Are TV freelancer showreels a useful marketing tool? Can a career condensed into a few highlights make an impact, or is it too easy to create an illusion of... Read more
Are TV freelancer showreels a useful marketing tool? Can a career condensed into a few highlights make an impact, or is it too easy to create an illusion of talent & experience?
Where is the line between valid self-promotion & egotistical vanity?
A stylish showreel is undoubtedly one way of standing out amongst the competition. For Directors, Cameramen, and Shooting Ap’s, a sexy montage of their best work can be instantly captivating, leaving little doubt as to their technical & creative abilities.
Producers, however must forgo highlighting their vital ability to tell a compelling narrative in favour of visual flair. In which case, a whole show/episode would clearly be preferable. But do busy production companies have the time to spare? If you are lucky your last credit was a must-see ratings blockbuster. Problem solved.
So who is watching the precious showreel you have spent hours slogging over in your latest bout of self-unemployment? From my own personal experience when hiring, I will always view reels, but only once I have narrowed down potential candidate CVs. Therefore, whilst the reel is not opening any doors, it may just prevent them from being slammed shut.
Having said all that, for what it’s worth, I’ve just updated mine. You never know.
https://vimeo.com/923287029
Where is the line between valid self-promotion & egotistical vanity?
A stylish showreel is undoubtedly one way of standing out amongst the competition. For Directors, Cameramen, and Shooting Ap’s, a sexy montage of their best work can be instantly captivating, leaving little doubt as to their technical & creative abilities.
Producers, however must forgo highlighting their vital ability to tell a compelling narrative in favour of visual flair. In which case, a whole show/episode would clearly be preferable. But do busy production companies have the time to spare? If you are lucky your last credit was a must-see ratings blockbuster. Problem solved.
So who is watching the precious showreel you have spent hours slogging over in your latest bout of self-unemployment? From my own personal experience when hiring, I will always view reels, but only once I have narrowed down potential candidate CVs. Therefore, whilst the reel is not opening any doors, it may just prevent them from being slammed shut.
Having said all that, for what it’s worth, I’ve just updated mine. You never know.
https://vimeo.com/923287029