Reel success: creating demo reels and animation portfolios

Content: * Book Outline       Reel Success        Introduction: What is a demo reel?        Chapter 1    This chapter includes the design of branding yourself, from font and color choices, to the design of Business Cards, Letterheads, Logos, and WebSites.        Chapter 2    This chapter goes over the overall portfolio package that you need to develop before you look for a job. This includes Business Cards, Letterheads, Resumes, Cover Letters, Thank you letters, Demo Reels, Demo Reel Breakdowns, Flatbooks, as well as developing a Web Presence        Chapter 3    This chapter covers what to put into the demo reel. A discussion about whether one needs to specialize or not is included, as well as what specific content is necessary for each area of specialization.         Chapter 4    This chapter focuses on how to target specific studios and what those studios want to see.     Other topics include how to find entry level jobs and networking.         Chapter 5    This chapter is the "how to" in putting your reel together. Considerations of assembling your reel are discussed. Suggestions of what to do and what NOT to do are covered.         Chapter 6    The breakdown that accompanies the demo reel is discussed in detail, from clearly identifying your work and crediting others when necessary.         Chapter 7     This chapter talks about distributing your demo reel. What dimensions and codecs are needed? What is the differences? How to go about getting accurate feedback. How to go about networking and getting your reel into the right hands.        Chapter 8     This chapter talks about the interview process. What to bring and how to prepare. What to do about an Art Test. How to negotiate a contract.        Appendix I (should be posted on the web, but book can have a printed list most of the information)    Includes sample demo reels, critiques (ideally would be screen captured with a voiceover critique), and jobs that resulted from them    What works, what does not.        Appendix II (should be posted on the web)    Is a supplement of studio listings with specific requirements                  Reel Success        Introduction: What is a demo reel?        Chapter 1    Presentation Design of Self Promotion     Design    Font Choices    Color choices     Unified theme    Personal Promotion    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)        Chapter 2    Professional Package Presentation    What to Include    Business Card    Letterhead    Cover Letter    Resume/C.V    Logo    Web Presence    Demo Reel / Breakdown    Flatbook    Thank you letter    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)         Chapter 3    Gathering Content - What to put into the reel    Specialization reels vs. General reels    Specific content for each area: Concept, Story, Layout, Modeling, Texturing, Rigging, 3D Animation, 2D Animation, Visual Effects, Lighting, Compositing, Motion Graphics    To include or not to include    Original best work    Ongoing portfolio development     Presentation of material    Separate passes    Playblasts or renders    Still images?    How Long    How Much to include    Legalities - the proper process and procedure to obtain legal rights to use footage from a movie, game or tv on your reel, Music on your reel    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)            Chapter 4    Targeting specific studios - what do studios want to see?    Interviews with industry professionals and recruiters    Large studios- US, Asia, Europe and other areas.    Small studios- US, Asia, Europe and other areas.    How to find entry level studio jobs     Networking - It's not just what you know, but who you know.    Every person you meet is a potential connection. Linked In, Facebook, etc.    Chapter 5    Assembling     Dedicated demo reel drive - the ever changing demo reel    Continuing Ed.    Animated logo introduction    Non-linear editing     Unique editing ideas    Transitions     Sequencing and flow    Music and timing    Legal issues with Music    Contact info    Font Choices    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)         Chapter 6    Breakdown    Clear information    Credit those necessary    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)         Chapter 7     Distribution    Dimensions     Codecs    Web publishing: Websites, Web Communities, Social Media    Getting your real critiqued    DVDs    Getting it into the right hands    Networking    Guilds and Unions    Trade Associations    Film Festivals    Competitions and Contests    Trade Shows and Conferences    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)         Chapter 8     The Interview    What to bring    How to Prepare    The Art Test    How long do I have to wait to hear something?    When should I follow up?    Negotiating a contract.    Freelancing    Pointers from Industry (Recruiters, employees, leads, etc.)         Appendix I    Sample demo reels, critiques, and jobs that resulted from them    What works, what does not.        Appendix II    Studio listings with specific requirements