Reel Success: Creating Demo Reels and Animation Portfolios

If you still have a positive balance on your Amazon holiday gift card after splurging on colorful hardcovers, put it to practical use with this no-frills approach to preparing every animator’s essential foot-in-the-door. Using her extensive experience as an animation and digital media instructor at the School of Visual Arts, University of Central Florida and Savannah College of Art and Design, author Cheryl Cabrera guides readers through making the right impression for the right audience with their portfolios and reels, harnessing the power of social media and networking effectively.

The paperback breaks down best practices for the competitive animation job market, successful examples of demo reels featuring techniques beyond the minimum standards, actual student experiences and professional techniques. The real meat is in the results of a recruiteroriented survey Cabrera sent out to top notch studios which offer priceless insight into the machinations of potential employers. If your New Year’s resolution is to break into Toon Town, this is a worthwhile read.

— Mercedes Milligan