Compiled by Brian Robbins with help from Karl Fasick, based on the discussion at the May 2002 meeting of the Colorado Game Developers.
At the May 2002 meeting of the Colorado Game Developers we had Mike Boyle and Keith Ho from VR-1 show us their demo reels, and give everyone tips and tricks for how to make a good reel. We've attempted to compile these tips down into an easy to read format on this page. You can see the full meeting notes here.
Focus on what you want to do, and spend your time working on that - If you want to be an animator then focus on your animation, do not spend most of your time modeling, texturing etc. This is the most important rule. Too many people end up wasting their time on secondary tasks instead of trying to demonstrate the skill they want to show off and get a job doing. Your number 1 goal when building your reel should be to showcase your talent at what you want to do.
You do not have to tell a story - While a story can be good, there is a very good chance that you won't have the time to finish the story. No story is better than a good story. Creating a story can also affect how much time you get to focus on what you want to be doing (see #1)
Create a "Trailer Style" demo reel - Instead of telling a story, include all the good parts of several different animations. This way you can cut out parts that aren't perfect, and keep the pace up.
Include only your best work - In many cases, if your reel makes it past the first cut, it will be examined frame by frame so every problem will be found.
Do not use canned content that comes with the program - The people viewing your reel see lots of reels, and they know the software. They will know right away if you are using the Cedar Fence texture, or if you are using a .bip file that came with the program
If you want to show multiple walk cycles, have several characters on screen at once - This will give you the chance to show off your talents without boring a viewer
Using simple characters can showcase your animation talents
Sound is nice but should not carry the reel - Many people will view a reel with the sound turned off, so the reel must speak for itself
Choose non-offensive music if you include music at all - This should be obvious but it apparently isn't. You can listen to whatever music you want, just don't put it into your reel.
VHS is the best format - CD can work, but you have to include the codec, and you will have to worry about what the viewers computer is capable. In contrast, everyone has a VCR, and they pretty much give the exact same result. DVD may be an option but it is currently cost prohibitive. If you do insist on distributing via CD, be sure to have a wide variety of codecs, and formats so that a viewer may not be able to see everything, but they can at lease see something.
No glowing orbs - Everyone has them, and everyone puts them into their reel. Resist the temptation and don't do it.
Other tips submitted after the meeting
No flying spaceships - Or if you must, then make sure they are different from everyone else's (suggested by Barbara Walter from Walter & Company) 5/13/2002
