Animation Reel Checklist: Readability, Story, Pacing
- AVG Guild
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Your reel isn’t a scrapbook; it’s a sales pitch. Use this checklist to cut everything that blurs your value and keep only what earns callbacks.
Readability
Clear silhouettes; avoid tangents and messy overlaps.
Staging supports the idea (camera, lens, DOF do not hide the acting).
Each shot opens on a readable pose and lands on a clean settle.
Backgrounds and VFX never overpower the performance.
Lighting and contrast support the action; nothing important lives in murk.
Story
Lead with your strongest shot; end with your second-strongest.
Group clips by skill (acting, body mechanics, creature) to tell a clear skill story.
One idea per clip—remove subplots and busy camera moves that dilute intent.
If a clip requires explanation, cut it or simplify it.
Add brief slates or lower-thirds only if they clarify authorship or tools.
Pacing
Keep the reel short; keep clips tight (no long handles).
Alternate energy levels (avoid two slow beats in a row).
Add 1–2 frames of black between clips if beats feel mashed together.
Transitions should be invisible—no flashy wipes that draw attention.
Craft and Credibility
Credit accurately: “Animation: Your Name. Rig: Source.”
Remove student/old work that no longer matches your level.
Weight reads: arcs, spacing, and timing sell force and mass.
Facial acting reads at a glance; avoid micro-motions that blur intent.
Polish pops: contact, overlap, follow-through, and clean eases.
Sound and Presentation
Normalize audio; avoid clipping and abrupt silence.
Music supports rhythm but never hides bad cuts—fix the cut instead.
Thumbnail = a crisp, high-contrast hero pose from your best shot.
End card: name, role, email, portfolio URL (no long title cards).
Export and Delivery
1080p, 24/30 fps; check compression artifacts.
Host on a fast, distraction-free page; include time-stamped shot list if helpful.
Provide a brief description: role, tools, specialties (acting, gameplay, creature).
Quick 10-Point Score (0–2 each, max 20)
When reviewing your reel checklist, score yourself on the following points. Give each 0-2 points per category. Under 14? Keep editing. 16–20? Pitch-ready.
Readability
Staging
Acting Choice
Physicality/Weight
Appeal
Timing
Spacing
Transitions
Audio/Flow
Overall Cohesion
Final Thoughts for your Reel Checklist
Great reels are short, legible, and credible. When you think you’re done, get outside eyes: share your reel with the AVG Guild community for checklist-based feedback. Bring it to the next meetup and ask for a “Reel Checklist critique.” You’ll get clear, actionable notes aligned to clarity, intent, pacing, and craft.
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