10 Tips For Cutting Better Showreels! | How To Edit A Demo Reel

When cutting a showreel or demo reel, there are certain things that directors and producers look for. In this video, Garrett discusses ten things you should know when editing a reel. As part of the Reel Contest, Epidemic Sound is giving away a handful of LIFETIME subscriptions to their Commercial Plan to the winners of the contest. For more information on the contest and its rules, see this video: • Get paying work with a...
// LINKS //
Submit your reel here by Dec 31, 2020: garrettsammons.com/reel-contes...
Get your free trial to Epidemic Sound's Commercial Plan: share.epidemicsound.com/garrett
@Epidemic Sound 's Commercial Plan allows filmmakers to use ALL of their music, SFX and stems for ANY project! That means KZbin, TikTok, IG, client work, spec work, personal projects, short films, and anything else you want to use it for. This makes music licensing both cost-effective and easy. To start using your commercial plan, click this link: share.epidemicsound.com/garrett
// THE RULES //
1) You must use Epidemic Sound's music library for your reel. Here's a link to get you started: share.epidemicsound.com/garrett
2) Total running time must be under 2 minutes long. Reels over 2 minutes will be disqualified.
3) You must own all the rights to the work you put in your reel. Stock footage, copy-written work, and projects you were not directly involved in CANNOT be used in your reel. This is also just good life advice.
4) Entries must be submitted by December 31, 2020, no later than 11:59 PM EST via this link: garrettsammons.com/reel-contes...
5) @Garrett Sammons , @Joshua Martin Studios , and @chris vanderschaaf are the judges for this contest and all decisions are final.
6) Winners will be announced on January 15, 2021, on this KZbin Channel.
// TABLE OF CONTENTS //
0:00 Contest Intro
0:57 //1// Use Bad Projects
2:07 //2// Dig Through Clips, Not Projects
2:54 //3// Don't Be Above Spec Work
5:14 //4// Use Projects Sparingly
6:13 //5// Edit Outside The Downbeat
7:43 //6// No Transitions
9:13 //7// Front Load Your Reel
10:46 //8// Peaks & Valleys
12:35 //9// Beats & Cuts On Action
15:28 //10// Find The Right Music, Fast
20:29 Conclusion
// THINGS TO KNOW //
Let's connect on IG - / garrettsammons
I made these for you - sellfy.com/garrettsammons
The music I use - share.epidemicsound.com/garrett
// #filmmakingcontest #reel #epidemicsound //
*This video is sponsored by Epidemic Sound. Some of the links listed above are affiliate links that I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. Any affiliate links you use helps me create new content and costs nothing extra to you.
My name is Garrett. I am a full-time commercial producer, part-time film professor, and avid whiskey enthusiast living in Metro Detroit. I began on KZbin to help bridge the technical and financial gap filmmakers face by giving away the same content I talk about in my classrooms. Learn tricks of the trade, discover new gear, stay up with filmmaking trends, dive into how I pull off cinematic looks, and so much more.

[@lucaspoon4202]

THIS is THE video. Ive seen a bunch of vids but most just say the same things that kind amount to choose your best few shots from your projects, put your best ones first, 2 mins max, and pick music that anyone likes. Ofc, not bad or incorrect info but still, pretty open ended and vague. I was still so in the dark about how it should flow like if it should just focus on showcasing visuals, or if there should be a good flow to it. Or if i should group shots from on project together versus spacing them out etc. If there should be rhythm to the cuts and action in the visuals in relation to the music etc. Just how important is the music etc.. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Jsige5875]

Hey GArret, I loved your comment about transitions. They are indeed a youtube thing and not something actual professionals do. Love the work!

[@ochovisuals]

You’re a great instructor bro, the way you explain things and how you find the correct words helps tons with understanding. Currently working on my first reel bc I want to work as an editor but my passion is doing rap music videos. So planning on doing both until the music video stuff gets traction. Thx for the value!!!

[@WickedWolverine]

This is one of the best film themed tutorials I have ever seen. You are SO thorough, eloquent and intelligent!

[@garrettsammons]

Thanks! Making more soon

[@Maros_Mari]

This was for me hands down the best video on how to not only do but think about show reel, prepare and then create it. I truly appreciate the honesty, care and willingness to share what you learnt. I found extremely helpful the part where you share how to build it, how to use more projects and also - every frame a painting idea - to use best stuff only. Much appreciated.

[@garrettsammons]

Happy to help Maros!

[@marveloussamuel7984]

Basically I needed to just know workflow for editing my projects to a show reel and I couldn't find a good video that really explained the concept. You talking about how we should pick the best shots in our project first before editing was really enlightening. Thank you so much!

[@WatermanSurin]

This video was so insightful and helpful. I have been dreading putting together a reel, but your tips have really helped me to get in the right frame of mind to gather my best work and put it together. Thank you so much! Subbed

[@garrettsammons]

Rock on! I’m sure you’ll crush it

[@natepaynephotography]

Great video man. Thorough explanations and great insight into the actual construction of the reel and style of clips to produce dynamic highs and lows. Glad to hear other people spend a long time on music choice, its so important. Can't wait to learn more. Thanks!

[@garrettsammons]

Thanks Nate! More vids coming

[@lxrproductions]

I appreciate you decoding this "youtube" style edit with nauseous manic motion.... from what is typically looked for in industry .... helps me settle into what I DO and to represent this as best as possible ---- this brave new world of premiere presets and so much free sound libraries is getting crazy. I appreciate the mature attention to detail and basic narrative. cheers.

[@liquidstudios2344]

Nice one Garret, really helpful tips as i am just about to start putting a new 2022 showreel together. Thanks

[@GoodTimesHD]

Ive watched and rewatched this countless times when making my reel. Thank you so much! I found the right track in 5 minutes on epidemic its insane!

[@garrettsammons]

I’m just finishing up me new reel and found a song on epidemic within 30. Such an insanely good platform!

[@dough254]

One of the best videos on making a reel

[@pallaviekbote]

Thanks for point-to-point breakdown. Agree with the downbeat thing.. Expected cuts bring down the curiosity of the whole video.

[@RYNGRG]

Thanks for the insight! I'm about to put together my first demo reel and this information was invaluable. Cheers!

[@CineSakib]

Appreciate the video, your descriptions were so on point! 👌

[@johankalen2366]

Excellente!!! Just what I needed.

[@dontgonearthewater5087]

Thank you very much. I'm currently working on my first reel, and this video helped clear a lot of concerns and questions I had about how to attack it.

[@lxrproductions]

same. agreed.

[@auxsom]

Great info., man. Clear and straight to the point. Highly appreciate it.

[@navarts2638]

Solid advices, thank you!

[@subhashkoyyot1427]

Very much informative..Thank you sir.

[@marveloussamuel7984]

This was really helpful. God bless you!

[@lilu8208]

So helpful! Thanks!

[@adham000]

that is just GREAT!

[@SilverAphelion]

Thats gold Garrett, gold!

[@laurenmccollin94]

This was really great, loved the tips and even how you explained it! Made me feel a bit better about my showreel lol

[@stealthproductionz6648]

This is useful. I'm only 16 man and I'm already having to make one cause I'm eligible in skill for an animation job for freelance at least.Need a reel as evidence that I'm good enough which I think is common sense to have.Might be too early but ima figure it out.

[@garrettsammons]

It’s never too early dude. Every one you make will be better then the last. Starting now will put you ahead of the game 🤙

[@stealthproductionz6648]

@@garrettsammons that's inspiring. As I've learned,you can never be the best,once you climb that mountain,there is always another slope to climb. I've been practicing for 4 years straight everyday for hours. Never gonna give up on my dream.

[@garrettsammons]

That’s how you win. To be successful in this game, you just gotta keep showing up. Best of luck on your journey! 🙏

[@stealthproductionz6648]

@@garrettsammons thank you! And thank you for this video!

[@Daizum]

What a brilliant video, so informative - definitely deserves 100x more views

[@garrettsammons]

Thanks Daizum!

[@sophiaralston]

This is so good! Really helpful thank you for this in depth video!

[@aleencaeli]

yo that was good... this was so freaking helpful!! Thank you, Garrett!

[@martinacol6292]

Super useful tips man, specially tip #3. Thank you!

[@BFG93]

Not even 3mins in and im subscribed and liked. Top content and easy to apply to yourself. Cant wait to see what else you've done.

[@garrettsammons]

Awesome, thank you!

[@martialartsgreatness]

Bro this was the absolute best! I was struggling with putting together a show reel and you cleared all that up in this amazing tutorial! Thx

[@markcorby8475]

Awesome advice, so f-ing (“frigging”) helpful!! THANK YOU!! Subscribed. Did a lot of spec during Covid that’s for sure.

[@sebastianho4]

Great video mate, very helpful.

[@MalickLIVES]

This was so helpful, thanks bro

[@GuidoValdata]

Super nice, very useful and inspiring, exactly what I needed to think on (and do)

[@valentinadannunzio]

Love the concept of "pause-ability", so much. VERY useful! Actually every single word you said it's very useful, thank you so much! I don't know why there are so little "likes" on this video, but it's SO IMPORTANT. Again, THANK YOU! You gave GREAT TIPS - that I will go and check over and over again! (:

[@blaksky4455]

Bro your breakdown was fire!

[@jackward9016]

Feel like this is SUPER underrated

[@badboyhj]

Thank you for these tips Garrett!

[@garrettsammons]

Happy to help!

[@tanishmaurya]

really great value ..

[@guilealmeida7926]

Great video! 👏👏👏

[@MichaelDeVowe]

Dude this is so good. Oh, and your reel is FIRE! 🔥

[@garrettsammons]

Appreciate that Michael!

[@nabinroychoudhury2154]

Thank you sir for guiding us.

[@dkasaremedia1643]

Very useful. Thank you!

[@kineticfx8840]

brilliant!

[@fahimedits3]

just amazing

[@florianbinet3540]

Still useful ! Thx for sharing your tricks & tips !

[@TheMovieSurgeon]

Massive help, thanks!

[@paperbakwriter2886]

Thank you! Needed some insight from non-Insta editors

[@granadafilms7726]

I was super stuck with not being able to start editing my demo reel but this video really helped me out.

[@LOOPYGOLF]

Big help! thanks buddy

[@martinskorik7207]

This is a good one man. Thank you

[@aleksandrabelash4151]

Thank you very much! Helped a lot

[@movingamountain]

Thanks man! This is great info!

[@oscargary8606]

I've watched so many damn videos about this topic... this is far and beyond my man. Excellent breakdown. You got a subscriber.

[@garrettsammons]

Happy to help Oscar!

[@FacetheMuzikEntertainment]

Video was very informative. You said something that really hit home. As I am a new aspiring independent filmmaker I have to continue to build up my catalog with innovative shots to add to my collection. This will be my first reel…….wish me luck 🍀 😅

[@mayursundrani8319]

Very helpful video Thanks.

[@alexanderjaschik9690]

nice video, working on a reel right now let's see if I can incorporate some of these ideas into it :)

[@SaarangP_007]

Great tips! Very helpful ✌🏼

[@alanmatuka]

Hi Garrett, thanks for a bunch of great advices. Finally heard someone say that KZbin style of cutting, editing and using transitions isn't really the industry standard. Personally really like Deakins filming style, and one of his major points is ' one should have a very good reason to move the camera, like to reveal something new to the viewer '.

[@NinaYFilms]

Very helpful! Thanks

[@melissapastrana6016]

Excellent Advice

[@heavydremer8716]

Thanks for the video! Doing research on putting together a demo reel. I feel like this video put me on the right track. + sub + like!

[@philpritchard5173]

Good job. Thx.

[@alessandrooliveira724]

loved

[@ravikote9877]

Really So informative for Reels Edit..Thank you for this...and Subcribed Channel

[@roderickmartin1343]

cool, can't to be inyour class next week next semester and i enjoyed my interview video( that you interviewed me )

[@antonengblom]

Wow.. This is so good content creation. Thank you Garret. Regards from Anton in Sweden. Background from music, magic and and finance.. led me more and more into photography.. and culminating in.. video. Strange life. But thank you.

[@antonengblom]

Another thing.. I am interested in thoughts on choosing focal lengths for different scenes. How different focal lengths create different types of looks suitable for different vibes. What to think about when it comes to different FL and how that effects the way you compose a shot. That would be very interesting to hear your approach on.

[@antonengblom]

I am thinking more in general rather that in specific show reel scenarios.

