Progression: Showreel

What is a Showreel?

A showreel is a short sequence of edited video or film footage which showcases a person's previous work in their respective field. Showreels can also be referred to as a demo reel or a sizzle reel. Showreels can be used in several different mediums, be it: photography, graphic design, videography etc. This means there are many different  kinds of showreels involved in filmmaking and other media. Filmmakers often use showreels but other career paths require this similarly, including actors, animators, lighting designers, editors, photographers, and models. Showreels are usually two to three minutes in running time, as to maintain the viewers attention. With this in mind, it is best that the showreel does not include elongated clips as to keep the viewers attention as well as showing a diverse range of products that reflect a range of skills on the behalf of the person making it. One can typically supplement a portfolio with a showreel, in a CV, as it serves relatively the same purpose; a highlight reel of one's work. 

Usage of showreels are commonplace in industry and are often asked to be included in one's portfolio by prospective employers or universities. With this in mind, one must make sure the content that is included in one's showreel must be professional in terms of delivery and presentation. It is best to include the best work that one has produced - to give the viewer a sense of the material that one has produced. 

Conventions of Showreels:

  • Close up shots of the focus
  • Combination of music and atmosphere/talking
  • Interview with the focus
  • Interview with clients
  • Title sequence to introduce the focus
  • Shots of them performing
  • Detail shots (denotation and connotation)

Documenting the editing process in Premiere Pro:

I begun production of my showreel in Premiere Pro. Naming the project, "Portfolio Show Reel".


Upon selecting the relevant material  



I experimented with transition slides whilst producing the showreel. Transition slides are effective as they add visual movement as one slide changes to another during a presentation. Slide transitions add to the professional appearance of the slideshow and draw attention to specific important slides.





Showreel Demo:

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