Creating a Cinematography Reel: 5 Expert Tips

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Creating a cinematography reel can be an exciting yet challenging task. It's your chance to showcase your talent and tell your story through the splendor of visual imagery. A well-crafted reel can open doors to potential opportunities, and it all starts with understanding your material.

1. Know Your Material

Before you start piecing together your cinematography reel, it's vital to gain a deep understanding of your material. This crucial step will set the foundation for your reel, highlighting your ability to interpret and transform a script into a visually captivating story.

Understanding Mood and Emotion

Every great cinematography reel starts with understanding the mood and emotion of the scenes. Your job is to ensure that every frame and every shot aligns with the emotional narrative. It's not just about capturing stunning images; it's about conveying feelings. For example, in the film "The Godfather," Gordon Willis used dark lighting to evoke a sense of tension and danger, which became a defining feature of his cinematography style.

Deciphering the Script

Next, you need to master the art of deciphering the script. It's not just about understanding the dialogue; it's about visualizing the subtext and the hidden layers within the script. This ability can set your cinematography reel apart. For instance, in "Blade Runner 2049," Roger Deakins used distinctive colors to symbolize different aspects of the narrative, creating a visually striking and deeply symbolic cinematography reel.

Visualizing the Story

Finally, you'll need to visualize the story as you prepare your cinematography reel. This involves imagining the final product even before you start shooting. This skill allows you to plan your shots, choose your angles, and decide on the lighting. For example, Emmanuel Lubezki’s work on "The Revenant" showcases his ability to visualize and capture the harsh reality and raw beauty of nature, which earned him a place in many top-tier cinematography reels.

Understanding your material is the first step in creating a cinematography reel that not only displays your technical prowess but also your ability to tell a compelling visual story.

2. Select Your Best Work

Once you have a solid grasp of your material, the next step in crafting a compelling cinematography reel is selecting your best work. Remember, your reel is a reflection of your skills, creativity, and style. Therefore, it's important to be highly selective and only include the work that truly shines.

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to creating a cinematography reel, it's all about quality over quantity. Resist the temptation to include every project you've ever worked on. Instead, focus on the projects that best display your skills and vision. Think of it like a 'greatest hits' album – you want to include the work that truly stands out. For example, the famous cinematographer Robert Richardson doesn’t fill his reels with every film he shot. Instead, he selects scenes from films like "Django Unchained" and "Inglourious Basterds," where his unique style and technique are on full display.

Show Diversity

While it's important to maintain a consistent style, showing diversity in your work can demonstrate your versatility. Can you shoot a fast-paced action scene as effectively as a quiet, intimate moment? If you’ve worked on different types of projects—commercials, music videos, documentaries, or feature films—select a range to include in your cinematography reel. This can show potential clients that you can adapt your style to fit a variety of narratives.

Highlight Your Skillset

Lastly, make sure your cinematography reel highlights your specific skillset. Are you particularly skilled at shooting in low light? Do you have a knack for creating visually stunning wide shots? Whatever your strengths may be, ensure they're clearly showcased in your reel. For instance, if you look at Roger Deakins’ reel, his exceptional skill at using light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere is immediately apparent.

By selecting your best work, you can create a cinematography reel that not only showcases your strengths but also tells the story of who you are as a cinematographer.

3. Use the Right Tools

Next up on the journey to creating a top-notch cinematography reel is tool selection. This isn't just about choosing the fanciest software or equipment, but rather picking the right tools that align with your skills and help exhibit your work in the best possible way.

Software Selection

Begin with choosing the appropriate editing software. There are various tools available like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve to name a few. Each one has its strengths. For instance, Premiere Pro is known for its seamless integration with other Adobe tools, while DaVinci Resolve is highly applauded for its superior color grading capabilities. Choose the one that you're most comfortable with and that best suits your needs.

