Secrets of the Successful Promo Video: Part Five

by Buzz Wolfe at Sundance Video

Should your video be on The Web?

In this day and age, most performers have a promotional video. If they don’t, chances are that they are famous enough to not need one, or they don’t work as much as they should or could. The promotional video nowadays for performers is expected, along with a resume and pictures. It is an integral part of the promo package, and in many cases, the primary element. The question is, do you need to have your video available to peruse on the World Wide Web?

As I am writing this article, many performers already have their own websites. Most of them, of course, have some video clips ready to stream to your desktop, along with bio’s, pictures, reviews, products, etc., etc.. There are an equal number of performers out there who don’t even own a computer, and only have a vague idea about the internet. This is quite easy to understand, and they may not need the internet. The thing to consider is that the internet may save you tons of money on promotional materials. You may not need to send out thousands of promo packages if you can get potential buyers to visit your website. Many agents may need your material so quickly that it could cinch the deal if they could see you immediately, on the web.

The web cannot satisfy all of your needs, however. You will still need hard copies of your promo materials for the next few years, anyway, but it can be a tool to assist you in getting the word out.

It’s a great tool…

I have a client in Florida, Jean Ann Ryan Productions, for whom I was editing a promotional video. I was able to upload a video file that they were able to view to make an approval and suggestions. It saved FedEx expenses, and they could view it at their leisure over and over again. This was tremendously convenient. I have another local client, Ron DeCarr’s Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel & Villas, for whom I put together a quick, casual tour video, which we designed to go straight to the web. Anyone going to their website @ www.vivalasvegasweddings.com will be able to get a customized tour of the chapel & facilities as well as their various themed hotel rooms. This should serve to give a guided tour and answer repetitive questions at the same time.

Many people are catching on to the advantages of the internet. Let’s talk about a few details in regards to your promo material. The thing to keep in mind is that right now, the videotape is better quality. The internet video is still a little jerky, and a little small. I’m sure that most of us have seen webcam images on television and the movies. Most people who are web savvy are aware of this, however, and can sacrifice a little quality for a lot of convenience.

One more convenient tool is the Video CD, or the DVD. Perhaps these will take over the VHS market before too long. Several of my clients, including Charlie Fry & Co., have put their video on a CD. When they go to a new venue in Europe or some other exotic locale, they can pull out their laptop and show the video to the lighting and sound technicians so that they can plan the cues. This has been a great way to break the ice with the tech crew. It adds a little fun to the tech rehearsal. It is also possible to have your complete promo package available. You can show your resume, show revues, pictures and video clips right from your laptop or desktop.

The good thing is that it is relatively easy to convert your existing promo video to “web ready video.” You may also consider getting all of your materials onto one or several CD’s that you can take with you and modify, anywhere in the world…

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.

He can be reached at (702) 597-0642 or by email: sundancevideo@cox.net.