Cinematographer's first Showreel - what stays and what goes?

[Stephan Guldenpfennig]

Good day

 

I am a cinematography student in my third and last year of studying. Thus far I have shot a handful of short films (3 of which may be considered noteworthy) as well as various short documentary videos such as interviews, musical performances, a music video, etc.

 

I am applying for an 18 month internship at a television network in Germany and I am required to send in a DVD containing some of the work that I've done.

 

My understanding of a showreel is that it is a short sequence displaying your work. This is where my enquiry comes in - how long/short should it generally be? Is there specific pacing of such a video sequence? Is there any type of music that works specifically well with showreels?

 

Any input would be appreciated with regards to this topic.

Stephan Güldenpfennig

[Phil Rhodes]

A few minutes. People tend to prefer complete scenes as opposed to a montage, but if you've not done much, it may be difficult to find complete scenes you're happy with, and a montage to music may be your only option. Exactly how you do that will depend on what material you have available, its style and tone, etc.

 

I wouldn't necessarily expect to actually shoot anything as part of an internship, though anything seems to go these days...

 

P

[Stephan Guldenpfennig]

Good day Mr. Rhodes

 

It seems like I will have to go the montage route then. As for shooting anything, it seems unlikely at first. To me it seems like the company just wants to see that I have had practical experience.

Thank you for the swift reply.

 

Regards

Stephan