Your demo reel isn’t just a collection of your work—it’s your golden ticket to landing your dream job. But here’s the hard truth: if it doesn’t stand out in the first 10 seconds, it’s getting skipped.

Allan McKay, a world-renowned VFX supervisor, has reviewed tens of thousands of reels while staffing productions for major studios. He knows exactly what makes a reel shine—and what sends it straight to the "no" pile.

Let’s dive into his top tips to help your demo reel grab attention, hold it, and open doors.

1. Show Your Best Work First. Reviewers decide quickly if a reel is worth watching. That’s why your strongest, most impressive work belongs front and center—the shots that make people say, “Wow!” Don’t save your best for last, because they might not get there.

Imagine you’ve animated a jaw-dropping explosion for a blockbuster. Start with that! It’s the difference between being skipped or remembered. Take 10 minutes to identify the top three shots that showcase your best work. These should be the opening highlights of your reel.

2. Less Is More. Short and sweet wins every time. Keep your reel between 60 to 90 seconds. Reviewers often have dozens of reels to watch in a day, so anything longer risks losing their attention—or worse, skipping over your best work.

Think quality over quantity. A tight, focused reel will always leave a better impression.Time your current reel. Can you cut it down to 90 seconds or less while keeping the strongest parts?

3. Tell a Story.Think of your reel as a 60-second mini-movie. Every great director started small, creating short films to grab attention—and your reel can do the same. Create a narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and end to make it memorable.

Even if you’re showcasing different projects, arrange them in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. It’s like taking the viewer on a journey.

4. Tighten Your Edits. Every shot in your reel should serve a purpose. If a clip doesn’t elevate your work, it doesn’t belong. Reviewers notice when a reel drags, so aim for clean, seamless transitions that keep the energy high.

Remember, your reel is a highlight reel for the job you want, not just the one you have. Watch your reel and ask yourself: Does every shot add value? Cut anything that doesn’t.

5. Don’t Sweat the Music. Surprising truth: most reviewers watch reels with the sound off. While a great music track can enhance your work, it won’t make or break your reel. Focus on visuals first.

If you include music, choose something that complements your edits without overpowering them. It’s there to support, not steal the show.

6. No Filler Allowed. One weak shot can cost you a job. If it doesn’t showcase the quality of work you want to attract, leave it out. Your reel sets the bar for the level of projects you aim to work on—so set it high.

Be ruthless when editing. If you’re not sure a shot belongs, it probably doesn’t.

7. Prove You’re Job-Ready. A great reel isn’t just a showcase—it’s a promise. It should say, “I’m ready to sit in that chair tomorrow and crush it.” Highlight the skills you bring to the table and the results you’ve delivered.

Ask yourself, “If someone hired me based on this reel alone, would I feel confident walking into the job?” If the answer isn’t a solid yes, refine your reel.

Bonus Tip: Get Inspired Before You Start
Before building your reel, research companies that specialize in producing demo reels. Their craftsmanship can inspire your approach, whether you’re creating it yourself or hiring a pro.

If you’re a rockstar editor, go for it! But if you’re not, consider hiring a professional or asking a skilled friend for help. Make sure to sweeten the audio, layer in sound effects, and color-grade every shot.

Your reel needs to look pristine—because the professionals watching it will know if it’s not.

Call to Action
Your demo reel is your first impression—make it unforgettable. Start strong, keep it tight, and show the world what you can do.

Ready to take your reel to the next level? Don’t wait to get noticed—your next opportunity starts with a great demo reel.

Visit paulstevenforrest.com today for free guides, expert advice, and personalized coaching. Let’s work together to create a demo reel that doesn’t just get watched—it gets you hired.