sizzle reels
If you want to sell any kind of show, whether for network TV or the web, you need a SIZZLE REEL: a relatively short presentation that functions much like a movie trailer. It allows the viewer to understand the nature of what the full length program would be like while creating excitement and anticipation for the final product.
Every show, and therefore every sizzle reel, needs a strong concept. We excel at presenting your concept clearly and dramatically. We help you select shots and music, find the proper pace and tone, and hone your message. We also help you find footage where something critical may be missing – have no fear, it happens all the time.
Our editors have years of experience in sizzle reels, having worked on unscripted and animated shows on networks ranging from Comedy Central and Adult Swim to ABC, NBC, the CW, and more. We’ll help you create a sizzle reel that make your concept a reality!
Every show, and therefore every sizzle reel, needs a strong concept. We excel at presenting your concept clearly and dramatically. We help you select shots and music, find the proper pace and tone, and hone your message. We also help you find footage where something critical may be missing – have no fear, it happens all the time.
Our editors have years of experience in sizzle reels, having worked on unscripted and animated shows on networks ranging from Comedy Central and Adult Swim to ABC, NBC, the CW, and more. We’ll help you create a sizzle reel that make your concept a reality!
getting started
Making a sizzle reel with Joe’s Reels is quick, painless, and fun. Check out the steps below to see how to prepare yourself for our editing session, then contact us to set up an appointment. We look forward to working with you!
This page addresses our general steps to creating a quality sizzle reel for you. For specific in-depth technical information, visit our demo reel Getting Started page.
Step 1 – Outline Your Concept
When you are dealing with concepts that are non-scripted, it’s often hard to start with a script that will be 100% accurate to your final product, but that’s no reason not to try your best. Come in with the strongest script or outline that you can. The script should identify video beats, voiceover, graphics, titles, and SOTs. (This is an old term but it’s still used a lot – SOT means Sound on Tape. It basically means any audio that was recorded along with video.)
Step 2 – Gather Your Assets
Whether you shoot all of the material yourself or use material we source from internet video, DVDs, or digital files, you will need to identify the video and audio assets you want in your reel. Try to put all digital files on one drive and have all the links to your internet files marked down in a clearly labeled e-mail, Word file, or Pages file. Mark by timecode the sections of each piece you are considering for use. With a typical sizzle reel this process takes some back and forth, so don’t worry about getting every single clip the first time.
Step 3 – Edit Your Sizzle
Now that you’ve prepared your assets and have your outline, let’s edit your sizzle reel! This is a process; as we assemble your sequence, we finally get to see how the material works on screen. Timing will be adjusted, we’ll add effective B-roll, even decide to lose or add sections. The more rock-solid your planning and preparations, the easier your material will take the shape of a smokin’ hot sizzle reel to sell your show!
This page addresses our general steps to creating a quality sizzle reel for you. For specific in-depth technical information, visit our demo reel Getting Started page.
Step 1 – Outline Your Concept
When you are dealing with concepts that are non-scripted, it’s often hard to start with a script that will be 100% accurate to your final product, but that’s no reason not to try your best. Come in with the strongest script or outline that you can. The script should identify video beats, voiceover, graphics, titles, and SOTs. (This is an old term but it’s still used a lot – SOT means Sound on Tape. It basically means any audio that was recorded along with video.)
Step 2 – Gather Your Assets
Whether you shoot all of the material yourself or use material we source from internet video, DVDs, or digital files, you will need to identify the video and audio assets you want in your reel. Try to put all digital files on one drive and have all the links to your internet files marked down in a clearly labeled e-mail, Word file, or Pages file. Mark by timecode the sections of each piece you are considering for use. With a typical sizzle reel this process takes some back and forth, so don’t worry about getting every single clip the first time.
Step 3 – Edit Your Sizzle
Now that you’ve prepared your assets and have your outline, let’s edit your sizzle reel! This is a process; as we assemble your sequence, we finally get to see how the material works on screen. Timing will be adjusted, we’ll add effective B-roll, even decide to lose or add sections. The more rock-solid your planning and preparations, the easier your material will take the shape of a smokin’ hot sizzle reel to sell your show!
