The Reel Deal.

Matthew Neff | Apr 24, 2008 | 0

In a continuation from my previous blog "Survival Guide for......" (http://blog.danceruniverse.com/blog/story/2008/3/4/194256/7780) I am going to talk about more ways to promote yourself.

The evolution of technology has opened the possibilities of advertising for dance studios, dancers and choreographers. Years ago everything was on VHS tapes. We had to find that dumb wire and hook two VCR's together to kinda patch together clips of work onto one tape. The process was dangerous because you never knew if you had hooked the VCR's correctly. There was always the possibility of erasing your master tape. Some people actually paid editing professionals to create their reels.Advanced programs for your computer make editing a reel onto DVD seem like a piece of cake. (MMMM  white chocolate raspberry cheesecake)

What's a reel? What should a reel contain? How much is too much?

Almost every studio has a website. Every dance competition has a website. There is also a growing number of dancers that have their own personal website. Web sites are the key to promotion. I list my website on my resume for further reference for casting people. Dancer Magazine's very own danceruniverse is a perfect example of opening their medium to a wider audience. It probably seems like a no brainer in this day and age but maintaining a website to promote a school, company or freelance dancer can be a tricky thing. There are always questions when it comes to showing video examples of your work.

The reel is the answer. A reel is a short video that contains important information as well as highlighting the type of movement you are advertising. The worst thing to do is to put too much. You want to leave the viewer wanting more.

You will need an video camera (High Definition is the best way to go with a high megapixel and high optical zoom range) and a video editing program. I am a Mac user. I prefer to use Final Cut for fancy reels and iMovie for quick commercial reels. iMovie is definitely user friendly. It will not take u more than a few minutes to throw together your first draft.

Here is an example of my class commercial that I use on Myspace, Facebook and other sites I can post it on. It's a bit longer than the standard length I use but I wanted to show different genres. It's my "greatest hits" of the other commercials I have posted online. If anyone wants to see the other commercials feel free to email me. I can send you links to show you other examples.

The video clearly stated in the beginning what the reel is about. I also picked a song that was fun and universal. It's appropriate for all ages to listen to and it is still pleasing to the ear. It's a good idea to not use the original music the choreography was set to. Why? You can create more of an arch to the momentum of the piece but not having the original score. You can manipulate the choreography's order to mimic the song. It's also harder for someone to steal your choreography verbatim. You should know that anything you post online has become "throwaway". I use that term is reference to the fact that you can't copyright a phrase you created.

For studios owners your reel should stay away from being trick heavy. Show the students in classes warming up, show the faculty working with the students and highlight your different age levels and technique levels. I often search schools to send them my info for master classes. If there isn't enough information about the school that clearly shows it is invested in teaching technical dancers I move onto the next  website. As a studio your reel should want teachers and students to flock to your studio. Include the studio's name, address, website and phone number in the video.

For dancers compiling a reel of footage can be tricky. Equity does not allow any video documentation of shows. The quality of video footage is also a variable that can affect the value of the overall reel. If you can't get footage from past performance then you have two options. 1- Rent a space and film. Wear formfitting clothes for technical dancers. If the space is black then don't wear black. For hip-hop dancers keep your clothing label free. It won't be in your best interest if  you are submitting your reel for a NIKE industrial and are wearing a huge Adidas logo. 2- Go to a public space and dance your heart out. For example, Central Park in NYC has several open areas to perform while having a great backdrop. Keep the reel short in length. Casting, agents, and choreographers don't want to sit through a 30 minute reel. I choreographed a show in NYC a few years back and an aerialist handed me an hour long VHS tape of her work. It wasn't even good stuff. It bored me beyond belief and showed more of her flaws then highlighting her strengths. In auditions tiny technical infractions can easily be overlooked. On a reel there is the rewind button. So don't sickle your feet. You are showing how great of a dancer you are. You don't want to show how you can make your leg mimic a golf club. Point those feet!

Choreography reels should be interesting. If your choreography has to be shown as a full piece because of your artist vision then you are just full of yourself and need to get over it. Short and sweet sections of your work should show a range of your ability. You don't want to show clips of 5 dances that all look alike. That is simply boring. You want to entice producers and agents with the range you can deliver. Showing clips of different pieces where everyone rolls around the floor like human mops is simply asking to be made fun of on BEST WEEK EVER.  If you don't have work that can really stand alone without an explanation then it's time to step outside the box. Concert and Commercial choreographers should have a range with a unique perspective. If you are choreographing without that then there is no point to a reel. Choosing music for a choreography reel can be tricky. Please don't use the music from "Requiem for a Dream". It's be done and overdone. Find something interesting and unique that is appropriate for your genre. If you are submitting for a Madonna project you don't want a Janet or Mariah track on your reel.

After a reel is edited and finished you will have to create a DVD. I have no clue what PC users should use. My advice for PC people is to switch to a Mac. Mac programs are ideal for performing artists. iDVD is so simple to use. You just have to type in your name, drag your reels, pictures for a background and then add some music. I made a DVD for a proposal in less than 3 minutes the other day. When you have your DVD burned you should make a CD label with a picture of yourself and your contact info printed on it. You can also make a CD cover if you are placing the DVD in a jewel case. You can also place the DVD in colored paper CD sleeve as an option. You want to make it look as professional as possible.

If you are submitting your DVD as a choreographer or performer then you should also include a cover letter, headshot (with your name printed on the front!) and a resume.  

And that's the reel deal!

Blog you later!

Matthew

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Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study, Dvd, Reels, promotion, video editing (all tags)