CG / VFX Demo Reel - Daniel Silva

#1

Hi,

I’m a CG generalist with a focus on lighting, rendering and visual effects. I’m putting the final touches on my reel before I start applying and would appreciate any feedback.

I’m going to add a compositing breakdown (individual passes/layers) for the last two shots. The one with the van has a green screen element (driver) and the alien one has some rotoscoping.

I also have an interactive iPad & GearVR version of the first project that I want to show very quickly in the breakdown

[VIMEO]169318137[/VIMEO]

Daniel

#2

Hello Danny! Few things I noticed which I think could be beneficial to your reel.

  1. Capitalize your name! :stuck_out_tongue: I’d also think about changing the font around a bit, maybe make it a tad smaller/less bolded.

  2. Don’t waste time on your reel with putting titles and intros to every piece. Have what’s called a reel breakdown PDF that can be viewed/downloaded along side your reel. From there what you’d do is number your pieces in a corner and give the viewer a chance to look at your work. From there if they want to see more about what software was used, and the title etc. they can read about it for themselves at no cost to your time limit for your reel.

  3. Shorten a few things such as your video clip showing you playing with the mobile application. While it’s super cool and a great piece I think it’s on screen a bit too long, plus as a generalist with a concentration in lighting and vfx, it’s less relevant if that’s what you are trying to showcase the most.

  4. Avoid unnecessary jump cuts where the video goes from one shot/project to the next. Fade in and outs are a good replacement and less jarring for the viewer trying to look at your work.

  5. I personally like to put my info again at the end, just to close off a reel and remind them things such as my name, and what I’m about.

Hope this helps!

#3

Thanks for the feedback Shane! I might make a shorter/2nd Version of the reel that is focused on VFX and remove the first project. I’m learning Houdini at the moment so I might take the satelitte and throw some debris its way :cool:

The font comes from the album artwork of the song. It’s a little wink for people that have heard it.

I put black frames between the projects to help separate them for the viewer. But it’s true it feels a little jarring. Might tweak it.

I wanted to make the app demo a bit shorter but the timing with the music for the first frame of the earth and the appearance of the portal was working so well I decided to leave it as is.