I was re-considering what was on my current reel and came up against the question that I have thought about many times in the past.  So I thought I would throw it out there to the collective brain trust for other viewpoints.

I like my reel to be no longer than 7-8 minutes (I do spots, so this is easy as far as number of commercials), which forces me to make a decision on what to put on it.  After 27 years in the business, boiling it down to 7 minutes is a challenge and humbling experience (realizing that I have done so much "commerce" versus "art").  Also, I find that the work I like the best are not the national spots and campaigns.  It usually is the smaller agency work, PSA's etc, where I have alot more editorial freedom to affect the final look of the spot.  I feel this represents me better as an editor.  However, doing that leaves clients like Geico, Advance Auto, Circuit City, Car Max, UPS, etc...on the cutting room floor and my feeling is a lot of agency creatives are looking for "name dropping" when they look at a reel, rather then editorial technique, style, etc.

So the question is, how important is 'name dropping' on a reel even though it does not represent your best editorial work?  Maybe there should be two different reels or menu options on the web site?  Or just make the current one a couple minutes longer?

No big deal really.  Just a muse over coffee, but would like to hear other opinions and maybe Robert can chime in from the agency side.  Thanks all.

Hi there,

Coming from another spot editor, never put anything that isn't great on the reel. If that means leaving national work with a great director/agency off then so be it. I usually include the director and agency on the log. Animated intro quickly includes my company name and my name only. No need for phone numbers and stuff. That is on the label or website. My reel is rarely more than eight spots. If it is more, then it is a custom reel for someone.  If clients can't figure you out in six to eight spots, then there is something wrong. And as we all know shorter is sweeter. Also, no need for DVD menu. Should just auto play. Simple Simple Simple. Let the work do the talking. You can check my reel out on our site below under editors>kelly vander linda>play entire reel. Thanks.

http://collective-edit.com

Kelly -

thanks for your input and you confirm my thoughts.  I think I have about 9 spots, but two are 60's and another is a 40+ second directors cut.  I get even simpler at the start of my reel with a simple fade up/fade out of my company, name and web site.  I have also done a couple of "longer form" (2 minute) web based PSA's that I think I will just have on my site as a separate menu item, therefore keeping the spot work separate, but letting the viewer/user check other stuff out if needed.  Thanks again, and off to check out your reel..oh, my online reel is at: 1708 Reel

sw

Hi Kelly and Scott,

While I agree with what you write in general Kelly, I wonder if you are missing an opportunity here.

With the ease of DVD creation these days, why not a DVD where the first play is the short and sweet demo which then dumps into a menu where more is offered?  If the viewer is interested - there it is. They are not forced to make any decision up front and will not be put of by a daunting menu when they pop the DVD in. But if they want to see more, it is available.

This is what I am planning.  Thoughts?

Cheers,

Jef

Hey Jef -

I did this a while back.  A DVD with the full reel, then each spot as a separate button, and then a couple of extras.  What I found was that most everyone looked at the full reel only, and since it was only 6-7 minutes, they just re-ran it if they see something interesting.  Actually, I am really finding that even DVD based reels are getting to be old-school, and the reel on the web site is a more important item to focus on.  Plus, if a client wants to see more comedy work, for example, I can pop those on my web site much quicker than the whole DVD creation process, shipping, etc.

...making a demo reel, eh Jef...?

;-)

Jef,

Not sure what your focus is and this might make more sense for you. Our focus is spot work. We work closely with ad agency folks. There are hundreds of 'A List' options out there for them to work with. So keep it simple. Avoid any fluff or extra steps to seeing your work. Also, avoid web sites with long animated intros and eye candy that distracts from the work. If anything, it makes folks more critical of your work because you made them work to see it. Should be simple, tasteful, easy to navigate, minimal, etc.

If they want more, they will ask for it. And be ready to give it to them on short notice. Again, this is if you are showing your work to ad folks. Probably is different for other types of projects. Especially long form.

Good luck!

 Scott and Kelly,

You two have some of the best reels I've seen.  Just made a reel for our company to send to a few potential clients and did what you two have--company name, spots, company name, black.  Simple, sweet, nothing to distract them from what we do.

Thanks for sharing your work.

Michael.

Thanks Michael.

thank you michael!

Hey switthaus, 

In case you were looking for a place to post your demo reel, we've just developed a site for just that purpose - check it out at http://www.showmethereel.com 

We originally developed it for our film and tv management company to help our own clients, but now we are opening it to everyone. 

Best, 

sandy@showmethereel.com

switthaus:

I was re-considering what was on my current reel and came up against the question that I have thought about many times in the past.  So I thought I would throw it out there to the collective brain trust for other viewpoints.

I like my reel to be no longer than 7-8 minutes (I do spots, so this is easy as far as number of commercials), which forces me to make a decision on what to put on it.  After 27 years in the business, boiling it down to 7 minutes is a challenge and humbling experience (realizing that I have done so much "commerce" versus "art").  Also, I find that the work I like the best are not the national spots and campaigns.  It usually is the smaller agency work, PSA's etc, where I have alot more editorial freedom to affect the final look of the spot.  I feel this represents me better as an editor.  However, doing that leaves clients like Geico, Advance Auto, Circuit City, Car Max, UPS, etc...on the cutting room floor and my feeling is a lot of agency creatives are looking for "name dropping" when they look at a reel, rather then editorial technique, style, etc.

So the question is, how important is 'name dropping' on a reel even though it does not represent your best editorial work?  Maybe there should be two different reels or menu options on the web site?  Or just make the current one a couple minutes longer?

No big deal really.  Just a muse over coffee, but would like to hear other opinions and maybe Robert can chime in from the agency side.  Thanks all.