April/ May photography post

Moving forward with producing the showreel the next step is to add all of the current clips together in Premier Pro and see what else is needed. As the makeup artist has only used Premier Pro once a recap of how to use the software is needed to be able to complete the showreel to a high quality video approximately three minutes long.

From the initial idea to the present, the showreel has changed as a result of trial and error when editing the footage, the clips have merged together depending on what footage has the better quality. The showreel now contains still images such as final makeup looks (figure 1), which is effective as it shows off the makeup artist’s work in full and allows for more looks to be included throughout the video website Screenwise (na) says "instead use your best scenes, then think about how they will work together. If one just doesn't fit, consider selecting another." while making the showreel clips that was shot a home did not merge together with clips filmed in the studio.

There are more formal and technical elements to think about to create a successful showreel that grabs the viewers attention and doesn’t leave them bored. These include the length of the individual clips, what written information is included on screen, the use of music and transitions. When editing clips into the showreel and watching it back there were points when some footage was too long and others felt like they cut off too quickly, so transitions were then used to help the clips merge into each other and look more professional. Music will be added when the showreel is nearly completed to make the video more entertaining for the viewer. The problem with the use of music is being aware of copyright claims and gaining permission to use the track, so it is better to find royalty free music, website audio network says "As your showreel’s also acting, in effect, as your business card, if potential clients see that you’re using uncredited music, or music which you don’t have permission to use, it can make you look unprofessional and undermine your credibility." for the showreel it is important to think about what music fits the style, with this showreel it relates to more to a film style dramatic music suits this best compared to up lifting fast paced music.

This month the plan is to complete the showreel ready for hand in. Due to being in lockdown the plan for the project had to change as Premier Pro was not available at home, so as much footage had to be filmed as possible at home and then cut down when back at university. This has caused a delay in being able to edit the footage together, but this has meant there is a lot of footage to choose from and allowed for extra clips showing a behind the scenes look at the final images for the major project to be produced. Overall, being able to adapt to working from home under restricting circumstances enabled a growth in problem solving skills that are essential to being a freelance makeup artist where every job, shoot and design is different.

Overall, the final outcome of the showreel was a professional looking reel of footage that included all clips of the major project as well as shots of mini briefs. The beginning and end shots bring the showreel together, showcasing both the gothic and glamour makeup skills of the artist and communicating a clear image of the brand (figure 2). The whole showreel fits the makeup artist’s theme throughout, focusing on prosthetic and special effects work, which is more suited to film and tv work rather than fashion and editorial. The music chosen as the background track to the showreel also fits with the theme as upbeat, vibrant music would have been out of place - instead cinematic, soft music is chosen as it gives the feel of a film trailer to the showreel. Clips are included of the artist applying makeup alongside still images of finished designs, as well as candid shots of models laughing to show the artist can be professional but also down to earth. The showreel is a quick way to showcase skills to future clients, and has been applied to the makeup artist’s website homepage to grab the viewer’s attention straight away. It will need to be changed and updated every few months to fit in more up to date work, and in the future clips of professional work on film and TV sets will need to be included to show variety alongside individual client work.

References

Na, [Na] Music for showreel. Available from:

https://www.audionetwork.com/content/music-for/showreels [Accessed 3rd June 2021]

Na, [2020] 7 signs it’s time to update your existing showreel. Available from: https://screenwise.com.au/7-reasons-to-update-showreel/ [Accessed 3rd June 2021]

Figures

Figure 1: Still image of final outcome (Gaylor,2021)

Figure 2: half makeup, half skull (Gaylor,2021)