How much to pay for a demo reel?

[PierceVoice]

Colin, there's certainly no doubting your ability to rock a demo guru-style... but...

1. Isn't true if you go to the right place-- consider the fee should be covering a customized set of copy as well as the engineer, director, and time in post-prod. I know there are hacks, but don't discount there are actually big time folks making super custom demos who-- at the right time in your career-- are a vital resource & sitting in the high-price range for a reason.

2. Again, good & bad people in EVERY field... but doesn't a studio ultimately WANT you to succeed? So you will come back for 2nd, 3rd, and fourth demos? So that you'll recommend them? Word of mouth is so strong-- why would someone who knows their business be willing to shoot him/herself in the foot?

3. The best of talented producers are in it because they're good and they are selling something they know they can do-- it's they're thing & they deserve to be paid. Remember, we're ALL salespeople out to make money off someone's dream.

That said, no one should be spending money on a demonstration without something worth demonstrating.... Right?



*note: i feel i should disclaim that currently all my demos are self-produced. they won't be by the beginning of next year.