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This is a sample of what is called a "Reel". A reel is what you give potential clients and/or employers when they want to see your talents. This would be a sample of a reel that would get you an "A" in this class. The clips are well lighted.The materials are properly applied. A musical background is used.

By the end of this class you will create your own reel.A program called "Adobe AfterEffects" is used to compile your reel. I will show you how to use this program.

Your reel is the most important thing you can take from this class. Don’t leave putting it together until the last minute. Give yourself several weeks at the end of this course to create your reel.

Only use your best samples. Every piece must show the person watching your reel a moment of quality.

The average length of time a reviewer gives to your reel is 8 seconds. If you can’t capture their attention in those ­first 8 seconds your reel is useless. So use your strongest samples first.

Render your models for presentation using lights and cameras. Don’t take a good model and ruin it with bad lighting. Orbit the camera around your non-animated models.

In this class you can create a successful reel using the following projects:

  • A great looking landscape with good lighting and camera work.
  • The ABC 24/7 with plenty of dazzle and strong composition.
  • A good sample of “compositing” as in the Jet and cloudscape project.

To make a successful reel you need to know how to use Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere. You don’t need to be an expert but know just enough to place clips of your animations together, set up some type (your contact information) and set a musical score. You will learn to do this in this class.

If this is your attempt at creating  a 3D reel  be patient. Remember, your reel is something that you will continue to add to and improve during your entire career.