If you’re a TV news reporter having trouble landing a job, it could be your demo reel.
Although it may not seem like it, a lot goes into coming up with a great demo reel for TV news talent. And your current demo reel may not be highlighting your talents in the best light.
One of your best resources is an experienced TV news talent agent who can guide you on best practices.
So Then What Makes for a Great Demo Reel for TV News Talent?
According to Mort Meisner, one of the most well-known and seasoned TV news talent agents in the country, there are various “tricks” reporters can use to make their reels memorable to the average hiring manager.
For example, Meisner recalls a reel he saw when he was a managing editor in Chicago many years ago. The talent was applying for an anchor/reporter job and she had a montage in her reel that showed her in a leotard doing somersaults, jumping jacks, and other high-energy movements.
No, she wasn’t showing off her body. She was showcasing her fitness level to demonstrate that she was fit for reporting on the “mean” streets of Chicago. She not only got the interview, but she got the job.
Years later as an agent, he worked with a news reporter who had a strong demo reel that highlighted her experience as a hard-hitting reporter. Yet, hiring managers were not biting. It wasn’t until she sent Meisner footage of her tackling a pig at a rodeo that he realized they needed to put that shot in her montage. Not surprisingly, that memorable component sparked enough interest to land her an interview. And she ultimately got the job.
Memorability matters.
Are There Rules for Making Demos?
According to Meisner, there are guidelines but not steadfast rules for making demos. He does have certain recommendations he offers news talent depending on their career goals.
If you’re an anchor reporter, your reel should be in the 13- to 15-minute range. While montages are usually ill-advised for actors, this is not the case for news talent demo reels. As such, Meisner advises a montage that’s about 50% stand ups in the field and 50% shots at the anchor desk. The talent should lead the demo after that with two blocks that showcase his or her area of reporting.
For a reporter, the average demo reel should be a little shorter at about 9-10 minutes. It should begin with a very active minute and a half to two minutes of montage with active, engaging stand ups demonstrating shots of walking and talking. This should be followed by three or four packages, preferably with live wraps. It’s critical the reporter be in the story. Hard news reporters should also include a super feature story.
Does Your Reel Truly Speak for You?
With an impressive roster of clients, it’s clear that Mort Meisner knows how to put together a great demo reel for TV news talent.
So if you feel that your demo reel isn’t getting you the attention you need to move forward on your career path, contact us today.
And let Mort help get you on track!
