Creating the RI Demo Reel
Added Thursday, August 21, 2008 by Hannes Meyer, Sr. Art Director · No Comments
Just about 2 years ago, when we initially started talking about the re-design of the out-of-date Rhythm Interactive site, we tried to find a more engaging and attractive way to showcase our work. We decided to create a Music Video Clip-like animation, 2-3 minutes in length, showcasing selected interactive and print work.
Without much planning or storyboarding, we dove straight into production and put together a couple of scenes, just to see if we would like the outcome. The idea was to bring a certain project alive by animating the typical path a user would take navigating one of our projects, CD-ROM, web, or even print based.
After we finished a couple of rough scenes, we started to see how these projects came to life and decided to go into full production for the first Rhythm Interactive Demo Reel. We started by selecting projects we wanted to showcase and storyboarding the user path through these projects.
The selection of the soundtrack was extremely important, since it dictated the rhythm and pace of the motion graphics we were to create.
While we never officially launched version 1 of the Demo Reel, it gave us an opportunity to develop our Video Production and Motion Graphics skills. Our sales team started showing bits and pieces to a few of our clients and the overall positive feedback led us to our first video production projects.
Today we have completed numerous video projects, directly managing the process end to end including, concept development, script writing, talent casting, art direction, directing the video shoot, editing and post-production and programming the final interactive product for the Web, CD-ROM, or HD Plasma presentations.
One of our latest projects, CB Richard Ellis’ Project Insight, shows how video can add value and provide users with an entertaining way to learn about a product. The integration of the video into a full Microsite was accomplished in Flash.
Today, Demo Reels for interactive agencies have almost become an industry standard and I believe strongly that video on the web will only get better over time. Users today expect to be presented with some sort of video, whether it be for educational purposes or to learn more about a certain product or service.
A video with high production values will only elevate the user’s perception of your brand, but like with everything today on the web, it is important to continually provide your audience with new and updated content.