showreels

[shnubie]

have you guys got any ideas or advice about making a showreel for sound. I'm a recent graduate trying to break in to post production, looking for a bit advice.

[Bondelev]

In 20 years of editing and mixing, the only time I have ever been asked to show a "reel" for sound was for academic jobs. Every other job has been based on personal recommendations, interviews, and my resume.

[AdmNaismith]

I've brought a reel along to some interviews. I'm not entirely convinced those watching could really evaluate what they were watching and hearing.

I would illustrate your work for interiors, exteriors, use of lavs (hidden esp), any running/walking & talking, and maybe car work. Just pick what you consider is your best/most difficult work. Keep it under 5 minutes. Put your name and Ph# is all over the box, the disc, and at the end of the video.

[henchman]

In 20 years of editing and mixing, the only time I have ever been asked to show a "reel" for sound was for academic jobs. Every other job has been based on personal recommendations, interviews, and my resume.

I'll take that a step further.
Every facility I've worked has everyone laughs and jokes when someone drops of a "reel" with their resume.


Seriously, nobody cares about your reel.
What they want to know is if you can get along with everyone else.

[Michael]

Every facility I've ever done tech work for always has reels of everyone in their facility.

Whether they give them out is a different story, but the post house typically has branded reels of that editor made and ready to go.

I have clips on my website, as indie filmmakers who do not have the connections to know you from a referral (or, you just work on indies) sometimes don't know the complete process, and like being educated.

On bigger films, No. I've never needed one...although, producers whom I've bumped into at various functions over the years and whom I've grown friendly with may still not want to put their neck on the line for someone with just a few credits to their name - so that's when I tell them I'd like to show them what I do.

I've also seen many job applications online (namely for Video game places) asking for reels.

I think once you get to a certain point in your career, where you have some bigger names on your resume, you won't need it.

My .02.

[minister]

I'll take that a step further.
Every facility I've worked has everyone laughs and jokes when someone drops of a "reel" with their resume.

Seriously, nobody cares about your reel.
What they want to know is if you can get along with everyone else.Towns are different. smaller markets that have a lot of Commercial work : Chicago, Minneapolis, St Louis, Detroit, Dallas, Boston.... all LIVE by show (or demo) reels. You may think it is a joke on your town, but i am asked for a reel VERY FREQUENTLY. Even for repeat 'clients'. but this tends to be ad agencies. Directors and producers of films want to come by and see your facility and your work. Producers of TV want you to send your reel. Producers of TV who are looking for a composer want to see your reel.

In LA it is unusual to have reel in the fim world. you get work by word of mouth, past gigs, relationship developing and good fortunes. yet, i DO know that even in LA, commercial audio and music people have reels. so do animators. so do directors.

so, do some research about where you will be shopping your work. and stop laughing at us who HAVE to do it to get work.