by Nicolas Pinzon
If a picture is worth a thousand words, and there are 24 frames per every second of video, how many words is a two to five minute video worth? Probably a lot. Whether you are pitching a reality show or a scripted one, nothing is more representative and captivating for investors and executives than a sizzle reel. In a world where quality video technology is more accessible than ever, sizzle reels have become as essential to the process of pitching as log lines, synopsizes, and budgets are. Though being able to articulate your idea is still pivotal, a visual representation of that idea will take all the guessing out of the really important question of what style, pace, and tone you envision for your show. An effective sizzle reel will capture the excitement your show offers, and allow for your potential partners and investors to be on the same page as you.
If you are a first time producer there are certain fundamental steps you need to take in order to have a good sizzle reel, some of which are also pivotal to the process of making sure that you have a sellable show idea. First and foremost, your idea must be extremely clear to you, if you are unsure about it, prospective investors will certainly be as well. Talk to others and seek people who possess an understanding of the business and the process of selling a show. These people will ask you the relevant questions that will more accurately assess where you are, and they may be able to help clarify your idea. Once you know your concept is clear, you need to make sure that you have the necessary footage to create the kind of experience that will exemplify that concept. Sometimes stock footage or material that you have filmed yourself will be enough (especially if you are pitching a reality show,) but for the most part, it’s best to have a production company shoot, choose and assemble the footage with you. A two to five minute reel is more than enough to establish the tone of the show, but in those few minutes, every frame is crucial. With that said, one of the most important moves you can make towards getting your show developed is investing in a quality editor that knows the very specific nuances of editing a sizzle reel.
An experienced editor will tell you that cutting a sizzle reel is a craft all its own. It’s kinda like cutting a movie trailer…but not exactly. Having a fresh and experienced pair of eyes see your footage for the first time is invaluable. From this objective point of view an editor will know what is funny and/or compelling from what is not. Moreover, an editor will work with you to assist in conveying your concept’s true potential by giving the reel the exact rhythm and pace needed, helping with shot and music selection, visual style, and all around tone. The editor you choose to craft your sizzle could be the difference between a buy and a pass for your project.
At Award Winning Reels, sizzle reels are one of our specialties. We want to help creative minds propel their projects to their ultimate success.
If you are a first time producer there are certain fundamental steps you need to take in order to have a good sizzle reel, some of which are also pivotal to the process of making sure that you have a sellable show idea. First and foremost, your idea must be extremely clear to you, if you are unsure about it, prospective investors will certainly be as well. Talk to others and seek people who possess an understanding of the business and the process of selling a show. These people will ask you the relevant questions that will more accurately assess where you are, and they may be able to help clarify your idea. Once you know your concept is clear, you need to make sure that you have the necessary footage to create the kind of experience that will exemplify that concept. Sometimes stock footage or material that you have filmed yourself will be enough (especially if you are pitching a reality show,) but for the most part, it’s best to have a production company shoot, choose and assemble the footage with you. A two to five minute reel is more than enough to establish the tone of the show, but in those few minutes, every frame is crucial. With that said, one of the most important moves you can make towards getting your show developed is investing in a quality editor that knows the very specific nuances of editing a sizzle reel.
An experienced editor will tell you that cutting a sizzle reel is a craft all its own. It’s kinda like cutting a movie trailer…but not exactly. Having a fresh and experienced pair of eyes see your footage for the first time is invaluable. From this objective point of view an editor will know what is funny and/or compelling from what is not. Moreover, an editor will work with you to assist in conveying your concept’s true potential by giving the reel the exact rhythm and pace needed, helping with shot and music selection, visual style, and all around tone. The editor you choose to craft your sizzle could be the difference between a buy and a pass for your project.
At Award Winning Reels, sizzle reels are one of our specialties. We want to help creative minds propel their projects to their ultimate success.
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