Ok I've been looking at various styles of DIRECTOR demos reels (not D.P.) and have found that there are a few contrasting styles. Some have short clips running back to back like here: http://www.beezlebugbit.com/reel.htm

And some are more of a montage like here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRxkA96tTPc&mode=related&search=

they both seem to have differant strengths but is there a standard here. I know they should be less than 5 minutes but that leaves alot of questions for format and style.

What do you guys have? And do you have reels yet?

I think a reel "should" leave a lot of questions. It's what makes the employer call you in for an interview. I also prefer the fast cutting under a minute style for this reason.

Here's my Demo Reel from last year. http://youtube.com/watch?v=iUuNMe-faRA

Good point and I like your reel but I think if you stay purely visual it never shows you were able to get any kind of performance out of an actor. I think in a montage or assorted clips you MUST show at least a peek of characters in dialouge.

I guess my question is what is the industry standard format for reels?

Have you seen this?
http://www.proscenia.net/pronews/discussion/060103_demo_reel.html

Thanks man, the articles are sort of general and for multiple mediums, like animation reels and such and did't always apply soley to directing! But it had alot of good info! I'll post mine in a few days and I'll see what folks think!

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http://www.studentfilms.com/film/view/play.do?id=2325