Video Formatting

When it comes to video formatting, you'll want to ensure your cinematography reel is easily accessible and viewable on various platforms. Most industry professionals recommend saving your reel in MP4 format as it balances quality with file size, and can be played on almost any device. Also, make sure you maintain a high resolution, ideally 1080p, to keep your work looking crisp and professional.

Color Grading

Lastly, let's talk about color grading. This is where you can really make your visuals pop and enhance the mood of your scenes. Using tools like Adobe's Lumetri Color or DaVinci Resolve's grading panel, you can add depth and emotion to your shots. For instance, the legendary cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki utilizes color grading to create his iconic ethereal and naturalistic visuals in films like "The Revenant".

Remember, using the right tools not only enhances the quality of your cinematography reel but also shows potential clients your technical prowess and attention to detail.

4. Create a Strong Opening

Now, imagine you're sitting in a movie theater. The lights dim, the music starts, and the opening scene begins. This is the moment that decides whether the audience will stay glued to their seats or start checking their phones. Similarly, your cinematography reel needs a strong opening that instantly grabs the viewer's attention and keeps them hooked till the end.

First Impressions Count

Like the opening scene of a blockbuster movie, the first few seconds of your cinematography reel are crucial. Choose an engaging, visually stunning clip that showcases your ability to create a powerful narrative. This could be a dramatic close-up, a breathtaking landscape shot, or a dynamic action sequence—you decide what best represents your style. Remember, first impressions count, and a strong start can set the tone for the rest of your reel.

Set the Tone

Speaking of tone, your opening should also set the mood for the rest of your cinematography reel. If your work is more focused on dramatic, serious themes, a somber, emotionally intense opening would be apt. On the other hand, if your work is more light-hearted or comedic, a fun, quirky start would be more appropriate. Remember, consistency in tone helps to create a cohesive, compelling reel that accurately reflects your unique style.

Engage the Viewer

Finally, your opening should not just be visually appealing, but also emotionally engaging. Whether it's a poignant moment between two characters or a stunning visual metaphor, choose an opening that speaks to the viewer on an emotional level. This will make your cinematography reel more memorable and leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

Just like a good story, your cinematography reel should have a captivating beginning. A strong, engaging opening not only showcases your creative abilities but also sets the stage for the rest of your reel.

5. End with a Bang

So, you've captivated your audience with an engaging opening and showcased your best work throughout your cinematography reel. Now comes the grand finale. The way you wrap up your reel can leave a lasting impression, so it's important to end on a high note. Let's look at how you can do just that.

Leave a Lasting Impression

Think about the best movie endings you've ever seen. They probably left you feeling something strong—excitement, sadness, curiosity, or even shock. That's exactly what the ending of your cinematography reel should do. Choose a final clip that packs a punch, one that leaves the viewer feeling something powerful. You want your reel to be unforgettable, and a strong ending can ensure that.

Show Your Range

While your cinematography reel should have a consistent tone, the ending is a great place to showcase a bit of range. If your reel has been very dramatic, consider ending with a clip that shows your ability to capture lighter, more subtle moments. On the other hand, if your reel is more fun and lighthearted, a dramatic or intense final clip could show that you're capable of a wide range of styles. Showcasing your range not only keeps the viewer engaged but also demonstrates your versatility as a cinematographer.

Reinforce Your Brand

Finally, use the ending of your reel to reinforce your personal brand. This could be done by including a signature shot or a recurring theme from your work. You could also add your logo or name in a creative way. The ending of your reel is the last thing the viewer will see, so make sure it leaves them with a clear sense of who you are as a cinematographer.

Just like a great movie ending, the conclusion of your cinematography reel should leave the viewer wanting more. By ending with a bang, you can ensure that your reel is memorable, engaging, and a true reflection of your talent and style.

If you're looking to enhance your skills in creating an impressive cinematography reel, don't miss the workshop 'Understanding Cinematography' by Jessy Moussallem. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of cinematography techniques and help you showcase your work in the best possible way.