ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 2 months ago - James Cookson

Thanks for the feedback John. Feel free to get in touch.
Hi Matt thanks for the feedback also and a good point. I wrestled with this early on and initially my reel was a collection of scenes but the general consensuses I got back was make it snappier and draw the viewer in. If there interested they'll go on to watch your shorts. Out of context scenes, even with good acting, can fall flat without context. Its a tricky balance.

11 years, 1 month ago - D. James Newton

Well as Deva says, it's a work in progress. And here's where I am thus far. All comments welcome. https://vimeo.com/98055663

thanks
James

11 years, 2 months ago - John David Clay

James,

Thanks for the tips, I might give you a ring and discuss further in next week. feedback - very dynamic, punchy V good production quality. good example of a Director's reel.

Thanks again.

John

11 years, 2 months ago - D. James Newton

Thanks for sharing your reels. This is really helpful as I begin to construct mine - it's great to see 2 different styles of reel. Great work from both of you.
J.

11 years, 2 months ago - Deva Palmier

BTW. Only your best work. Anything less than best keep it out!

11 years, 2 months ago - Deva Palmier

Thanks James. Looking forward to taking a look at your reel, when you're ready.

Best
Deva

11 years, 2 months ago - Matt Jamie

My thinking if you're doing a directors reel is you need 'performance' material in there - to show your skill as a director. A bunch of pretty shots in a montage looks great, but that could all be down to a DoP/Editors skills. If its a DoP reel then as much good looking stuff as possible, but if I was looking for someone to direct something I'd be wanting to see 'proper' segments of their films. e.g. on yours, James, (which all looks amazing) there's a couple of great scenes in there (the guy crying, the fight scene) but a lot of the rest of it all we get is flashy camera work. You may have shot them yourself of course, but then I'd call it a DP/Director reel...

11 years, 2 months ago - Deva Palmier

Hi John,

I agree. Keep it short and punchy. Give us drama.

My Directoring reel is showreel of the week at Directors UK.

https://vimeo.com/89343286

I prefer short extracts of scenes. I'm not keen on loud pumping music to visuals. I think as drama filmmakers we need different tones. These are tasters for people to ask for more.

I just put my fave bits together. It wasn't difficult. I posted it up on FB and a couple of people had quibbles, but most gave it a thumbs up.

But these reels are works in progress, so I might add and change bits soon - update it on Vimeo.

Please share yours when you are done!

Best wishes

Deva

11 years, 2 months ago - James Cookson

I've recently finished my reel and it was a lot harder then I initially expected. Firstly I did a load of research, watching showreel's, I was putting together a directors reel but its good to watch all types, and reading various articles and post online about making a reel. Once I had a cut I showed it to as many people as I could getingt feedback on what worked what didn't. Its tricky because you'll be really close to the material and your favorite stuff just might not resonate with others. Content is king and I need more material but that's the great thing about a reel once you have the basic structure you can continue to add your new elements. In answer to your points above id say....

1. It has to be short and punchy no more than 2min's.
2.Start strong but that might not be your best work just the most visually interesting.
3. You need it to look and sound as professional as possible.
4/5 Upload it to both Vimeo and Youtube but I use the vimeo link when sending it out to potential employers its more professional. Use there recommended encoding options both have detailed pages regarding this.

Here's my reel, http://vimeo.com/93423283, feel free to check it out and give me some feedback.

Cheers
James