Reels

To me, what makes a good reel is basically the same as what makes a good movie, except that it must be much more condensed and the story is usually ignored. A good reel should be a collection of the most interesting, most beautiful work you've done. What determines that is the same as what determines a good shot normally; good lighting, good framing and composition, good use of color and shadow, etc. Shots in a reel usually need to be things that immediately pop out at you and get your attention. Editing is also important; you must take all these separate threads and connect them in a way that makes at least a modicum of sense. A reel is a lot like a resume; you are trying to show the best possible side of yourself, and your aim is to impress. You are trying to sell your work - sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively.