Advice Showreel confusions

Hi,

I'm applying for University applications. My Showreel is of 16:9, I have used some shots in my showreel which were shot in 4:3 only camera type but while edit export I cropped top n bottom and made it 16:9 and this is the only format I have of them now.

My worry is,
(A) What could possibly the best professional and correct answer I can have for having a 4:3 shot footage as 16:9 without pillar boxes? (I have to made up a correct reverse methodology to tell them of my working process…as cropping is usually prohibited)
(B) Is 4:3 stretch is really acceptable in professional industry and an accepted practice?
(C) Also, Visuals starts off in my showreel after 10 secs, as I have included Timestamp slide before starting of visuals, would that be a problem. In of the article for showreel tip it was mentioned that showreels where visuals do not appear before 10 secs get rejected. But the prog. I applied ,does not have any such requirement but just the max total length of showreel. Kindly give some insight regarding it too.

Kindly help with this I am really nervous about the aspect ratio mistake I have done and looking for appropriate cover up that how come I have a footage shot in 4:3 but have final output as 16:9 without pillar boxing and cropping and distortion of framing.

Regards
 
Hi Isabella,

Hopefully you are feeling better about your showreel by this point. Nevertheless, I don't want to leave you hanging, as applications are stressful enough already, so here are my opinions:

(A) Tell the truth with calm and self-reflection. I've made a few big (BIG) mistakes working as a professional Assistant Editor and although it is embarrassing, I have owned up to each one, apologized, and moved forward best as possible. I personally prefer an honest apology or acknowledgement of a mistake than a BS cover-up!

(B) In my experience in the US film industry, 4:3 stretch is not used.

(C) It's hard to speak to your case without knowing your program, but if there's a timestamp slide (not sure what that is -- a slate, I take it) for the first 10 seconds and then your show reel starts, it seems to me that will be fine. Kind of long for a slate, but not huge problem. If you are still concerned about this, you can try to reach out to the Admissions office of your program to give them a warning about this; it may or may not work.

Chin up, deep breaths, and good luck!
 
Thanks llueve for the feedback.

A) Will do that.
B) Noted
C) Slide means insertion clip, before starting of visuals I have given Title, then have written what does the showreel consists at which timestamp, then gave my one line statement regarding my approach towards work. After that, then the visuals (the show-reel) starts. I also, do not see an issue with this when I am already telling them that at which timecode what is there for them. But then every every person has their moods and cant really gauge if they will be making an issue out of this or not specially when there is not any such instruction that visuals should start before 10 sec. I only started worrying when I was reading an article of tips for showreel (not for any specific University just a general guidance by some film student) that Profs. or Admin staff reject applications or showreel if visuals dsnt start within 10 secs.
 
C) Slide means insertion clip, before starting of visuals I have given Title, then have written what does the showreel consists at which timestamp, then gave my one line statement regarding my approach towards work. After that, then the visuals (the show-reel) starts. I also, do not see an issue with this when I am already telling them that at which timecode what is there for them. But then every every person has their moods and cant really gauge if they will be making an issue out of this or not specially when there is not any such instruction that visuals should start before 10 sec. I only started worrying when I was reading an article of tips for showreel (not for any specific University just a general guidance by some film student) that Profs. or Admin staff reject applications or showreel if visuals dsnt start within 10 secs.

I see, I get what you're saying. It sounds like you did your best, you provided an intro, and although it may not be the favorite thing for some admissions folks, it doesn't necessarily mean your work won't be watched. You've done the hardest part already, which is finishing your application! I'm rooting for you and hope your work is watched.
 
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