Secrets of the successful promo video; Part Three

by Buzz Wolfe at Sundance Video

We’ve talked about length, and content of the perfect promo video. Now let’s talk about that dreaded idea that your current promo video could hurt you. I’ve noticed that many artists need to update their video regularly. Magicians obviously need to constantly update. Comedians are always developing their sense of timing. The singer finds a new way to hit that troublesome note (or finds a halfway decent sound-man). The point is, an artist isn’t an artist unless he finds a new or original way of looking at things.

Many of us, myself included, are asked to present a videotape. We ponder over whether or not it adequately represents us. I try to go with what I think best represents my work. Many of the clips on my video reel are 10 years old (back when I was crazy enough to hang upside down or be dragged across the floor to get the shot). But I’ve got the urge to make sure I also show off my latest compositing software or graphics. The music sounds good and the video quality is good so that should be enough, right. Well, things are changing fast in this world, and many of you don’t believe we will be here much past midnight of the year 2000. So lets think about this…

So how can my video hurt me?

Many people outside of Vegas, such as NY or LA, don’t take Vegas seriously. Ironically, they are struggling to get work here, just like the rest of us. What is the Vegas stereotype? Webster’s dictionary describes Vegas stereotype as “Over the top, gaudy, full of flash and lacking in content.” Well, thank you, Mr. Webster. So lets be careful not to let our videos fit that stereotype. Be serious in your presentation. Pay attention to the audio. Use nice, tasteful graphics, and don’t fill it with a bunch of cheesy effects. In other words, don’t make it “Vegas-y.”

Another way of hurting yourself is by sending out pure crap. You know who you are!

I’m talking to the people who have never bothered to have a video professionally edited.

Those who send out a copy video of some recital from 22 years ago, which starts off with static and snow before the picture wobbles into view. (If you can call it a picture) And it is so many generations of copies down that you can barely make out who it is, anyway. You probably won’t get the job. And those of you who video tape yourselves in the garage with the walls masked off with black and some K-Mart lights hoping that it will look like a live performance. If you are in the garage, that’s okay, just don’t try to trick us. We appreciate honesty in advertising!

Okay, you get the picture...…

Sending out a video like that will definitely hurt you. If you are unaware that it is bad quality, you’d better educate yourself. People are sending out excellent quality videotapes. Maybe your act is better, but if it is scratchy and horrible to watch, they will have doubts about hiring you. I’ve been in agents offices, talking about some of the videos they get. They put in a tape, it’s scratchy and horrible, and they say “Look at this crap, can you believe it?” and then they throw it right into the wastebasket. I’ve seen three different agents do that. Don’t kid yourself, you need to have a decent quality video to make the cut.

It doesn’t have to be Betacam, and it doesn’t have to be from a TV show. It just needs to be a fairly good picture, where they can tell it is you. Reasonably stable, some people get seasick if the camera is too wobbly or zooms in and out too fast. And the sound needs to be decent. Often the ambient, live sound off the camera is adequate. Maybe a little music from a CD to underscore your picture or voiceover could add a little pizzazz.

It just needs to clearly tell the story in a pleasant way which makes the viewer want to continue watching. Then you are home free, and the phone will be ringing.

Listen to your instincts…

If you are thinking that your video doesn’t represent you well, it probably doesn’t. And be very careful of saying, “Well, I’ll just send a copy of this old thing for now, until I get my new video done.” You will be judged on your video submission and they may never watch the slick, new video. Talk to them, send them an audio tape, send them pictures, call them on the cell phone, do anything. Just don’t send that old video if there is any chance that it will do you more harm than good.

In summary...…

DO send the best video you can afford, using the best quality clips, pictures and sound.

DO send audio cassettes, pictures, etc., until your new video is ready.

DON’T send out a crappy video. i.e., any video that does not start off with black and come up with a fairly decent picture and sound.

DON’T send out a video that isn’t current. You can have old clips but if you have at least three new things you do which are not on the video, it may be time to think about updating.

HOW DO I GET THE AGENT TO WATCH THE TAPE? We’ll talk about that next time…

If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached via e-mail at sundancevideo@cox.net, or by calling (702) 597-0642.

About the author…

Buzz Wolfe owns a local video production company called Sundance Video, operating in Las Vegas since 1989. Buzz is a showbiz veteran, studying dance in New York City before moving to Vegas in 1986, where he performed in many shows on the Las Vegas strip. He brings his show business experience to the art of video production. He has been a local favorite among theatrical artists because his sense of musical timing and eye for creative concepts saves them hours of time in the editing process.