I don't know, the plastic surface is blank!
I insert, hit "play," and wait. It's starting. There is no sound! What am I seeing? There's nothin' but still pictures of cows and a teapot. .. No, wait! There is something moving...Oh, my God... it's a couple of fornicating dolls! Who had the guts to send this reel? There is a name on a scrap of paper in the wrapping. It's from a woman, .. looking for ... a special effects job! What a bummer reel. At least it was a 120-minute tape and I can record some great 'Simpsons' episodes!
Like a gift given from an in-law, I often receive sample reels that are a total mismatch with what I professionally represent, need, or desire as a visual effects supervisor for 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.'
In the film industry, sample reels and resumes are the two primary tools for getting a job or losing it before you start! A good sample reel is the calling card you use to show examples of your knowledge and technical expertise.
I still receive resumes and reels for Disney style animation or flat graphic package designs because the artists did not do their home work. They know nothing about me or the company's needs. They don't even call to get my name right. I have received reels and resumes addressed to David Stripes, Stipps, Stiper, and worse.
I recommend that you research and call the company you are interested in and understand what they want. For example, Mojo, at Foundation Imaging, wants reels oriented to current projects. John Gross, of Digital Muse, likes to see a variety of things. He may not want spaceship construction, but may have a need for character animation, surfacing, or water-texture samples.
If you are going to match the look of a specific show, make sure it is accurate. If you are going to do a 'Star Trek,' 'Star Wars,' 'Babylon 5,' or a 'SeaQuest' shot, truly understand what makes up the look and uniqueness of these programs. What is the sunlight doing? In the 'Star Trek' universe, is the fill light blue or white? Are the spaceships front lit or back lit? What about key to fill ratios? Do the ships move differently on 'Babylon 5' as opposed to 'Star Trek,' 'Star Wars,' or 'Space: Above and Beyond'? If so, what exactly is the difference? How are the nebula backgrounds treated on 'Space:Above and Beyond,' 'Babylon 5,' and 'Star Trek'? What density level and color of fog was used to create the 'SeaQuest' look?
With reels, you want to be as unique as possible while being appropriate to the company's needs. Recently, I was with a group viewing CGI effects reels. One of the reels was an anti-nuclear war statement that had an adverse effect on the audience. While there was nothing wrong with the content of the reel, it was not the appropriate place or audience for it.
Sample reels should relate to the work being done in the company being targeted. Consider what will make your reel stand out and make a positive impression. In any case, include only shots you are proud of. Effects designers appreciate artistic talent, good lighting, camera motion, and great camera angles, as well as technical concerns like motion spline controls.
Have fresh original examples of your work, Reels using pre-built moves from programs like Tony Stutterheim's "Wavemaker" and "Scene Machine" do not make a positive impression, CG people are also tired of stock objects like the 3D Studio teapot or LightWave 3D's Triceratops, butterfly, or, God forbid, the cow!
I may want to call you, so have the basics, your name and phone number on the label and at the end of the reel. Entertain me with appropriate music selections, They will help almost any reel. They will help almost any reel. If you use sound effects, do them well or they will detract from the good imagery.
Do you still want to send effects sample reels? Good! I love sample reels, but don't be an in-law! My Emmy-winning friend, Joe Bauer, got his start in visual effects by coming to me with his sample reel. His work was good, he called me first, and he spelled my name right!
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