Get a Job in Television

How to Make a Reel

If you are trying to get a job working in television, you will need to develop a "reel" with samples of your work to send to potential employers. In most cases you would send your reel to a television station along with your resume whenever you are applying for an open position. Your reel will give a potential employer a good idea of the type of work you do, and the quality of work they can expect out of you as an employee. What to put on your reel can be a difficult decision; here are a few guidelines to follow when selecting items.

Keep it to three items:

Try to keep your standard reel to three items. Chances are the station has received numerous applications so they aren't going to sit down and watch a 45-minute demo tape from you. Try to keep your entire reel down to ten minutes or less, showcases three projects you've done. If you absolutely must add additional items try to have them edited together as a montage rather than placing the whole items on the reel. If an employer wants to see more of your work after they've seen your reel…they'll ask.

Pick Your Best Work

It goes without saying that you should put your best work on your reel. Employers are going to assume that the work you put on your reel is the best that you can do. If the work you choose is all mediocre in quality, then they will assume that is the type of work you typically put out. You want use things on your reel that are bound to impress. Just because something was difficult to do, doesn't mean it looks good. Make sure you are picking things that look the best.

Spice it up