How do you get good video for showreels?

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Katymac
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How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by Katymac »

That's it really - in groups it's hard to see your performer

Is there an issue with videos having other people (and othe children when younger) in

How do you mark out 'yours'

& what editing packages do you all use?
2dancersmum
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Re: How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by 2dancersmum »

There are loads of different editing packages you can use, some free, some not. I'm not sure what DD used for her 1st showreel but for her latest one she just used windows movie maker - perhaps not the slickest or quickest one out there but it did the job.

There is no issue with having other people in the showreel as long as your dancer is clearly identified. You do have to choose clips carefully though. Some editing packages might allow you to follow the dancer around the stage but mostly it is a case of using a symbol like an arrow - or adding text - 2nd dancer from right for example . Best to try and avoid the groups being too large and as I say if the dancer is hard to follow around the stage once pointed out, split that clip.

Not sure on the situation for having younger people on the stage too as DD has never had minors in any clips. I have seen some showreels that highlight the dancer chosen so all the other dancers are 'in the dark' as it were . Moviemaker does not have that feature - I don't know which editing package does.

Your finished showreel should have a mix of studio work (on her own or with a partner demonstrating lifts or other partner work) and performance. The studio work is important, don't think it has to be lots of performance. The person watching will be wanting to see clearly technique across a range of steps and it does not matter if this is shown in the studio or performance.

Good luck.
Katymac
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Re: How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by Katymac »

Thanks

I'm messing about with Windows Movie Maker - it's tricky to do anything complicated

Very frustrating
jennifer1972
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Re: How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by jennifer1972 »

Aren't there any professional companies who you could send all your videos to and they could send them back all looking lovely? :D Or alternatively a film and media studies student who needs a bit of practice! My DD's old film and theatre school (in Spain, so no good for you) used to put show reels together for people and film them to make sure they had a variety of content too.
Katymac
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Re: How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by Katymac »

It's getting video that is hard

She has another show coming up and I'll see if I can video that
2dancersmum
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Re: How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by 2dancersmum »

Is your DD not able to get footage herself from her college of any college shows she performs in? Or is it work she is doing outside of college?
Have a good look at some of the showreels on youtube so you can see for yourself what sort of footage works and what doesn't.
Katymac
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Re: How do you get good video for showreels?

Post by Katymac »

No college stuff she is at the back and the DVD takes months to come out

She's got something coming up soon for dance but she does little singing/acting

We'll get there we have some panto stuff and some practise stuff

Last audition she got was cos of a little fb video of her and her dd jiving!
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