The first, and sometimes only, thing a client will look at to see if you’re the camera they need is your portfolio. A collection of the work you’ve done that is exemplary of your work. It showcases what you know how to do, the shots you’ve composed, the work you’ve put in - your talent. Your portfolio is You. So when someone rejects you based on it, they’re rejecting you. 

And they have a reason for that. Do you know what it is? How is your Demo Reel failing to represent you?

It’s About Stories

Most demo reels consist of a series of shots or clips set on a timeline with a song in the background. And it could be a banger song with lyrics that connect with you. But you’re not a music producer. Your demo reel is about how you capture video - how you capture Stories, and if all you can do is set a story to pre-existing music, what client is going to want that from you? They can do that themselves.

Your Demo Reel should be about you and your ability to tell stories through your videography. Clients hire you to tell their stories through your lens. The best story you know is yours, so show it off. Go behind the scenes and show what you do, that you know what you’re doing, because that’s what the client wants to see. They want to see the professional grade that you’re bringing, whether it’s a van full of top of the line equipment or a studio out of a garage that takes pictures better than the studios at the mall. Show yourself and what you make.

Everyone Needs Videos

iPhones are “good enough” for most people when it comes to pictures, even videos. They are the consumer level good that approaches the professional level quality. Picture quality isn’t the major selling point for professional creators. Real value is found in skill and ability. That is what you should focus on presenting. 

Every business of every kind has a story to tell and needs a way to capture it. What’s easier? Using dozens of web pages to describe what they do? Or having a professional video that shows what they do? That added value is essential to any business, big or small, but the big clients will care more about who can bring their story to the forefront than who can position their iPhone better. When image quality becomes standard across all devices, what do people hire for? How that quality is used.

Take off the music and put on a talk track. Tell people who you are and show them what you can do. Let them know their story is in good hands with you and your equipment. Don’t just drop your price to appease them or undersell yourself forever. Don’t let a bad demo reel drag your business down. Make it better, and make your business better with it.