I'd like to pick the clever brains on here so your thoughts would be appreciated. I'm making a trailer for my screenplay. I made a trailer with stills for my first published book and put it on youtube and it summarizes the story line. I'm doing that again for the screenplay. Watch the mini movie and understand the plot/action just from the pics. Has anyone done this? I can do it with just pics or include a little narrative dropped in. Not doing it as a selling tool, more for fun but I wonder if, done well, it might be a useful sales tool. During the webinar last night they spoke of actors having reels and directors have reels so I thought, why shouldn't screenwriters have a tool too? Or maybe they do? That's where your little grey cells come in. Thanks guys!
Screenwriting : Using a trailer (stills) for a screenplay. by Hillary Corby
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For a few examples, check out Amazon Studios Storyboards.
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I love book trailers and yes, I agree that a similar approach could be very effective for screenplays particularly IF you have the talent and tools to put one together, so that the production value is good AND it tells a compelling story. David mentioned Amazon, they actually accept project pitches this was as a selling tool to see if the material has potential. The problem is, most don't use the tool to the point that it helps them, and it comes off as a bad representation of the story you are trying to tell. To further your 'reel' -- if you have a website (or here on your profile page) you can post your videos as pitches and send the link to anyone you may be pitching to. Let us know how it works for you!
Sounds like a great idea. You never know what is going to work and it adds another tool to your portfolio of tricks for getting exposure. I say: Go for it!
Gosh, thanks so much for the feedback. Now, I'm all geared up to go for it. When it's done, I'll upload it and you can have a gander and tell me what you think. I am ALWAYS open to criticism because this is how to improve. If anyone is interested, they can watch the vid and tell me what they think the story is about. It's called Breaking Gabriella.
Google rip reel, rip o matic, and sizzle reel.
Vblogs are the new thing, putting together one now for my first novel Road Kill! Be sure to post so we can check check it out!
Screenwriters do have a selling tool, their writing.
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Hi Pierre, true enough, that's what it comes down to in the end. Actors have a selling tool, their acting but they still need to have a reel and they still need to compete and be seen. I think the same applies for any endeavour. People need a C.V. That's their selling tool. Diplomas on the wall mean nada if the owner sits home, drinking coffee and unemployed. Everyone needs a little extra. It's a competitive world out there that's why people use FB, LinkedIn and other social media. It's a tough competition for people who do not have the luxury of someone to open all the doors for them.
Hey Hillary, if you want to put a reel together for your script, go right ahead but that doesn't demonstrate your writing ability. An actor's reel shows the actor's ability in the same medium that they are normally seen in but a reel does not demonstrate a writer's ability. If your script is bought and produced by a studio then that demonstrates your marketability but making your own reel does not.
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I largely agree with Pierre. It's not standard for a script to be marketed by a reel. If I were submitted a reel, I would start to wonder, "What's lacking in the script itself that the sellers feel like they need to pretty up the package with a reel?" For a script that creates an entirely new world, like AVATAR, maybe some artwork would help establish that world. But generally speaking, the standard script submission does not include supplementary materials. While some people might prefer to spend 20 seconds watching a reel, others will get paranoid and wonder why the script needs a reel. If you're going to do any kind of reel, it needs to knock a viewer's socks off, or else it will likely hurt more than help. That said, we shouldn't go through life with regrets, so go ahead and put what you believe to be your best foot forward. If the reel doesn't help, then you can drop it from your presentation.
Exactly, Regina
how about just a teaser trailer to generate interest in a unsigned movie?
Thanks for all the great feedback. I have learned some new things. Pierre, if you read my post, you'll see that I said I wasn't doing it for a selling tool, but for fun and I was curious if it is something useful and if it people had tried it.Just like toying with new ideas. I do appreciate your very good insight though. Thank you. I'll put it up for people to have a look at. Bombs away!
Hey Hillary, in defense of Pierre, the word "trailer" strongly implies marketing and sales. But that's academic. Point is, do what you believe in!
Good luck to you, Hillary.
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Anything to tell your story works. I shot a trailer for my script, here is the link. http://youtu.be/08D2SKnodBs
That's great, Craig. Short and to the point. It sets up the premise and proves you can frame your story in short amount of time. It's a visual logline and in this day and age it is certainly a viable pitching tool. I wish more of the video pitches that come through Amazon were this clear. Just curious how you've used it, do you include links in your queries?
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@Laurie this will sounds really stupid. I've never used it. Now that you say that it seems so obvious.
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Hillary, I am planning also to make a teaser trailer with pictures, but as a pitching tool to get funding. The teaser trailer is of the script as you mentioned, it will not show writing abilities but the point is to show the story visually.
Not a bad teaser, does pique interest in the story but then same time you're hoping for a full film already. Aha lol.
Hillary do it! We need to start making reels, teaser trailers etc not to replace our screenplays but to show the premise and theme of the story. I feel that you can get so much more attention with visuals then with just a screenplay that you either have to wait for someone to be interested in or looking for the top producers who would be willing to buy it. If a screenwriter were to make an awesome trailer for their scripts, it would attract attention from the potential target markets you're screenplay is meant for and can eventually attract producers who notice the buzz. If your screenplay is great, it will then stand on its own. I've noticed as a writer when trying to market my novels and screenplays that I can put up all the quotes and synopsis of my stories and screenplays on social media, but putting visuals Instead grabs people's attention more. In other words Hillary, Do It! LOL
If you do a reel, make sure it sizzles! But the manner in which you are formatting your reel may be appealing to someone out there. Different strokes for different folks. Go ahead, give it your best shot Hillary!
It's a great idea gives people a feel for your work