Quick question

[ryan brown]

So I'm pretty much done doing wedding videos. Quit the highly successful company I helped build, rented out the house and moved. Starting over again at age 32, trying to break into film.

Problem is, coming from an event background, my film reel isn't very strong at this point, but my wedding reel is (I think?). I've just finished working on my website and I'm wondering if I should include my wedding reel or not. I'm leaning towards "no", as I know wedding videographers are looked down upon by a lot of the industry pro's. It could hurt more than it helps. On the other hand... it's pretty good.

What do you guys think?


Don't have to watch them, but I'll link them here in case you want to. Wedding reel is 3 mins, the others are 1 minute a piece.

Cut them over the last month or so:

Wedding:

Film/Music:

Corporate/Event:
[video=vimeo; 39512078]http://vimeo.com/39512078[/video]

 

[Batutta]

I'd stick with your film reel and maybe sprinkle in a few of your best wedding shots, preferably ones that don't scream wedding video too much.

 

[jghenderson]

What does "break into film" mean to you? Are you going to try to be a cinematographer? Are you planning on starting as a PA? These questions are important when deciding what to put in your reel.

 

[Gord.T]

Beautiful work Ryan on the first one so far (I wanted to comment early). ''Wedding.''
You should come to Belleville and show them how it's done. Very very nice Ryan. You should be proud of yourself.

 

[Scott F]

So I'm pretty much done doing wedding videos.

What took you so long? (Just kidding….I remember you sticking up for wedding videography in my thread where I said I was quitting. And FYI, I couldn't be happier to be out of that line of work)

Hey, your "film" reel is fantastic. I can't imagine you not getting some gigs off that. I agree with Batutta, sprinkle in some shots from the wedding reel. (IMO, there's not much of interest to me, but that's subject to taste. Sprinkle in some of the best from your corporate reel and you should be good to go.

You are right on target with the 1:15 length. Everything moves at a nice pace. I'm also a bit unclear what you mean by "break into film" but the examples in video #2 sure beat filming the best man's toast.

 

[groveChuck]

Ryan- 3 very nice reels for 3 sectors.

I agree, use some of the general wedding shots (streamers, thumbnail image) and some of the corporate (the first :10 and the stabilizer shots) and add to the film reel, keeping it under 1:25.

And keep the event and wedding reels, just in case a client asks.

Good luck on your "breaking out" of weddings and "breaking into" film, into an undefined yet filmish-type role! :happy:

 

[ryan brown]

Ha! Thanks guys. I'll break it down right quick:

I'd stick with your film reel and maybe sprinkle in a few of your best wedding shots, preferably ones that don't scream wedding video too much.

Sounds like a plan, and the general consensus. Thanks for that, and I'll heed the advice

What does "break into film" mean to you?

The ultimate goal is to DP (and I'm working on producing/directing a documentary at the moment also, but that's a different story), but these reels are really to find me any work I can a the moment. I've got 15K or so in cameras (5d, 7d), lighting (mole richardson), and various other gear to help me get started. I also use this gear to pick up odds and ends "one man band" type job's to pay the bills. On small budget projects I've got the experience to step right in as DP and cam op. BUT, I'd really like to get into larger budget films, so I'm hoping to start in the camera department anywhere I can, maybe AC or 2nd ac if needed. That being said, I'll still need a bit of a learning experience, so I'm thinking a zero budget group project with the right people can help me out here (hello DVX fests!) Or, I need to learn more about my lighting, so I wouldn't mind starting in that department - Grip/electric. I'm no stranger to being on pro sets, and I know my stuff when it comes to cameras, I just don't have a lot of experience actually working these pro sets. Anything that gets me in the door I'd take, but I don't really see myself PA'ing for $100 a day at this point and with the experience I have.

Beautiful work Ryan on the first one so far

Thanks man, I sincerely appreciate that. Even if I wasn't happy doing it all the time, I took pride in my work. I told myself when the time came that I felt like I wasn't putting in all my energy into it, I'd quit. I'm there now

What took you so long? (Just kidding….I remember you sticking up for wedding videography in my thread where I said I was quitting. And FYI, I couldn't be happier to be out of that line of work)

Hey, your "film" reel is fantastic. I can't imagine you not getting some gigs off that. I agree with Batutta, sprinkle in some shots from the wedding reel. (IMO, there's not much of interest to me, but that's subject to taste. Sprinkle in some of the best from your corporate reel and you should be good to go.

You are right on target with the 1:15 length. Everything moves at a nice pace. I'm also a bit unclear what you mean by "break into film" but the examples in video #2 sure beat filming the best man's toast.

Yeah, I remember you're thread, and felt the same way about it this last season. Driving me absolutely crazy. I still may pick up second shooter gigs if I need cash, but no more dealing with the brides and the business side of things. Think the film reel is good? I appreciate the comment, but I feel it's lacking a lot, and I'm capable of doing much more. Just haven't had the opportunity (yet). Just moved to L.A. and the competition's steep out here... especially when I don't don't anyone.

Ryan- 3 very nice reels for 3 sectors.

I agree, use some of the general wedding shots (streamers, thumbnail image) and some of the corporate (the first :10 and the stabilizer shots) and add to the film reel, keeping it under 1:25.

And keep the event and wedding reels, just in case a client asks.

Good luck on your "breaking out" of weddings and "breaking into" film, into an undefined yet filmish-type role! :happy:

Cheers. I'll take that advice. Yeah, keeping all reels because for now I have to do whatever it takes to make some money to pay the bills. "undefined yet filmish-type role" = see above:thumbsup:



OK, thanks for all the responses so far. I'll take the advice and run with it. Any more info is still appreciated... and leads on jobs in the L.A. area:happy: