The (attempted) Making of a Demo Reel
Within the past few weeks I've been hard at work just seeing how much I can do with the new Vegas Movie Studio after taking some nights and weekends to see just what it can do. Now I've gotten to the point to where I want to make a video editing demo DVD. Since most productions jobs require a demo reel I figured that this would be my best opportunity. From the outset however I face a few challenges...
Obviously most places would prefer original material...not much of an option since getting my hands on a handheld camera is a almost impossible. So, without much of an option, I had to resort to some movies that I have. With that I have to get a little creative, thankfully I like and own more than action movies. So for formats I'll have to use anything I can possibly do. Music videos, trailer recuts, videos lasting from 90 seconds ot a full four minutes; basically anything I can think of at this point will be used. I've been researching everything I can, even looking to youtube for other examples, to figure out what I can do and put together for the demo DVD.
The software issue was the first major problem for me...most professionals use Final Cut Pro which accounts for more than half of the editing software that's used. Since I don't have $1,500 to spend on a MacBook that was gone from the beginning. So I had to think and do some serious research for what the pros use without busting my budget, which is limited as it is. That led me to Sony Vegas...which is obviously used by all of the units under the Sony Pictures banner as well as other firms. Clearly Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 HD (which I've been using for the past couple of months) is not what the pros use but the program uses the basic engine from the professional model. It's close enough and (at this point) it's all I've got to work with.
The current plan:
2 full length videos (3 to 4 minutes)
1 short length video (1:30 to 1:45 minutes)
With everything I've had to consider, as well as the amount of work I've put into this, I realize this is a serious long shot. While I am thankful enough just to have my foot in the door as it is I want a chance to do more. I've done some editing in the past but most of that was strictly for fun. After graduating from college I did it just to keep up my skills during my downtime. Now I want to earn a chance to turn something that I actually enjoy into a career. I know that has to be one of the corniest line on earth btu this is what I want to do...and I will do anything to get that chance.
Obviously most places would prefer original material...not much of an option since getting my hands on a handheld camera is a almost impossible. So, without much of an option, I had to resort to some movies that I have. With that I have to get a little creative, thankfully I like and own more than action movies. So for formats I'll have to use anything I can possibly do. Music videos, trailer recuts, videos lasting from 90 seconds ot a full four minutes; basically anything I can think of at this point will be used. I've been researching everything I can, even looking to youtube for other examples, to figure out what I can do and put together for the demo DVD.
The software issue was the first major problem for me...most professionals use Final Cut Pro which accounts for more than half of the editing software that's used. Since I don't have $1,500 to spend on a MacBook that was gone from the beginning. So I had to think and do some serious research for what the pros use without busting my budget, which is limited as it is. That led me to Sony Vegas...which is obviously used by all of the units under the Sony Pictures banner as well as other firms. Clearly Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 HD (which I've been using for the past couple of months) is not what the pros use but the program uses the basic engine from the professional model. It's close enough and (at this point) it's all I've got to work with.
The current plan:
2 full length videos (3 to 4 minutes)
1 short length video (1:30 to 1:45 minutes)
With everything I've had to consider, as well as the amount of work I've put into this, I realize this is a serious long shot. While I am thankful enough just to have my foot in the door as it is I want a chance to do more. I've done some editing in the past but most of that was strictly for fun. After graduating from college I did it just to keep up my skills during my downtime. Now I want to earn a chance to turn something that I actually enjoy into a career. I know that has to be one of the corniest line on earth btu this is what I want to do...and I will do anything to get that chance.