[@garrettsammons]

I’m working on a video that talks about just this very thing. The primary consideration when choosing focal length is the distance relationship between layers (foreground mid ground and background). Perspective distortion goes a long way in choosing the right lens. Telephoto will smash all your layers together. Wide will pull them all apart. What relationship does your character have with the world around them? That will help inform how you lens a shot.

[@MarcC1973]

Great tips! I've re watched this several times already. Question, what's you're stance on fancy graphics and moving titles in a general videographer reel. I think basic is best? Let me know. Thanks, Marc

[@garrettsammons]

I always want people to focus on the visuals and not get distracted by text. Having a closing card is always a strong call, but not throughout. This, of course, is just my opinion.

[@filmbyak9962]

This video was extremely helpful; it was clear and concise! I have a job interview for a government agency and all of my work is namely church media mixed with a hodgepodge of randomness that I shot in my spare time. It feels so unrelated to what this agency needs and I do not have the time to try shoot before this interview occurs! Any tips are appreciated.

[@alejo_mendez_editor]

7:46 yessss. the cut...all we need is a cut. nice tip.

[@Vainot]

Loved the video. Subscribed to you! I wanted to ask, all the viewers, and obviously you Garrett if you come across this, How many different videos should I see before actually sitting on the edit? I think I have everything after this video, just curious as there are A LOT of videos on this topic like any other and I do not want to be overwhelmed by all the information that I take in.

[@garrettsammons]

I’d get a first cut done as soon as you can. You can always tweak and recut but you can plan forever and never make a reel of you aren’t careful.

[@debby1548]

Great Video and very helpful. How do you go about listing what exactly you did on each project? I always start off with my Assistant jobs and then move up to Online editing but then that limits me to following it step by step. Can we just do subtle lower thirds with the job description? Do we even need to mention it since its normally attached to a CV?

[@garrettsammons]

Great question! I generally recommend you make a reel for each skill set you’re looking to seek employment on. That makes it more simple to identify how to arrange clips.

[@MeNaturally83]

This was great! Thank you for giving me some clarity. Should a TV showreel include music or include the show intro?

[@garrettsammons]

I wouldn’t use music that would distract from the visuals. If it’s a known song, it could very well pull people away from the content.

[@MeNaturally83]

@@garrettsammons No neither songs are known songs. My hesitation is that the show intro has lyrics and I think that might be distracting. I’m wanting to opt for a song I found on Epidemic Sound.

[@garrettsammons]

I’d completely agree. I always avoid lyrics in reels

[@Faceplay2]

Here’s a fun fact he didn’t bring up. Demo roles are of course important but the fact is the majority of work you’re going to get hired on is by word-of-mouth, or friends. I’ve directed documentaries for Netflix and just wrapped up my second feature film. They legitimately never watched my reel, never even watched any of my short films. Or other past projects. They simply hired me because a friend vouch for me and I interviewed half decent.

[@garrettsammons]

This is a great point! Your network will take you further than your work every time. A reel is a good way to building that network tho.

[@zeinabarabnia]

thanks Garrett, very helpful tutorial, but i have a question, How can i use a video in my reel, that it has special music or mix sound on beat, when the music background is playing?

[@theusbadenhorst1848]

This Has been so amazing. Thank you. I have subbed. I totally agree about having content that the viewer can actually see what it looks like. Here is a Question. Can I promote photography and video in the same reel? I really would like to have a single short reel only showcasing my whole repertoire. thanks again

[@garrettsammons]

Happy to help! Generally, photography doesn’t go in a reel. You’d have a portfolio/online gallery to display your still images. This is because photography generally is taken in slowly, with people examining each image.

[@theusbadenhorst1848]

Thank you. It makes sense

[@JuanSanchez-ps7wj]

Thanks for your recommendations, I'm doing my first reel and I'm having a hard time finding the right music on Epidemicsound, do you recommend a specific genre? Thanks greetings!

[@garrettsammons]

The music you pick should be determined by who your intended audience is. Who is watching the reel? Who do you want to hire you? Pick music that speaks to those folks. Make sure it also compliments the kind of work you produce. Heavy metal on a wedding reel would be an odd choice.

[@JuanSanchez-ps7wj]

@@garrettsammons Great, thank you very much for your answer, greetings!

