Resume / CV
2 pages maximum. Like a showreel, packing more “stuff” in there doesn’t make it better.
Showreel
Different formats and modes of delivery:
- Website
- DVD
- Quicktime (and other formats)
Generally DVDs and websites are preferred (video files on CD can be problematic since they will rely on the person viewing it having the right player/codec etc) with DVDs probably being the best.
Submission
Never submit originals. The chances of you never getting them back are too high to risk.
Don’t resubmit unless you’re asked to, or you have new work. It is OK to send new work every 6 to 12 months – as long as it keeps getting better!
Content
Only your best work – better to be short and good than long and mediocre. Remember what they say in showbiz - “Leave your audience wanting more”.
Best work first, but you can also finish with something good.
Remember your research on the position and the company.
Nothing unfinished – at least in terms of what you are trying to show. In other words if you are showing an animation piece, it doesn’t have to have highly polished lighting or texturing, but the animation must be the best.
Group material. You can do this broadly, so that if you are showing both animation and rigging, you’d group those. But you can also group within those, so bringing facial animation pieces together, and run cycles, and quadruped rigs etc.
Keep it short!! 2 minutes is plenty.
Shot Breakdown
Simple page (preferably printed, but could be electronic) that helps person viewing your reel understand your part in creating the work you are presenting.
Portfolio
Portfolios tend to be bulky and therefore are a little harder and more expensive to send around to employers. However they can be very useful for showing work from certain disciplines such as concept art, texture/surfacing, design etc
When putting together a portfolio make sure you:
Display your strengths – have examples of what you are good at doing.
Show your versatility – try to show a range of styles, mediums, materials, characters, settings, atmospheres etc.
Clean strong images – be sure your audience knows what they are looking at.
10 piece maximum (leave them wanting more). Like a showreel it’s much better to have less strong material than more mediocre content.
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