Having a reel is very important to almost anyone in the business. It’s a vital tool that shows the world — in small clips — what one is capable of behind and in front of the camera. I’ve always struggled with the concept of creating a Director’s Reel. What is a Director’s Reel? What do you show? As I look at examples I cannot come up with anything that doesn’t immediately remind me of a director’s influence on the scene. I see the acting (actor reel), the lighting (the DP’s reel), the set design (the Art Director’s reel) but nothing that says, Hey, it was done this way because the director directed it this way.
So what’s a writer/director to do? Any input would be nice 
January 1st, 2009 at 9:38 am
I think you’re right, when people watch a film it is usually the actors who get the credit or the blame. But that doesn’t mean the director’s work is invisible. If that were true then how would people like Stephen Spielberg or Martin Scorcese become who they are in the world of film-making, or David E. Kelly and Aaron Sorkin for television? A director can’t be judged by looking at just one film. When a director is good you can pretty much count on ANY film or television show they do as being a good piece of work. Because they will not accept mediocrity and that is apparent to the audience. They are the ones who have the “vision” for the film, where the actor’s intention is only on the scene in front of them (sometimes they have no idea what else is going on in the film or television show). So in order to showcase your “directing” you will need to choose scenes that show your “vision” for the film as a whole. It’s hard for me to put this in words but maybe my example of the directors I’ve listed will help you, as another director, put it into perspective better.
January 3rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I guess I’ll never be sure. Even the scenes where I specifically “directed” the actor to take a certain emotional path, or the scenes where I asked the DP to light a certain way or move the camera a certain way still feel like the only things noticeable reflect the actor or DP. I guess I’ll just go with my gut and hope for the best.