Want fast cars, paragliding, and paintballers? The folks at RoadTrip America were looking to launch their East meets West mandarin series and so they approached Rocky to create the ultimate tv series sizzle reel.
WHAT IS A SIZZLE REEL?
Sizzle reels can range in length from a short 3 minute montage to a full-blown pilot episode. Its purpose is to give a taste of the TV show’s story, format, and style. Budgets can range from high to low depending on the show concept, but typically, the grander the concept, the more money it takes. And often, you get what you pay for. Fortunately, when working with Rocky, he aims to always get you more than you paid for.
5 KEYS TO A GOOD SIZZLE REEL
So what exactly makes a TV sizzle reel good? Keep in mind, this is separate from how to sell a TV series or get it picked up, as the business of making TV shows can often require packaging (example: celebrity talent like the Kardashians) or a well known Show Runner (example: the legendary Aaron Sorkin). So instead of focusing on the business of how to sell the sizzle – as this is more the executive producer’s role; in regards to the filmmaking, let’s focus on the art of how to create a good sizzle so it gives your producer ammunition in the pitch meeting.
From experience, here’re the 5 key ingredients to creating a good sizzle reel: (*Of course, there are additional factors to consider, but those can be explored in a future youtube episode of blog post.)
1. Keep is visual
2. Keep it exciting
3. Use great music
4. Show the episodic format
5. Hint at all the exciting possibilities the show can offer
When you think about it, it’s no easy task to accomplish, however, Rocky was fortunate to be given plenty of creative freedom in writing the script, directing the production, and overseeing the post-process. The result, 2 full-blown epically visceral mesmerizing sizzles. (a short version and a long version) Utilizing 2 camera teams, more than 50 extras, 100 crew, 6 weeks of planning, race car drifting stunts, paragliding, and eating a mountain of hamburgers. If you’re truly curious about the difference between a short and long sizzle, just watch the extended version. As you do, pay attention to how engaging it feels. If you get the nature of the show. If you can see how it can reach its target audience.
If your sizzle does indeed communicate and answer all these important questions, then as a filmmaker, you’ve done your job. Now get after what’s yours!
See the Roadtrip Amercia full extended version: Extended sizzle reel
To see more of Rocky Jo’s works: Showreel
Tags: Sizzle reel • pilot • TV series show • film production company • video production services • film / video director • filmmaking