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Here are Nine Nifty Tips
by Anne Schwab
The new Creative Management Services demo reel is hot off the press. "And it's a humdinger," Anne proclaims proudly as she tosses the last box of old demos into the trash. Ready to dump your deadbeat demo? Need a pitch with punch? Perhaps it's time to update your demo and GET MORE WORK.
The Ink Spots sang, "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire," but you do with a new demo reel. Let's see how.
1. Search high and low for all your work, even old videos. You only need a second or two for each cut, so even a dated video could yield a few precious pearls.
2. Think about a smashing open. Kick it up a notch with 4D animation.
3. A demo should be a call to action to the viewer, "If they produced this great work for other clients, let's see what they'll do for me."
 4. A demo should be no longer than two minutes or so and cost $500-$800 and up.
5. A demo should be as powerful and compelling at the end as it is in the beginning. An engaged viewer should think, "Is it over already?"
6. Be objective. Have a few independent professionals look at your rough cut. And listen. Sometimes we are too close to our own work and need to make less personal choices.
7. Find a great editor. Scott Stewart at Resolution Post
(a sponsor of TIVA) edited our new reel. And what he added is amazing. He created a dynamite 4D open. He also had me stand back and look at how the cuts hung together, or didn't. If you are looking for a terrific, cost-conscious choice, J.D. Mack of Stage2 Productions (a member of TIVA) is also talented and creative and may be perfect for you.
8. Use music throughout. Variations in sound levels from video to video are often disruptive. Music is the leveler. Now you can incorporate that great footage with the lousy
sound!
9. Unless you are a graphic artist, hire one to design your label. And consider throwing a screen grab into the mix.
Yeah, you do want to set the world on fire, and a hot new demo reel may be just the spark you need.
Want help producing your reel? Give us a call at
Creative Management Services, 202.333.3560.
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