How to build a portfolio

For many roles in the screen industries, it's essential to have a portfolio that demonstrates your creativity.  A portfolio, or showreel, will help you persuade admissions tutors or employers to take you on. 

Showreels are short videos showing a selection of your best clips. Portfolios are collections of your work, either in the form or a website or a physical artist's case.  A portfolio website can include a showreel or a showreel can stand alone.

Icon showing camera operator with a portfolio and a film

How to make a showreel for film or TV

What to include in your video, where to host it and what free software is available
Icon showing an animator and a portfolio with an animated creature

Build your animation portfolio

Advice on making a showreel for roles ranging from concept artist to rigger and compositor
Build your film and TV sound portfolio

Build your film and TV sound portfolio

What to include in your soundtracks, where to host them and what software to use
Icon showing a hair and make-up stylist with a portfolio and a head-and-shoulders image with scissors

Build your hair and make-up portfolio

To get into hair and make-up departments in film or TV you need images of your work
Icon showing a VFX producer with a portfolio showing compositing layers

Build your visual effects (VFX) portfolio

What to include for every role ranging from concept artist to technical director and compositor
Icon of a writer with a portfolio showing pen and ink

Build your writing portfolio

What to include in a portfolio website for writers breaking into film, TV and games
Icon showing an art director with a portfolio and an image of a scene

Build your film and TV art portfolio

For work in art departments, you need a case of work or a website portfolio or showreel
Icon showing a games programmer with a portfolio with a games console and control

Build your games portfolio

Tips for creating showreels in every role from games design to programming
Icon showing a costume designer with a portfolio and two costumes

Build your film and TV costume portfolio

How to present your skills in wardrobe to help you get into costume departments