As publisher of the site and a Director of Photography in the United Kingdom I have felt for a long time that the average graduate of a film school sees his/ her efforts wasted because of the lack of opportunity to show that most precious achievement, “The Showreel”.
Three years of hard work and study, now contained in a DVD or a film can, and no-one, apart from a few family members and friends, actually gets to see it.
Many times on a film set I have been gently and persistently persuaded to give up a few precious minutes of a lunch break or at wrap time to huddle over a computer screen to watch the runners or the third assistants precious work.
In all honestly, sometimes it was an embarrassing experience. The work was often appallingly directed, badly acted, poorly lit, lacking in research and generally depressing.
My great difficulty at such times was being tactful enough not to hurt anyones feelngs but finding the correct words of encouragement to make sure that the proud director or cameraperson, etcetera, was not totally disillusioned by callous or off hand comments.
Some of the creators of the worst films I have viewed have gone on into the industry and become very successful. At this moment in time one of them is actually directing a major Hollywood feature.
Occasionally at these viewings that I have agreed to, I have emerged from the viewing room absolutely stunned by the quality of the work on display,the exhibition of talent on some reels has been nothing short of astonishing. Sadly these talented people face the same problems as the less talented ones, no one gets to see their product.
This is where “The Reel Show International” hopes to make a difference.
Good luck.
The Reelshow International Team
