After completing about two dozens of projects, I am feeling confident enough to create my direction showreel. But I couldn't find anything concrete, any structure or parameters to mould it! I have seen multiple Cinematography and Editing showreels, and I feel they seem easier to convey the essence of work and style. For camera reel, it is visuals, and for Edit, it is rhythm and structure. But what about Direction reel? Surely it is a bit more complex than other aspects as it is about creating the whole experience in any work. Which is the result of each and every dimension of the work or project. So how to create a strong Direction showreel, as the aspect is multi layered, which, of course makes it almost impossible, to provide every element as it is in its respective parent project. Is it even possible to convey the ability of "Direction" in a showreel of 2-3 mins, formed by little excerpts of multiple projects, differing in nature and experience?
Any leads, suggestions, references are most welcome!
Also what are the other options to give a sample of your works and abilities in such condition. Because mostly, Producers and Financiers certainly don't look at a whole project, say as a short film or a documentary, anything over 8-10 mins!
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I saw Ryan Coogler's director's reel out of film school. He didn't edit down. He just showed his shorts in full. His producers & financiers didn't complain
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Mostly people recommend it, or shall I say it has become a kind of unspoken norm to keep reels 2-3 mins. or under 5 mins at any cost. Longer lengths naturally permit to atleast put a complete scene, which is more than enough to provide the touch.
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I met Ryan Coogler at a Sundance party and next day saw his film as one of the screened 2014 winners. “Fruitvale Station” was superb in that it encapsulated minimum location, mainly train and platform, together with great acting and universal theme. The icing on the cake were the action shoot out scenes, which considering budget served film extremely well. @Dan points out RC’s student showcase although long, did him no dis service but thats possibly because his talent is rare. I’ve met a lot of new directors however, doing a short “succinct” showcase version, one minute max of a scene from at least a few genres. Genres show versatility so its not a one trick pony.
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Its good to know what the client is looking for - as a producer I'm looking for a director reel where the director is pushing the actors to reach the limits of their characterizations. I rarely ever see this in a reel, mostly it is just techy staging or music video type flash.
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GREAT question, Pranjal Joshi! Honestly, my first thought is to work with an editor to help you put it together, that way you can focus on choosing your favorite moments, what you want your audience to take away from it, and what you want them to do right afterward. Your editor can focus on the minutia, but also give you an outside perspective.
Actually, if you'd like feedback, feel free to post your rough cut on the Your Stage Lounge: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/promotion
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I finally watched Fruitvale Station a couple of days ago and was really impressed. Took me a while to get to it cause I'm a chicken :)) I'd take Karen "Kay" Ross 's advice on working with someone "outside of you" to edit your reel given the fact that you have so much work, Pranjal Joshi. I only have 6 shorts, a music video, and a couple of other things under my belt, so I chose to edit mine with a focus on showing versatility within the genre I'm comfortable in right now... Pick your best works, and highlight those, but let a second pair of eyes review your other works for those gems you can't see cause it's your work and work with them to create a 5mins reel. Good luck!! :)
Thanks Debbie Croysdale . Variety of genres is indeed a crucial requirement. Thanks for idea of "succinct showcase", It sounds much more powerful than a usual reel.
Sir Sway Thanks for your insight. Will surely keep that in mind while working on the reel.
Thanks Karen "Kay" Ross Generally as an independent film maker I edit or you can also say, sometimes, I have to edit my projects by myself. But yes! For the reel, I feel the same. An outside perspective is absolutely essential to get the impact spot on. Also Thanks for the Lounge link, will be glad to use it :)
Thanks for the advice Aimiende Negbenebor Sela Good luck for your projects too :)
Welcome!