career and what you want to decide whether that's a good thing or not.
 
Clearly you can shoot. But, the reel doesn't work for me. This falls between two stalls. It's neither a clips reel nor a montage. It makes it feel like you have only two jobs to showcase.

I think there is a place for both a clips reel and a montage reel, but lose the music from the clips, just let the scene play out with it's proper sound. Choose eight to ten scenes from a few different jobs and don't be afraid to have the clips reel a little longer.
 
Hi Mark, looks great... I been too lazy to put either a montage or sequence together so you are miles ahead of me in that department.

As for sequence vs. montage, my opinion is if you are more posing as a "production" company who can handle all facets of video/film production then the sequences are fine. It you're trying to just focus on DP then I'd say the reel need to be full of beauty shots, money shots, shots with cool camera moves, shots with amazing lighting, etc..

Either way you have a great start to it, and you can evolve it as you go.
 
Thanks guys, really appreciate the feedback. A really interesting point sonofares, I hadn't considered that, and Dennis, this is more of a personal reel than one for the company.

As it stands I'm not quite convinced about the clips formats either, I think you hit the nail on the head Liam - it's neither one thing or the other. So I think I'll go back and cut a broader montage-style reel instead with a wider spread of my work.
 
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