My 2011 Demo Reel

[Archamedes 10]

Hey all, I am about to apply to some companies for 3d game animation and video graphic design. So unlike most companies that want a CV, in the 3D animation world, we need Demo reels. Here is mine, comments and opinions please

[PuFu 4600]

Hey archamedes,

While some of the stuff there is pretty good, i have the distinct feeling that the visual quality of the reel is low, or in fact that the quality of individual pieces in the said reel are very different, making the video look as a collage on the hurry rather than a video you would use to get a job.

Suggestions A (a general view on portfolios and reels):

1. set a scope/aim for the reel. You don't need to put there all the work you have ever done. Focus at the job you apply on. make sure you showcase work that is hardly seen from a render POV as well as the animated sequence. (rigs, of the software motion, etc).

2. Don't be affraid to redo some of the existing work (re-render if necesary).

3. Make sure the reel is read as one continuous video with a start and an end. (that means fonts, layout, inbetween effects etc).

Suggestions on the video:

1. change the track you composed on. If you ask me it drags the reel quality down.

2. try to put some contrast in your work. Some of the video quality seems to be of a VCR: low resolution, very washed out. As previously said, re-render where necessary. Try to use a low filter for the entire video comp before rendering, giving it a solid look.

3. Make sure you use the SAME font for the entire composition. Make sure you use the same GFX and effects for the inbetweens.

background:

it took me about 2 months to put together my portfolio last year. I re-rendered a lot, and set a general layout for the entire work i had. I still have to add the 2011 work on it though.

Moreover, i have been working for the past 6 months as a freelance for a small animation/GFX/effects company. Might wanna check out how

the reel looks like, and its dynamic. www.infiw.com/

Edited August 22, 2011 by PuFu

[[aps]gnat 28]

Nice work Dave!

Agree on the music feedback .....

http://www.audionetwork.com/

[jw custom 56]

Impressive stuff, but as mentioned the music is a little off :)

[mrcash2009 0]

Im not an expert in that field the work content is good though, I think Pufu has the goods on what might be best.

Although from a music perspective ditch that god awful music right away! :p

I notice quite a bad loop of it at 2 mins 52 sec (music loop).

It sends the wrong message, its more like a cheap 80's fitness video music. Try something digital sounding or orchestrated. Check out soundcloud under "Creative Commons" group, there is allot of music for credit you can use from that site and transition so you can have music to fit the mood too.

(Forum wont link this correctly so copy the url complete and paste into URL section of browser)

http://soundcloud.com/groups/search?q[fulltext]=creative+commons

3. Make sure you use the SAME font for the entire composition. Make sure you use the same GFX and effects for the inbetweens.

I agree, almost think of your video as a brand/branded/brochure ... you would have a set theme/font and style, style can also be the music/transition style titling. Edited August 22, 2011 by mrcash2009

[Archamedes 10]

thanks for the advice, the music is the main title from flight of the navigator, I dunno I just thought it was catchy.

[max power 21]

I knew I recognized it from somewhere!

edit:

I definitely think you should pare down the reel. I was taught that five minutes is a bit long for a reel, even for a generalist.

Also, just a quick note, that stereophonic means 'double sound'. I think you were going for stereoscopic.

Edited August 22, 2011 by Max Power

[Archamedes 10]

new shorter 3D animation ONLY reel

[PuFu 4600]

Dave, i really appreciate your work, so i am not saying this out of malice or alike, but if you ask me the montage is just as uninteresting and static as the first one. The music track is worse. (every time i used a track for a composition, i actually put together the video following the tracks bpm, highlights etc, not just as a background noise...)

I said my opinion once, so i guess is no need to reiterate the same once more.

Edited August 23, 2011 by PuFu

[mrcash2009 0]

Personally I would go with some type of tech based music such as this:

The large score you now have is a bit of a powerhouse, wheres something ambient & tech would balance well (just my view). With this music you dont have to syc and transitions will work, but with that score as Pufu mentions it auto needs to be keyframed to the music in some ways.

Maybe you should use some better transition and group the style of videos in a logical group with a header for each section animated as a footer or something? As I say some type of brand look and bordering to tie it all into a show more.

Edited August 23, 2011 by mrcash2009

[[aps]gnat 28]

lol everyones a critic, but I agree .... that music is probably not an improvement.

[max power 21]

When a recruiter and watches 1000 demo reels per day, unless the music is terrible, you're not going to really affect his judgment. He's not watching these things for entertainment, after all. I hear that a lot of recruiters watch reels with the sound off anyways.

Of course, I'm sure there is the odd instance when the visuals and the music are gelling with the recruiters own personal tastes and he leaps out of his seat and advises the art department to hire this guy instantly.

Also, recruiters are not always artists, so bear that in mind- and artists are not always immune to cheap tricks either.

That said, if you have another track lined up for your demo reel, may as well give it a go. I often find the music in reels I watch to be either overblown or quite flat anyways. I'm so very rarely moved by a demo reel.