We’ve already talked about the purpose of a TV sizzle reel and some key elements that make it great. Now let’s explore the differences between a short sizzle reel versus a longer sizzle reel, and the advantages an extended sizzle can offer.
3 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A SHORT VERSUS A LONG SIZZLE REEL
- Clarity & Precision
- More Time = More Set Pieces
- Better Character and Story Development
CLARITY & PRECISION
The more complete the sizzle reel, the easier to answer all the millions of questions the executive on the other side will have. For instance: What makes this scene so special? Why are your characters doing this activity? How did they get here? Where exactly is this going? And so on and so forth.
Whereas a short sizzle may simply feel like a teaser of all the possibilities, a longer sizzle fills in many of these critical details. Like a movie, the short sizzle is a teaser to get you excited, while the long sizzle is like a trailer – a mini version of the entire movie.
By providing more clarity, you instill more confidence into the network trying to decide if they’re going to order a season of 10-20 episodes. *One important note: WHERE you are in the pitch process also determines the kind of sizzle you want to show. If you’re simply trying to get the meeting, then use a short sizzle to get in and get out. If it’s for major discussions and contract talks, use a longer version to show the network exactly what they’re getting. This is one of the primary reasons why some people will go ahead and shoot a full-on 30 minute or 60 minute pilot. Of course, the longer the episode, the bigger the budget you will need. (typically) In Rocky’s case, he offered the client the option of creating a a short or long version, and the client opted for both. When this occurs, you simply shoot the longer version, then in post, edit down to get both versions. Keep in mind the use of motion graphics and music may also change depending on what each sizzle needs.
MORE TIME = MORE SET PIECES
If you do decide to shoot an extended sizzle, what exactly should you shoot? In the case of Roadtrip America, Rocky used the time to really amp up the big set pieces of action. This included diving into the race scene where the male hosts learned how to drift a pair of race cars. Remember, a sizzle – short or long – must always entertain. So if you’re planning to do a longer sizzle, do so only if you can maintain the viewer’s attention. If at any point your sizzle causes the viewer to tune out or become bored, then forget the longer version. Stick with something short and sweet.
On the flip side, if you’ve got nothing but diamond after diamond of scenes to work with, then use the extra time to really make your highs high. Build the edit so it gives you those unforgettable moments visually or emotionally.
One quick note on length – as to how long a long sizzle should be: typically somewhere between 3-25 minutes. Once you’ve hit 25-30 minutes, you might as well edit the sizzle into a full blown Pilot, with a complete ending to the episode that brings closure or a cliffhanger. The primary advantage to having a completed pilot is that’s one less episode you need to film for the entire series. Whereas a long sizzle may still require an initial pilot to be filmed.
BETTER CHARACTER AND STORY DEVELOPMENT
Finally, the third advantage a longer sizzle gives you is easily how much more it benefits your characters and plot. In the end, people are going to watch your show due to its STORY, whether reality or scripted. Sometimes a short sizzle can only provide a taste of all the potential drama or conflict or interesting people in it. The long sizzle is where you can flush out those characters and conflicts – which is especially important in scripted shows with complex storylines.
Say for instance you’re creating the next Breaking Bad or GOT, chances are if you’re only making the 2-3 minute short sizzle, you’re focusing on the all the big bangs and epic action with a few scenes of character development sprinkled in. But the truth is, the primary reason these shows work so well is due to their iconic characters and the personal or external conflicts they find themselves in. And to show this takes great plotting, dialogue, setup, etc — basically, it takes time. Which is precisely what you don’t have in a short sizzle. The same is true for reality shows. In the case of Roadtrip America, the client emphasized the importance of showcasing the cultural bridges being built and the human exchange the show would offer. In other words, show the heart of the show. This is the primary reason why Rocky focused on motivating big set pieces from the relationships the Hosts would develop with local “guests”. This emotional narrative provides an even deeper story for the audience, and shows the human touch that can connect people from all over the world together.
SUMMARY
In a nutshell, a longer sizzle affords you the ability to tell a better story with richer characters and more interesting set pieces. It can provide answers to those producers or networks that seek shows with more substance and depth. On the downside, it is more expensive and time-consuming with the planning and film logistics involved. That’s why when you work with a filmmaking expert who can explain the benefits / disadvantages of all your options clearly, it gives you the ability to choose what’s best for your incredible TV series idea.
See the Roadtrip Amercia short version: Short 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