Strategies for creating preview reels

[chillufl]

Hi folks,

I would be interested in hearing from those of you who work in documentary on what advice you might give on producing a preview reel of your film. I've always found it to be really difficult. You want to impart a sense of drama and give viewers insight into the main characters and story trajectory but you don't want to reveal everything. Unlike putting together a :30 second trailer, when you are working on a preview reel you can't get away with just using snazzy graphics and a great soundtrack.

[Dabong]

I often focus (but not always) on the "conflict" in the story. Which could be just before a turning point in the life of a person, an organization or group being filmed. From there, I could determine how much of the 'snazzy graphics' and soundtrack I may need (if i need it at all) to bring about an interest to answering the question... 'what happens next?'.