ALT-2 Acting what is a Demo Reel
Quite simply, a demo reel can be defined as a "visual resume".
In the corporate world, a resume is your professional identification, describing who you are and describes your work history, experience, capabilities, achievements, education and some personal background. A resume gives the employer an overview of what you have done, and he can read it over and assess if you are the right person to hire.
In the entertainment, arts and media worlds, your demo reel is your visual identification. A demo reel displays your talent and what you have done in your field more effectively than a written resume. Although, I might add that it isn't uncommon for someone in this business to include a written description of his/her work along with the demo reel, more currently on DVD format.A busy producer can view your demo reel on the fly and spot immediately if your work is what he is looking for. A demo reel is the only way a producer (or whoever is doing the hiring) can assess your images and your prior work in order to make the decision to hire you or not.
Your demo reel can include anything from acting, commercial spots, film clips, footage, client product ads, and any other visual projects you may have worked on that show your talent and capabilities. There really isn't any other way to convey your work ethic and level of work you are capable of doing, if it isn't visible to the prospective employer.
A seasoned employer or producer can spot almost immediately, sometimes within the first 30 seconds, if you and your work is what he/she is looking for.
There was a day when interviews were scheduled one on one sessions, where you could focus on your objectives or chat comfortably. Those days are gone! Interviews are often on the run, walking with the employer while he or she is on the way to another meeting; he grabs your demo reel and says, "I'll call ya!" Or another common scenario is catching your employer in the middle of work with interruptions and others buzzing in and out of your interview. Ideally, you hope the employer views your demo reel while you are there together, so you can add additional comments as he/she views it, but we can't be guaranteed the amount of time we will be allotted with that prospective employer.
A person who really wants the job takes the time to prepare a well defined description of his/her work background in order to sell himself and ultimately get the job. It almost goes without saying, that if you do not have a resume or demo reel with you, the chances of landing that job are highly unlikely. Many things have changed in today's workplaces, but one thing remains solid. You can't sell yourself completely without a resume or demo reel!
On that day of your interview, if you walk in tall and confident and hand over your demo reel, the employer sees your talent immediately and can make the decision to put you on staff, and what do you know, you'll start work next week!
