Demo Reel (short version) By Steven Dempsey On ExposureRoom

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I like to let my work speak for itself. I am open to considering all kinds of video projects. This reel was shot with the following cameras: Canon XLH1, Canon XHA1 and Panasonic HVX200. I also used a couple of versions of the Letus 35mm adapter.

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Updated: 3 months ago

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Duration: 00:01:11

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Dimensions: 1280 x 540

Size: 51.36MB

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You know, when I first saw the short version (after having seen the long version), I thought things moved too quickly. But the more I see the short version the more I like it. Maybe it's the music? The shots I like: 1. The opening shot 2. The dolly shot at 00:26 3. The man walking at 00:29 I take it, the clips 00:42 are from one of the shoots you've done recently?

Thanks

Yes, the shots you mentioned are recent. I actually recut this from the original short version. I took some clips out and extended others so you may be responding to the different rhythm. thanks for the comments.

Not having seen the long version yet I'd say this is very nicely paced. And wow those shots...

Steven, I'm curious about your choice of music. It almost seems to run counter to the pace of the imagery. I'm not saying that's a bad thing but I'm curious if you purposely used up-tempo music with images that are slightly serene and languid in their motion? I'm putting together my first demo reel even now so this thread is perfect timing for me. Can you also discuss the legality of using music for these reels? Are we legally able to put copyrighted music with our reels as long as it's for non-commercial use? Or, is the fact that we are trying to get paying jobs with our reels stepping over some invisible line? All of this is predicated on the knowledge that you are NOT a lawyer. ;)

Dave,

The only way to answer questions like you are asking is to be frank so here goes:

It is not "legal" to use other people's music without explicit permission from the publisher/owner and possibly paying royalties. It's like a composer trying to get work scoring a film by putting scenes in his demo from films he wasn't involved in to show the impact of his music.

The fact is that people use copyrighted music all the time from demo reels to wedding videos and, although it's not legal to do so, people do it anyway. Is it right? You will have to make that decision for yourself.

There is an argument to be made that you are selling the image, not the music and it is really incidental to your goal. I use music to show the full potential of my shots. I decide what kind of music based on what I am doing with it. For instance, I sell a DVD of my short nature films and everything on there has been cleared and paid for. Some of the films I put up on the Web that have no real consequence other than for others to enjoy, are "pending payment".

The first step that is taken by a record company or publisher or composer is to send a cease and desist letter at which point you had better take your footage down or you are really asking for trouble. It is up to each individual if they want to take a risk and upload footage with copyrighted music. I am not going to endorse it one way or the other.

Regarding the music I chose for the short demo reel...the pacing of the shots themselves was not a deliberate consideration. I wanted to squeeze as much as possible into a short time frame. I actually created the longer version first and then whittled it down to this short one because people just don't have the time or inclination to watch long demos. I now offer it as an option to those who enjoyed the short one but want to look at the shots a little more and I also wanted to demonstrate the power of each shot more with the longer version because of the potent dynamics and melody of the music.

The edit felt right to me and still does when I watch it so it has less to do with practical decisions and more to do with how I feel.

Hi Steven, and thanks for the thoughtful reply. Actually, I was one of the early folks to put their names on the first "waiting list" for your DVD when you announced it and I purchased it shortly after it became available. I've been a fan and admirer of your work since first finding your site more than a year ago.

Your use of music has always been first-rate and Glenn Scott Lacy has done some amazing work with you. I was always curious as to how you got your music for your first videos. I absolutely fell in love with the original edit of "Marymoor Park" and I still prefer it to the later version....but that's a personal thing. Is Glenn's work available for license or demo reel use? There is such a wonderful synergy with your imagery and his music and I wanted to congratulate you both again for such inspiring work.

One final thing related to music. I came across a site that the artist Moby put up allowing limited use of his "outtakes". I registered and hope to use some of it in the future. He's even trying to make it easy to license his music for certain types of work:
http://www.mobygratis.com

Dave

Dave,

Interesting link, I'll have to check it out.

Any music of Glenn's that I use has been specifically scored for my films. I don't use "canned" music with him. He composes every note and I work very closely with him. He is known for being super-anal and he thinks that I am worse :)

You can contact him directly from this site and ask about licensing some of his music.

Demo Reel (short version)

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