Guys I need some feedback. I’m working like crazy on my reel and I’m turning into a nervous Nancy. Reason being, for me to move to where the work is located (CA) is going to be a HUGE and expensive step for me. Quite an investment. What I truly need is some reassurances from people who are out there working in the field, see the hiring process, know the caliber of work that is sought after, know how fast one needs to be at producing, ect. Because I really and truly have no idea. Being across the country from the field I want to enter makes the specifics of this particular machine pretty nebulous in my mind and its driving me nuts. So here are some direct questions.
**Please only respond if you have direct industry experience. No n00b guesses, please. No offense, but if I wanted guesses I could make them up myself. And no jokes please, this is very serious to me. Thank you.**
- Let's say I make a reel. And its good. Not blow-your-mind-rad, or the best reel an individual has ever made, and also not the worst. Above average, but not jaw droppingly, ridiculously stellar. What are the chances of that getting me a job? I'm talking an entry level position. Something to pay my bills every month and save a little; nothing fancy. I mean, is the industry kind of black and white in that your either really freaking awesome and you get work, or your not and your goals are a pipe dream because no one will hire you until you are freaking awesome? Is there a place for "entry level" folks?
- I hate to ask this, because I know it sounds shitty .... but what is the minimum that it takes to get a job these days? Not that I'm trying to scrape by on the bare minimum, that couldn't be farther from the truth, but in any competition there needs to be standards set in the minds of those competing so they know how they are doing during the course of "the race." I guess what I mean is, I see people post reels here all the time, but I have no idea if they get jobs with those reels or not. We never get to hear that part (success stories, failures) and I think its very unfortunate for those, such as myself, who follow that same path behind them. I really wish I could have a stack of 20-50 recently made reels that got people who are just starting out their first jobs, as well as what job that reel landed them. I think that would go a long way to help me understand what I'm up against and what I need to aim to surpass.
- Specifically, I'm going for a modeling job, so I'm making a modeling tape. Seems straight forward enough, perhaps, but I do get quite a few mixed signals on the do's and don't's of making a modeling tape as well as what to expect when giving it to companies. Most people agree that they are sick of seeing spinning models on reels, and yet I have yet to come up with a better way to show of a model from all angles that isn't equally if not more cheesy. Also, how many models are enough for a person's first demo reel? Is it important to texture your models on a modeling reel? How about rigging?
- Ive been told that usually only large companies will consider a reel where someone has chosen to specialize, such a a modeling reel. Well its seems likely that there are a ton more small companies that there are big companies, and that I may be seriously crippling my chances at getting a job by making a modeling reel. What are your thoughts on this?
... That's all I really have right now. Like I said, I ask these questions because I honestly have no clue what the truth is. Aside from the net, I'm completely isolated from my field, and it's maddening. If some of you professionals who peruse these forums would be willing to address some of my concerns I would be forever grateful to you, as it will serve to help guide me on a more true path to success.
A deep and humble thanks to anyone who responds with thoroughness and candor.
- Dustin Brown