{"id":120232,"date":"2019-09-19T06:00:50","date_gmt":"2019-09-19T11:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=120232"},"modified":"2019-09-11T11:07:58","modified_gmt":"2019-09-11T16:07:58","slug":"reasons-not-to-cut-your-own-dp-showreel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/reasons-not-to-cut-your-own-dp-showreel\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Shouldn’t Cut Your Own Director of Photography Showreel"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this breakdown, we look at some common pitfalls when cutting a showreel, how to successfully present your product, and why this is so important.<\/h2>\n

When I\u2019m producing a project, I spend a lot of time watching reels and trying to find the right cinematographer for the project. Unfortunately, there are many great shooters who aren\u2019t doing themselves any favors when present their own work. So here are a few reasons why, as a DP, you should not cut your own showreel.<\/p>\n

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You’re the Worst Person to Cut Your Own Showreel<\/h3>\n
\"Why<\/a>

Image via ponsulak<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s hard to forget the circumstances on set \u2014 or the long hours in post that made a particular shot possible. DPs are infamous for including shots they think are technically impressive, not knowing that the typical producer or director has no idea what was involved and doesn\u2019t care. They’re simply looking for the best work.<\/p>\n

Beyond the specifics of what to include, there’s a deeper reason to have someone else cut your own reel. Editing is a specialized skill, just like cinematography. Just because you have Premiere or Final Cut on your computer doesn\u2019t make you an editor. Your showreel is the single most important tool for getting work. Are you really going to trust that to someone who has never had a professional editing job?<\/p>\n

DPs who cut their own reels are similar to actors who take their own headshots. Their efforts are usually only satisfactory, at best.<\/p>\n

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Get to the Good Stuff Quickly<\/h3>\n