Thread: Tips For A Good Promo Video?

I know it's time I had one. But I'm so utterly terrified by the way I look on video that I've been too chicken to make one yet. I'm one of those people who just looks better in person, y'know? Hmm...maybe this thread ought to be in the Fitness/Beauty folder...anyway!

I would love any advice people have to offer about what makes a good video. Makeup, costuming, lighting, length (I'm assuming short and sweet?), type of music to choose, anything.

Thanks!
- Leela

You will probably look best if you are relaxed, so whatever it takes to make you feel good during the shoot... Lighting is always crucial for video, the camera needs a lot of light.

I personally dislike video montages set to one piece of music rather than clips showing the actual music that was being danced to. But I've seen big names use this technique. It bugs me, though.

I think for a short promo video, the montage to 1 song is fine (it's actually what I'm working on now). You want something short and sweet that will still in someone's mind--a whole bunch of different songs in less that 2-3 minutes will seem jumbled. You can do a montage, and the post longer clips of numbers elsewhere.

I think of a promo video somewhat like a movie trailer....you want something that will hook them, tell them a story, and be quick to watch

If you're using only one camera, don't use a tripod...rather use a videographer to creatively move the camera around - it draws in the viewer - whereas the tripod is only good when you are using more than one camera. Oh, and eye contact! but keep it moderate. Here's an example.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkY5BIITEL8]YouTube - Lauren Demo 2008[/ame]

I think the montage works if you are marketing to the GP, but if you are marketing yourself to other dancers or sponsors like IAMED, you should show that you can actually interpret the music you are dancing to.

amanda

my vote is for short and sweet AND a full length, uncut song. have a montage that highlights your skills (30-60 seconds max each of 2-3 songs maybe? for about 2 minutes total. lauren's demo is great, but at about the minute mark I was thinking it would be cool if it segue'd into a drum solo or taqsim or something). and then also include a more fully developed set that shows your range and how you interpret the music. then you can use the demo for everybody. the montage will be great for the gp and to give dancers a quick overview. the full length shows the dancers what you can do while the gp would probably have been done with it before you got through the intro. ;)

I'd vote for having the promo video filmed at an attractive studio.
For you, wear a color that you love, and a costume that flatters you.
The studio should not have fluorescent lighting, as that does not flatter anyone's skin--bring in some hot lights. You do want to be pretty well lit up (ok I mean that in a straight way, people!) because otherwise your moves don't show. The background should be uncluttered. If you d use clips from a restaurant or stage show, make sure it's one where there's enough lighting that your dance can be appreciated. I hate those youtube ones where it's so dark you can only see the dancer when someone's flash goes off.

I also like the angle/camera changes idea--but not too much or it's distracting. (Old bellydance superstars videos come to mind where the camera man was trying to be "creative" by filming from behind a vase or a plant...gah!)

no monkey cam!

I dont' know much about video, but from a marketing standpoint -- know who you're marketing to with your video and think about it from their POV.

If you'll be showing the clip to potential party gigs, restaurants, etc. you want to be dancing to fast music and doing GP-friendly things (balancing, wings, etc) and preferably show yourself in that setting interacting with people.

If you'll be showing the clip to dancers who might want to hire you to teach workshops, then you can be doing more ooey gooey musical interpretations, folk styles, etc. (whatever you teach!).

If you'll be doing both, it might be worth filming all the footage you need and editing together two clips.

Originally Posted by Fushia

If you're using only one camera, don't use a tripod...rather use a videographer to creatively move the camera around - it draws in the viewer - whereas the tripod is only good when you are using more than one camera. Oh, and eye contact! but keep it moderate. Here's an example.

YouTube - Lauren Demo 2008

I'm afraid I disagree - I got such a headache looking at this clip that I stopped after just a few seconds. I think a tripod with a clean look is far preferable. I guess it goes to the crowd you're trying to attract - this type of camera work might be more popular if you're aiming to get 21st birthday gigs, for eg. I also think that a studio would be preferable to this sort of lounge-room situation, especially with the light streaming in from behind. It looks a little too 'Here's me dancing around my bedroom' for my liking.

Having said that, if this was shot in a studio and with a tripod, I think it'd make a great promo clip. The dancer herself look lovely.

I agree that one short uncut song with a montage of clips from professional shows, restaurants and shots in a studio/nice location would be best for marketing to the GP.

A clip of an actual performance (like a Rakkasah video) would be better if you are marketing to other dancers.

Pretty much, what Lauren said. Who are you marketing to? What would your video say to them?

here's my promo video that's geared towards the GP; short and sweet, slick graphical look, under 1.5 minutes, a variety of performances/images

[ame=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=355937024651655432]Najla Belly Dance NYC - Promo Montage[/ame]

I also have full-length performance vids on my website and facebook fanpage

Please don't do this in your bedroom and then use all of those funky editing buttons that swirl and twirl, switching slides every three seconds.
Think small commercial.