Industry jargon not your thing? Our glossary will enlighten you!
Agencies and clients use an introductory video to get an idea of applicants and check whether they are suitable for a specific project or will make it into the agency file.
They pay particular attention to the following points:
Gestures: practiced and confident use of arms and hands
Facial expressions: good facial expressiveness, a wide variety of facial expressions to an authentic extent
Posture: graceful and confident movements, pronounced body tension, good body awareness
Articulation: manner of speaking, speaking speed and expression. It is particularly important to avoid monotony.
An application video is first and foremost a self-introduction. A model or actor is given the opportunity to describe themselves, their personality and - if available - their career to date in a little more detail.
There are also project-specific requirements that must be met. The client determines what he wants to see from the applicants. After all, they know best which types and looks they need for their project and the implementation of their ideas. These framework conditions are discussed in advance by telephone or sometimes simply sent by e-mail.
The video application is therefore used to assess the applicant. This is based on two criteria. The applicant's self-presentation on the one hand and the fulfillment of specific customer requirements on the other.
The impression that the applicant leaves on the viewer of the video is and remains central. However, there are some creative means that should help to really bring this into focus.
Setting: Ambient noise should be avoided as far as possible. The background must not distract from the applicant. In general, a quiet environment that the applicant knows well and feels comfortable in is ideal.
Outfit: The same applies to the application outfit as to the background: not too conspicuous. The clothes should not steal the applicant's thunder. Make-up should also be kept natural and discreet.
Content: This is probably where you have the most creative freedom. Although basic information must be included and customer specifications must be met, (almost) anything else is allowed.
The important thing is to somehow stand out from the masses of average application videos. Courage is rewarded in the vast majority of cases. It is important to find a good balance between professionalism and creativity.
Professional editing, HD quality and the like are not necessary when creating an introduction video. Much more important is how the model presents herself and whether she can convey the full range of her personality well.