Need a demo reel....but what to shoot?

If Im just starting out and I need some clips for my demo reel, should I shoot some Spec commercials or should I just shoot anything?

Any advice would help

[Dean Sensui]

The content of a demo reel depends on the market you're targeting.

For example, if you're looking at gaining a client in the news business then you'd include spot news, major events, sports and, perhaps, a few stand-up type shots.

For commercial work you'd include material that shows your skills in product shots, lighting, and other aspects to indicate your sense of timing and, perhaps, your skills as an editor.

There's not much time available to impress a potential client so you'll have to tailor your reel for each particular market and ensure that they'll see only the kind of material relevant to their needs.

Dean Sensui
Base Two Productions

[Josh Bass]

I'll relay a personal experience. I shot a bunch of stuff around my house demonstrating foreground framing, movement with the camera, rack focusing, etc. It's really quite crappy, though inventive, I think, and it's landed me several gigs. They weren't paying gigs, I grant you (actually one of them was, but the people who offered it rescinded the offer because of scheduling conflicts, so screw those bastards), but there ain't much in Houston if you're just starting out, unless you got the connections, which I don't.