I am in the process of making a showreel to showcase my 3d animations and I was wondering if someone could advise me if what I am producing is going in the right direction.The demo will last approximately last just over 2 minutes and incorporate 12 clips lasting about 10 seconds each.The clips consist of animations incorporating different software such as 3DS MAX, Poser, Premier etc. The Show Reel clips cover various subject matter ranging from wildlife animation, Interior scenes, characters, exterior scenes etc .The Show Reel will portray different render outputs ranging from Photo realistic to cartoon cel renders. I am rendering to targa files @ 640 x480 and intend to put the whole reel together in Adobe Premiere; with smooth transitions between each clip and incorporating an intro and closing sequence. The final Show reel I would like to put onto cd or possibly DVD as I am toying the idea of purchasing a writer. I am at the moment in a situation where I am likely to be made redundant at work in the next few months as they are shutting our department down; so I am determined to try to make my Show Reel stand out .... Any advice would be most welcome... Thank you in advance

1. Showreels are rarely accepted on DVD... the norm is VHS with rendered stills in your portfolio. 2. Video size should be 720x480 other wise you can get a nasty black edge. 3. If your aiming at a big company or a specific job then your reel needs to be specific. For example if your an animator then you dont need to render everything out... infact they like to see your rough work to see how you work... if its all rendered and finalised then they cant see jack of your working methods. If your aiming at a small company or a multitasking job then yes show everything rendered, unrendered, all different formats. But always your strongest work. But then as your already working you should know alot of this.

I would recommend rendering to 720x540 to correct for the difference between square pixels, and rectangular pixels. Make a few different versions of the timeline in Premiere. Then show the different clips to a trusted friend, preferably someone NOT in the business. Get their HONEST opinions on timing, sequence and any added audio. (You ARE adding some music/sound FX to your pieces... right? And ORIGINAL, yes? People who spend their days doing intellectual property work are sensitive about others copyrights.) And, when/if it works... let me know. I could use a job in the animation field too. :>

Definately use VHS, avoid long fancy intros Avoid Lens flares and tradmarked characters especailly starwars stuff GOOD LUCK :-)

Grab the viewers attention, if the person you are trying to impress isn't impressed within the first 10 seconds, then you may have lost your chance...no matter how good the work is later on in the showreel. I second that wolf...Good luck :o) Cheers

Not that i'm in any position to really have an opinion or anything, BUT... I'm doing the same thing; I've reached the conclusion that i'm going to send out packages with both a VHS tape, and a CD with everything in 720x480 mpg-2; so they can play it either on a Mac, PC, or most DVD players. Check out my work! http://web.changestorm.com