Building a Spectacular Spec Reel

Posted on October 7, 2008 in Filmmaking 360 | 1 Comment

Jessel Monteverde breaks down how to build a success Spec Reel to break into the world of advertising: Submitted by Gospel John

Part1:

…There is absolutely nothing more important to a commercial director’s career than a demo reel. Not education. Not connections (although this is important). And not experience.

A jaw-dropping reel will facilitate a director’s entry into the advertising world and keep him there. A demo reel serves as his resume and calling card. A demo reel shows the advertising agencies and clients what he’s capable of.

— The Vertigo Effect | Read The Full Article

Part 2:

…What company will you make a spec spot for?

Avoid High-Profile Brands

Nike, Apple, Budweiser, McDonald’s, etc. Forget about these massive companies for now. Stick to smaller brands or even regional ones.

What company will you make a spec spot for? Avoid High-Profile Brands Nike, Apple, Budweiser, McDonald’s, etc. Forget about these massive companies for now. Stick to smaller brands or even regional ones. The problem you’ll encounter doing a spec spot for a well-known brand is that advertising creatives know these brands all too well. Some of them may even have worked on these brands. They will be very familiar with the strategies and objectives of these companies. They’ll know if you’re not doing it right and it will directly affect their objectivity. They’ll be subconsciously comparing your spec spot to the multi-million dollars spots those companies are running now. The problem you’ll encounter doing a spec spot for a well-known brand is that advertising creatives know these brands all too well. Some of them may even have worked on these brands. They will be very familiar with the strategies and objectives of these companies. They’ll know if you’re not doing it right and it will directly affect their objectivity. They’ll be subconsciously comparing your spec spot to the multi-million dollars spots those companies are running now.

— The Vertigo Effect | Read The Full Article

Part 3:

…What do you have to consider next?

Format Wars – I’m sure everyone can agree that film is the best option regardless of cost. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get your foot in the door with a reel full of video shoots. With the technology we have today to make gorgeous video, most people won’t even notice the difference.

Having said that, you should do whatever it takes to shoot your spec on film.

— The Vertigo Effect | Read The Full Article