Bridging from animation (and analog editing) to video editing

[Mario Caiti]

So my background includes Flash animation (short movies as well as interactive clips), video editing on Beta and digital 8, and audio editing. My current objective: break into modern editing (FCP or Avid) with getting into After Effects and similar specialties down the road. Obstacle: I have no reel yet. But with a background like this, is a jump to editing very short clips doable? I'm talking commercials, homemade shorts, I don't care, but I need to do something to get that reel. Or should I just rent a camera and film something?

Your professional insights and advice are appreciated!