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Home: Video University Forums: Filmmakers & Screenwriters:
demo tapes

 

 


X-Brian
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Jan 3, 2001, 2:26 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1560 views)
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demo tapes Can't Post

Do any of you have any advice for making a demo tape? My questions include:
<i>How long should it be?
How should it be presented? (tape case, labels, etc.)
How should the tape be structured? (titles before clips?)
Should additional information accompany the tape, such as background about the pieces included? </i>
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Brian


X-Hal
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Jan 3, 2001, 9:00 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1559 views)
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See &quot;Demo Tape Success Secrets&quot; in our Free Library DNO Can't Post

See "Demo Tape Success Secrets" in our Free Library


X-Hal
Imported Account

Jan 3, 2001, 9:02 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1559 views)
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http://videouniversity.com/demotape.htm nospam [In reply to] Can't Post

http://videouniversity.com/demotape.htm


X-Brian
Imported Account

Jan 3, 2001, 8:28 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1559 views)
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Well... [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks. I've already looked at this resource, but it doesn't adequately answer my questions. Anybody else wanna take a stab at them?


X-Doug_Graham
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Jan 25, 2001, 3:14 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1559 views)
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Re: Demos [In reply to] Can't Post

: Thanks. I've already looked at this resource, but it doesn't adequately answer my questions. Anybody else wanna take a stab at them?
OK.
"How long should it be?" As short as humanly possible. Edit ruthlessly; only show your very best stuff. Even sixty seconds is not too short. Twenty minutes is way too long.
"How should it be presented? (tape case, labels, etc.)" Professionally. VHS tape, printed face label and spine label, tape sleeve or case. Include your name and contact information on the tape label, and on the case label.
"How should the tape be structured? (titles before clips?)" In any way that tells your story and showcases your work to the best advantage. Does your video hit 'em between the eyes? Show a clip first off. Are you selling your graphics design ability? A dynamite title's the ticket.
"Should additional information accompany the tape, such as background about the pieces included?" No, with the following exceptions. 1) If you only did a portion of the work involved, tell 'em ("I edited this sequence". "I was the DP for this".) 2. If you're marketing your services, rather than looking for a position, then include information about former clients..."created 2/23/98 for Boeing Aerospace". 3. If it's absolutely necessary in order to put the work into perspective..."This was shot on assignment in Beirut. The shot is shaky because we were under fire".
Regards,
Doug Graham


X-Cecilia
Imported Account

Apr 12, 2001, 2:28 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1559 views)
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Re: demo tapes [In reply to] Can't Post

Question:
What if you can't play your own music?
Is it a bad idea to send in demo tapes of you singing other artists songs?