[@yasminpenton6940]

I am making a show reel for a singer, what would be the best way to make it?

[@TheCreatorsxm]

which lens did you use to film this video>

[@garrettsammons]

I use the 16-35mm 2.8f Canon L II for my talking head footage.

[@resolving_boris]

Lots of great tips. My issue is that I have talking head videos that are very emotional, and others that are promotional that are exciting. I'm trying to figure out how to combine them. A big problem is that the viewer would need to hear the dialogue and backing music in the talking head videos, but not in the others.

[@garrettsammons]

That's a common issue for sure. This is why its important to have completed videos on display on your website. It'll give your potential audience a chance to engage with your work in a more personal way. The purpose of the showreel/demo reel is to give them an idea of the aesthetic you're creating.

[@TalkItAllShow]

So far I have received the finished projects (commercials and student films) in KZbin videos. I haven’t been able to find a straightforward way to download KZbin videos. Should I ask my directors to send the file instead of a KZbin link so I can edit them into a reel?

[@garrettsammons]

If you have a close relationship, absolutely. If not, I just download the file directly from YT or Vimeo and edit with what I have.

[@jeannotpetit7403]

08:00 preach

[@hecktonevideoproductions8812]

what about how to cut a TV NEWS STRINGER REEL? Ive never seen one on here. its only TV NEWS photojournalism reels.

[@EIY_Kumar]

Do you Color correct/ grade and stabilize your shots or just raw videos ?

[@garrettsammons]

Sometimes I’ll color grade footage to make it fit within the general aesthetic of the reel. That said, I try not to change the footage all too much so if a potential client watches completed worlds, they’ll look like what’s being presented in the reel.

[@EIY_Kumar]

@@garrettsammons okay.. thank you for the tips

[@farheenhashmi6290]

What should be the duration of the reel u think?

[@EditorPerezoso]

30-60", Max 90"

[@Kazoue]

Any news about the demo reel contest?

[@garrettsammons]

Yes! I’m waiting on the reactions/judgements from Chris, than the video goes up. Hopefully it’ll be in the next day or two. I’ll keep you posted.

[@l8diva]

@@garrettsammons So, who won?

[@garrettsammons]

You can find the video right here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIm0k2ukoN6ql9E

[@franklinmichael671]

Do you need model releases for your reel?

[@garrettsammons]

I always have releases for all my work. It’s definitely best practice.

[@franklinmichael671]

@@garrettsammons Thanks! Great video by the way, I watched a lot about how to edit a reel and I had a hard time finding them, this one had some great points I'll definitely be taking into account for my reel

[@IBAlexanderIB]

6:42 Your background music is still on while the song is played.

[@damirregoc8111]

7:43, yeah, but what if we're trying to get a job as a yt editor.

[@garrettsammons]

Honestly, I don’t think you need a reel if you want to be a YT editor. I think it’s much more important to have a body of work to showcase. YT is a different beast and requires a different style of forward facing portfolio.

[@damirregoc8111]

@@garrettsammons At this point, I would edit beheading videos for terrorists. Need to pay rent. But, I do need a reel even for KZbin, because they- the guys hiring editors- expect that.

[@hrcreation.4935]

India❤

[@commercialand]

Would you mind taking a look at my reel? This will be my second attempt to send to Black Box for stock footage.

[@garrettsammons]

Shoot me a link on IG. Would love to take a look! @garrettsammons

[@personaldronerepair6141]

Although lacking in originality, I completely agree with all comments below. After all, I cannot convey the feeling any better. Way to practice what you preach. Thank You !!

[@metalshorrorhouse]

WHat about someone who hasn't gotten their first job yet? How does one make a demo reel out of nothing?

[@garrettsammons]

Great question! This goes back to the idea of spec work. What do you want to get hired to make? Film that. It doesn’t even have to be “complete projects”. If you have creative ideas for shots, shoot them and make a reel out of that.

[@jamesdabkowski2414]

Is there a type of music that you should stay away from? Or one that doesn’t sound professional to potential clients?

[@garrettsammons]

The best music choice should always be informed by who your target audience is. Who are you looking to have hire you? Make sure the music you select speaks to those people. If its jarring to your target audience, you won't get picked up for as many projects. As a general rule of thumb though, definitely stay away from lyric driven music.