A demo reel is a vital marketing tool for animators. The purpose of the demo reel is to get you an interview with someone who can hire you. Prepare your demo reel with care and have someone else look at it and get feedback on it before you send it out.

As a recruiter, I have seen many demo reels. Here's how to make sure yours does the job--to get you that job.

DEMO REEL DOs

Emphasize your strengths. Make sure your demo reel is relevant to the job you want. If you want a job as a character animator, don't show only compositing work on your reel. Focus on your strengths. If you are not good at modeling, get stock models and concentrate on animation.

Keep your reel short--no longer than 3 minutes. Quality is what counts, not quantity. An animator was hired at a major studio on the merits of his 15 second reel. It had only one shot--but it was incredible. Make sure yours is amazing too.

U.S. companies want VHS reels in NTSC format. Everyone knows how to run a VHS cassette player. Many people don't have the latest and greatest computer so often they are not able to view CDRoms and other media. Not everyone has a DVD player or 3/4 inch machine. VHS in NTSC format is still the preferred format for everyone.

ALWAYS include a resume and a reel breakdown/credit list with your reel. A demo reel breakdown sheet is mandatory and should clearly spell out your involvement with each piece. The breakdown sheet should include a title/description of each shot, what the applicant was responsible for, software used, and any special extenuating circumstances. However, never include "works in progress." You will be judged based on the work on your reel, not what someone might conjecture you can be capable of. A demo reel breakdown is simple with a short sentence for each shot. For example, Shot 1: Project: Wizard of Oz feature film- Modeled melting witch with Maya. Animated witch melting using Softimage. If you did everything on the reel, enclose a note stating that. If you worked on a group project, be clear about your specific role on each shot.

Always include your name, phone # and an email address on your resume, reel and reel breakdown. Include a head and tail slate with your name and phone number and email address on the reel. Make sure your tail slate is at the end of the reel or people will eject it and not see the stuff behind the end slate.

Start with your best work. If you don't impress the viewers in the beginning, they will move on to the next tape.

Customize your reel to the job and company you are applying to, if possible.

Divide your reel into sections and label them with a brief slate: "Character Animation", "Modeling", "Logos", etc.

Include life drawing or other fine art work such as sculpture, painting or photography at the tail of your reel. (strong traditional art or photography, tending towards representational styles with an excellent understanding of 3d form, perspective and quality of light and texture is a plus)

Update your reel every six months and remove old work.

Don't expect to get your reel back. Never send your only copy to anyone.