There is a common demo reel mistake that can kill your big break when it finally comes your way.
An STAA member granted permission to share this story with you about the price he paid for not keeping his reel updated.
Here it is in his words . . .
I can’t stress enough how stupid I feel for not keeping my reels updated more regularly.
I recently was at Mohegan Sun (a casino/resort in Connecticut) and happened to be playing blackjack at a table with someone who works for BU Athletics in their video production department. We got to talking, I mentioned I do broadcasting, and we swap numbers and emails so we can talk further about me doing work for them this year. The next week, I have an email in my inbox asking for my reels so he can try and get a sense of my previous work.
I didn’t have them ready.
I had to send him an email with links to YouTube highlight packages saying I’d follow up with further, more extensive samples as soon as I could. Man, did I feel embarrassed. It’s possible I shot myself in the foot and lost the opportunity to leverage the connection I made. If that’s the case, I will have no one but myself to blame but I’ll have learned a very valuable lesson.
It was a much-needed kick in the pants to get those reels updated/assembled and keep them fresh, and I can guarantee it’s a lesson I won’t soon forget.
I will add just one thing. The material on your demo reels should be updated at least every year.
You never know where you’ll make a connection. So make like a Boy Scout and be prepared.
