When it comes to getting work as a film and video editor, should you have a demo reel? And if so, how do you make a really great one?<\/em><\/p>\n That’s what someone asked me over email the other day, and it got me to thinking that, actually, showcasing an editor’s skill isn’t the same as\u00a0doing so for a director of photography, a motion graphics artist, or even a colorist. An editor needs to be able to demonstrate structure, pacing, and emotions \u2014 just by juxtaposing one shot next to another, over and over.<\/p>\n I would argue that an editor shouldn’t have a demo reel as we commonly think of one \u2014 a montage of your best bits cut to music \u2014 because it just shows you can cut a (hopefully flashy) montage but not much else. So the better question might be better “How can you effectively communicate your editing skills to prospective clients?”<\/p>\n First, I recommend that editors\u00a0maintain a portfolio website that clients can easily access to find what they are looking for, based on the topic or genre they need. Clients almost always want to see that you have the experience\u00a0they want, rather than just\u00a0similar projects \u2014 if you’ve done a burger commercial,\u00a0does that mean you can also do a beer commercial? (“But has he done liquids?”)<\/p>\n So build a portfolio site categorized by topic \u2014 music videos, commercials, wedding videos, TV shows, animation etc. \u2014 so prospective clients can find what they’re looking for.<\/p>\n Make sure you add a little bit of text to explain each project, including your role on the crew.\u00a0Detail where the project appeared, who directed it, who it was for, and any feedback it received. This helps give context to the work.<\/p>\n One thing to keep in mind when building your portfolio site,\u00a0just like building a reel, is to\u00a0showcase the kind of work you want to be doing. Shape your site around this content.\u00a0When you’re just starting out,\u00a0this might mean showcasing less work, as you build your back catalogue in\u00a0your target area, but at least you’re presenting yourself to clients in the manner of your own choosing.<\/p>\n (Adding spec work is totally fine, as long as you’re clear that it wasn’t commissioned by the brand.)<\/p>\n If you’ve worked on a feature film or TV show and, for copyright reasons, you can’t show the whole thing, then see if you can either include a short scene or excerpt instead. This\u00a0is also true if\u00a0a full short film is quite long (15-20 mins+)\u00a0\u2014 a client might not have the inclination to watch the entire thing.\u00a0A 1-3 minute runtime is much more inviting.<\/p>\n If you need to password-protect videos so that only clients can view them, that’s fine too, just make sure you include the password in your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 or cover letter.<\/p>\n Traditionally, a demo reel\u00a0showcases filmmaking talent in a succinct and entertaining manner. The idea is to stand out\u00a0in the crowd and\u00a0demonstrate that you can deliver the\u00a0<\/em>specific thing a client is seeking. But this format doesn’t work well if the required discipline in the scene is to hold a single shot for an uncomfortably long time. Would you hire an editor for a 60-second single shot showreel?<\/p>\n![\"Should](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/export.jpg\" "\\"Should")
\n<\/a>Photo via iamwayclick<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Should](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/video-editing.jpg\" "\\"Should")
\n<\/a>Image via Gorodenkoff<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nHow to Build a Better Demo Reel<\/h3>\n