A conversation we have with Brett Ashy, president of the Ashy Agency, an agency for marketing communications companies to the broadcasting and entertainment industries. We asked him about creating a demo reel package to impress prospective clients.

1. How important is the design of packaging of a demo reel?

I think packaging is very important.  Your packaging, if done correctly, gives an immediate idea to it’s recipient of your brand and the attributes your brand stands for.  It let’s your consumer or potential client know a little bit about who you are as a company and upon sight and touch should evoke a response from the person receiving your reel.  While I think a branded presentation, meaning the design of your package and the design of your reel and it’s contents present a cohesive message, in the broadcast design industry, it’s the work on the reel that makes the most difference.  However, I’ve known some companies that have such creative and well designed packaging that it provokes the recipient to pop the DVD in to see if they are that creative the entire way through.  All in all I believe in well designed cohesive brand packaging that carries over into the work the potential client sees on the reel.

2. What type of packaging works well for your companies? Why?

Well, within the last two years, I’ve asked all my companies to change from plastic jewel cases to digipacks which utilize mostly cardstock and have a plastic tray.  We are trying very hard to move away from the use of as much plastic as possible.  Also, I’m finding the artwork on the digipacks just look so much better on cardstock than they do showing through a plastic jewel pack.

3. What’s your word of advice to have your reel stand out from the rest?

Find other reels that you feel stand out from the rest.  What is it that you feel makes them stand out from the rest. Whatever that is try designing around that quality, while bringing your own ideas, your brand and what it stands for into the design.  I’m not advocating copying anyone’s work, I’m more advising to find interesting ideas and making them uniquely your own.

The Ashy Agency is a broadcast and new media design agency that handles sales and marketing of 11 industries highest end motion graphic design, live action and visual effects studios.  Began in May 2005 by President Brett Ashy, the Ashy Agency currently represents the design and production talents of BigSmack, Big Star, Eloisa Iturbe, Engine Room, Eyeball, Fresh Paint, Laundry, Monkeyhead, Nailgun, Roger and Spillt.  The Ashy Agency can be found at www.ashyagency.com or look up The Ashy Agency on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/The-Ashy-Agency/279680895562?ref=ts.

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/brymo/2585686355/