subject: Sell It With Sizzle! Profiting from Sizzle Reel Promo Videos [print this page] Sell It With Sizzle! Profiting from Sizzle Reel Promo Videos
Sizzle Reels are short, fast-paced videos that blend creativity with engaging sights and sounds to market a TV concept or product. The main goal of a sizzle reel / promo video is to captivate the viewer with a stylized overview of a particular show concept, product idea or business initiative.
Today, marketing a product or pitching a TV show without a smokin' hot sizzle reel video is a lot like trying to get pass the TSA with 35 live, rare iguanas stuffed down your pants. Not happening. Can't wait for the You Tube video, though!
People used to pitch TV shows and products all day, every day without video backup. Today, it's all about the Sizzle! The fact everyone has the technology in their pocket to produce a demo, means the market is flooded with content. Your sizzle reel must cut through the noise of mediocrity and smack people in the face.
Whether you're selling a TV concept, marketing a product/service/event or trying to create some "you buzz", your promo video must have the following five ingredients:
1. Engaging Story - Your overall concept has to be unique and grab people's attention with a compelling storyline. The video clips and voiceover narration must propel the story forward to a big climax. Your sizzle reel must hook viewers within the first 12 seconds.
2. Turbo Charged Editing - Video editing drives the pace and intensity of the entire story. Fast paced editing creates intensity and excitement. Use special post production techniques to engage and hold viewer's attention. Short, tight sound-bites are a must. Avoid cheesy transitions. Just because your editing program has 50 wipes doesn't mean you must use them!
3. Pulse Pounding Music - Imagine an action film without a driving soundtrack...lame! The psychological power of music is amazing. It's essential to choose the right track for your story. Change the music every:60-:75 seconds. A 3-4 minute sizzle reel / promo video should have 3-4 different tracks of music. The music must match/complement the visuals.
4. Great Graphics - Cut through the clutter of mediocre sizzle reels with eye-popping motion graphics. This is where most promo videos fail. Take the time to create graphics that match and amplify the tone of your show / concept. Hire a pro if need be. This will be the best money spent! Great graphics add tremendous production value to your video.
5. Call to Action - Watch successful infomercials and you'll find they all have a powerful call to action. They craft an offer you can't refuse. Your video has to create a sense of urgency and leave potential clients / buyers wanting more. Basically: Buy my show/product now or forever be flabby and regretful!
Arming yourself with such a powerful marketing tool is a big stress reliever. A solid sizzle reel / promo video takes a load of pressure off you. Sure, you still have to seal the deal, but what a first impression. Use these key video production techniques to sell it with sizzle and reap the benefits!
