How can you create a demo reel that adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions?

2 Adjust the resolution and aspect ratio

The next step is to adjust the resolution and aspect ratio of your demo reel. Resolution is the number of pixels that make up your video, and aspect ratio is the proportion of width to height. You want to choose a resolution and aspect ratio that match the standard dimensions of most screens, and that can scale well without losing quality or cropping. A common resolution for web videos is 1080p, which is 1920 x 1080 pixels, and a common aspect ratio is 16:9, which is the ratio of most widescreen monitors and TVs. You can also use 720p, which is 1280 x 720 pixels, or 4K, which is 3840 x 2160 pixels, if you want to showcase more details or future-proof your video. However, keep in mind that higher resolutions will result in larger file sizes and longer loading times, so you may want to compress your video or offer different versions for different devices. You can use tools like HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder to adjust the resolution and aspect ratio of your video.

3 Optimize the speed and quality

The final step is to optimize the speed and quality of your demo reel. You want to make sure that your video loads fast and plays smoothly, without sacrificing the visual appeal and clarity of your work. To do this, you need to balance the bitrate and the frame rate of your video. Bitrate is the amount of data that is transferred per second when your video is streamed or downloaded, and frame rate is the number of frames that are displayed per second when your video is played. A higher bitrate and frame rate will result in better quality, but also larger file size and slower loading time. A lower bitrate and frame rate will result in smaller file size and faster loading time, but also lower quality and choppiness. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a bitrate of around 8 Mbps and a frame rate of 24 or 30 fps for a 1080p video, and adjust accordingly for different resolutions. You can also use tools like HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder to optimize the speed and quality of your video.

By following these tips, you can create a demo reel that adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions, and showcases your video production skills in the best possible way. Remember to keep your demo reel short, focused, and relevant, and to update it regularly with your latest and greatest work.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?