2010/2011 Demo Reel at DVinfo.net

John C. Plunkett · December 1st, 2010, 11:56 AM

I decided to put together a demo reel, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I do mostly television commercial work so it really doesn't have much of a range. I found it somewhat difficult to bridge commercials together into a singular project, so my feelings on the final product are mixed.

If you have any suggestions I would like to hear them.

YouTube - Demo Reel 2010/2011

Patrick McLoad · December 7th, 2010, 12:18 PM

Well, I'm the last person to critique someone's demo reel, but since you asked, I thought I'd give you my impressions. First and foremost, I wouldn't use the music track from Guess Who. Not only does it lack energy (especially with slow sections), it doesn't relate to what the viewer is watching and the lyrics are a distraction.

I think you would be much better off by using a non-BMI/ASCAP music track that doesn't raise a flag on YouTube. To a certain degree, you're showing to you are prospects that it's okay to rip off copyrighted material. Do that with one of their commercials (without clearance) and they are in legal trouble (technically). I recommend you try Sonic Pro for your music tracks.

Second, I think it's too long....but again, you were just filling the song, weren't you? I would leave out the marginal stuff, and don't repeat anything, such as the scene with the 3-5 guys on the couch or the little miniature guy on the car seat. Pick out the best and make your demo no longer that 1 minute. A prospect can make up their mind by that time. You can always show them a longer version if they call and are interested in seeing more.

Last, re-do you ending credits page, and leave off the beer humor. Just your name, company name. and contact info.

Good luck!

Patrick McLoad

December 1st, 2010, 11:56 AM	#1
John C. Plunkett Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Jacksonville, Illinois Posts: 130	2010/2011 Demo Reel I decided to put together a demo reel, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I do mostly television commercial work so it really doesn't have much of a range. I found it somewhat difficult to bridge commercials together into a singular project, so my feelings on the final product are mixed. If you have any suggestions I would like to hear them. YouTube - Demo Reel 2010/2011

December 7th, 2010, 12:18 PM	#2
Patrick McLoad Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 52	Well, I'm the last person to critique someone's demo reel, but since you asked, I thought I'd give you my impressions. First and foremost, I wouldn't use the music track from Guess Who. Not only does it lack energy (especially with slow sections), it doesn't relate to what the viewer is watching and the lyrics are a distraction. I think you would be much better off by using a non-BMI/ASCAP music track that doesn't raise a flag on YouTube. To a certain degree, you're showing to you are prospects that it's okay to rip off copyrighted material. Do that with one of their commercials (without clearance) and they are in legal trouble (technically). I recommend you try Sonic Pro for your music tracks. Second, I think it's too long....but again, you were just filling the song, weren't you? I would leave out the marginal stuff, and don't repeat anything, such as the scene with the 3-5 guys on the couch or the little miniature guy on the car seat. Pick out the best and make your demo no longer that 1 minute. A prospect can make up their mind by that time. You can always show them a longer version if they call and are interested in seeing more. Last, re-do you ending credits page, and leave off the beer humor. Just your name, company name. and contact info. Good luck! Patrick McLoad