DEMO REEL DON'Ts

Never send masters or originals.

Don't put your best stuff last. The viewer may never get to it.

Don't do a chronological work history. We don't care how you improved.

Don't include early tests or tutorials.

Don't include mediocre work.

Don't use loud, obnoxious music or elaborate sound. Many people turn off the sound when they view reels.

Minimize erotica, satanic and violent material. It limits the companies you can submit to.

Don't include live action film without animation or computer graphics.

Don't send work in progress.

Don't ask for feedback by phone.

Fancy packaging is unnecessary.

Don't shrink wrap your reel. Color bars are not necessary. Don't do countdowns between each shot. Don't repeat shots unless you are showing a "how to" (how elements were added to the shot)--there is a rewind button on the cassette player so don't repeat. I repeat. Don't repeat.

Don't ask prospective employers to view samples or a resume on a web site or email images. Don't send them a web address if you want them to see your resume. Don't make them do the work to give you a job. If you want them to see your resume, email it to them as a message rather than a download. Better yet, fax or mail it to them.

Don't expect your reel to be returned.

Don't send the exact same reel in 6 months later. We have very good visual memories.

Pamela Thompson is a recruiter and career coach. She is currently recruiting for Big Idea Productions and Stan Lee Media. She has seen many demo reels. She consults with schools on animation training programs and speaks to students about the job market.