Hey guys. I was going through some of my old folders from when I taught the mad academy classes and thought I would type up the notes I made for the lecture on showreel creation, to give a lecture on this subject I used to have these notes on the desk and just blab on about my own experiences and also things my colleagues have said about the subject. I found this info (from various sources) quite relevant and usefull when considering the process of making a showreel and applying for jobs in the 3d industry.

Showreel notes.

1) How long? - First 30 seconds to make an impression. As long as a typical commercial.

2) Make the first 30 seconds like an commercial about you.

3) Best case scenario: The employer is still watching after 30 seconds and puts you're reel
in the"Maybe" pile.

Content:

1) Match the content for the position you are applying for.

2) Make multiple versions of you're reel for different job roles. ie: animation, modelling, rigging etc..

3) Maybe make a DVD with sections.

4) Probably best to have the DVD auto start.

5) Know the standards you're employer needs and have you're reel flawlessly achieve it. (don't include

dodgy work)

6) Never take credit for other peoples work.

7) Make it clear what you're role was (include a shot list)

8) Include you're contact information (on the reel)

9) make it relevant, make it short, make it good...

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10 TIPS:

1) Packaging: make it professional and well designed, so they can find it and remember it.

It will show you have good presentation skills which is obviously important.


2) Be specific about the position you want. People don't hire generalists Ie: an animator specialising

in 2D, 3D, Design, Animation, Special effects and Compositing. People hire specialists (with a wide

knowledge base) At the very least you need to approach people as someone passionate about

learning a specific craft. Know one ever says at a meeting "hey I know this guy who is multi talented

and we should hire him just to be around for whatever comes up, They say: " Hey I think I know this

guy who would be perfect for the job - hes a brilliant animator".


notes on point 2:

You can be hired as a generalist in smaller studios, just be honest, maybe a little

modest, and know what you're ideal area is.

ie: I love modelling and texturing, or, I love animation, or, my passion is for compositing.

It is valid to say you are a matte painter who uses 3D to make epic virtual environments.
Or a 3D artist who does most of his
own compositing. But to say you are an expert 3D,2D compositor who can do character
animation and design isnt going to work. Pick a job and go for that.
a) it makes the right person see you're work.
b) it makes them see it in the right context.

People look for specialisation and relevancy ie: If you are a 2D artist who specialises in
complex 3D integration into live

action and you worked on Spiderman, then you will easily get an interview to work on
Superman because you're experience is relevant and you're skills are specialised in
the area of the new project.


3) In an interview play you're reel and let it speak, don't discuss it over the top. It will distract
them from you're work. Maybe print out stills describing what you did on each shot.


4) Put you're best material first. maybe a montage if you're work sustains it. not so for animation roles.


5) Don't point out you're faults. ie: "oh, this was a horror job the director was such a prat, he made it
look crap". Be proud of you're work and be professional.

6) Make it consistent. if you want to be a compositor don't throw in a few examples of product designs
you did at uni.


7) Keep it short. 30 seconds- 3 minutes Maximum.


8) Be innovative - someone said that if you write one odd personal interest in you're CV you will stand
out. like: Sking, movies, Naked KY wrestling, travelling, tennis. People will say "oh, you're the KY guy".

You might try doing an animated character narrating the reel, or an animated intro of yourself
introducing the reel. Make sure its pro, otherwise dump it.


9) Don't lead with spaceships. Be original, it may be relevant but genuine original work and a good attitude are the most vital.


10) Be honest. Don't say you can do work that you can't do. ie: If you did a few particles on a job don't
take the renders to studio and cliam you did the whole shot, it will backfire.


THE BEST REELS ARE:

Simple, stick in you're mind, and are easy to find on you're desk a week later.

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