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Okay, let’s jump right in. Last issue, we talked about how long the video should be. This time, let’s talk what’s in it… CONTENT!
Obviously, you want your best video clips to represent you. You must try to lean towards the best visual and audio content possible. Remember, it is a video, and you may be unfairly judged by the quality of your tape. Not everybody has good quality, professionally-shot footage of themselves. So, what do you do if you have substandard videotapes to go from? Again… CONTENT!
We’ve seen excellence emerge from substandard films. Mel Gibson emerged a superstar from the poorly constructed “Mad Max.” Robert Rodriguez won raves from the critics and fans alike for his $7000.00 “El Mariachi.” With wise choices and judicious edits, you can emerge with a winning promo tape.
So, what’s in and what’s out?
What’s in is the material that you think best represents you. This can get pretty tricky. Perhaps you have great footage from a TV special or something and you fumbled for an extra second pulling the bird out, or tripped on a piece of dialogue. Your perception of that piece may be that it is horrendous. So, in place of that, you put in an 8mm handycam tape of yourself performing flawlessly while the cameraman rocks back and forth with his overexposed, out-of-focus shot. Production value often equals perception to some busy person who doesn’t know your act inside out the way you do.
What’s out is any obvious ego-stroking. It might be best to avoid opening your video with “Produced by –name-“ “Conceived and Directed by –same name-,” “Costumes by –same name-,” and “Starring –same name.” That just might kill your credibility before your segment even begins. Anything else that has nothing to do with getting your face and abilities on the screen is also out. That includes elaborate special effects, such as page peels, etc., between the cuts. There’s no need to remind someone that they are watching a video. Don’t risk losing the viewer’s attention with some cool transition; you want to keep the viewer focused on your talent.
A slick graphic is most definitely in. It doesn’t need to be ‘over the top,’ but you do want them to remember your name. Simplicity is often very classy and confident. Nice bright, bold letters can emblazon their way into one’s memory. Good quality pictures can be added. A nice logo or animation can be helpful. And, of course, any reviews that were in print help to add credibility.
Mainly, keep an eye on your content. Get to the point of who you are and what you do. Don’t be vague! Assume that people have no idea of who you are or what you do, or why. Don’t be redundant! (People are not that stupid.) Really weigh out the differences between good video/bad performance and bad video/good performance. Don’t search for extra material to throw into your tape. If it doesn’t spring to mind right away, chances are it is not that great. Also, keep it current. If you show something old in your video, the viewer may request costumes or styles that you discarded years ago. Think of it as honesty in advertising.
IN SUMMARY…
What’s In:
What’s out:
If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached via email at sundancevideo@cox.net, or by calling (702) 597-0642.