Ok, so you want to show that you’ve got “skills” and are worthy of hosting a show, right? You’ve also figured, “Since I don’t really have any material for a demo reel, I may as well have my best friend shoot some video of me so I can create one from scratch.” The idea is great, but there are a number of things to think about when creating a demo reel.

Here are a few tips:

SOUND IS IMPORTANT.

If you are shooting without any wireless audio mics, its important to find locations that are not going to drown out the most important thing in your reel, YOU! Stand no more than 5 to 15 feet away from the camera (which has the mic attached) so that what you’re saying can be clearly heard.

VIEWING IS A PLEASURE.

It’s the little things that count. Try and have the person shooting video of you put the cam on a tripod. If you don’t own a tripod, maybe find a flat surface to rest the camera on eye level. This can help eliminate that “home video” look. It is ok to have some movement within a segment, but make sure it has a purpose. Also, stay away from excessive zooming. While zooming in/out of subjects has its purpose, don’t go crazy!!!

EVERYONE LIKES VARIETY.

Come up with different subject matter to host on throughout your reel (unless you’re specific to one genre and want the reel to reflect that). Show all that you can do!

These are a few tips to follow that might help the overall quality of your reel, as well as show everyone what you can do! Check back with these blogs next month for more demo reel tips!