- This course is full. Register below to join the waiting list or express your interest in participating on this course if we run it again. If we have sufficient interest we will run this again soon.
| Start Date | Duration | Cost | Max Participant Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 24th March | 3 x evenings | €100 | 8 |
Overview
Learn how to craft compelling sizzle reels that capture attention and sell your vision!
This course will guide you through the art and technique of creating impactful sizzle reels tailored for live-action TV and film pitches.
From identifying your project’s core strengths to editing dynamic visuals and sound, you’ll discover the strategies needed to leave a lasting impression on producers, studios, and investors. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or an industry professional, this course will equip you with the tools to bring your creative ideas to life and stand out in competitive pitch rooms.
By the end of this course, participants will have a professional-looking sizzle reel for one of their projects and the skills to create more for future projects.
What will this course cover?
MODULE 1: Intro & How to Plan Your Sizzle Reels (2hrs 30mins)
- What is a Sizzle Reel?
Definition, purpose, and importance in the TV/film industry.
- Showcase
Examples of standout sizzle reels and their effectiveness. - Storytelling in a Sizzle Reel
Crafting a concise and engaging narrative that hooks viewers in under 3 minutes.
- Pre-Production Basics
Gathering assets such as images, footage, music, and key materials.
- Writing the Perfect Sizzle Script
Tips for creating concise, engaging text or voiceovers.
- Music Matters
Finding the perfect soundtrack to elevate your sizzle reel.
- Editing Essentials
Techniques for pacing, rhythm, and building excitement.
- Using Text and Graphics
Incorporating dynamic titles, captions, and motion graphics.
MODULE 2: Workshopping Your Sizzle Reels (3hrs 30mins)
- Showcasing Your Plan
Each participant will be allocated a 20min slot and during this time they will showcase their plans for their sizzle reel and get personal feedback from Richard on their plans.
This will be a collaborative discussion and a brainstorming session to enhance each reel.
During these individual reviews, the other participants are free to join, observe the feedback, learn how to apply constructive critiques to refine their work, and pick up additional tips and tricks to make their reel unforgettable.
MODULE 3: Showcasing Your Sizzle Reel to Perfection (2hrs 30mins)
- Group Screening
Each participant will have 10 minutes to showcase their sizzle reel, followed by a collaborative discussion for thoughts and any further improvements during this time.
Key Takeaways
- Industry insights into creating impactful visual pitches.
- A polished, professional-looking sizzle reel for one of their projects.
- A solid framework and professional tips for crafting future sizzle reels
Participant profile/Who can apply/Eligibility
Directors must have a live-action film or television project they want to create a sizzle reel for. They will need to have a general story outline, main character descriptions, and a mood board prepared for the course to use.
Each participant will be asked to create a sizzle reel for the last module, so they must be able to work on it independently during the week between Modules 2 and 3 – please factor this into your consideration when applying.
All enquiries should be directed to frankeaveney@furthr.ie
Tutor information
Richard Keane is an award-winning filmmaker that works as a writer, director, editor and producer in both animation and live-action. He is also the owner of the Dublin based, boutique production company Out Left Productions Ltd.
Since 2003, Richard has consistently contributed to the film and television industry in a variety of key roles on numerous high-profile projects. These include productions that have won Annie, BAFTA, Emmy, IFTA, NAACP, and Peabody Awards, and have been broadcast in over 200 territories worldwide. Clients have included Amazon Studios, BBC, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon, RTÉ and Screen Ireland.
Richard has worked at several animation companies in Ireland and the UK over the years, and has been involved with multiple commercials, shorts, TV series and a feature film. Over the years he has created numerous amounts of pitch decks and sizzle reels and has been employed by some of the biggest production companies in Ireland to create sizzle reels for their latest projects.
Venue/location
Online
Costs/fee
Course fee €100 per person. (Normally this workshop would cost €160 per person without CCIS support)
Deadline for course registration and payment
Wednesday 12th March 2025 at 12noon
Dates and times of the course
Monday 24th March – 7pm-9.30pm,
Monday 31st March – 6.30pm-10pm
Monday 7th April – 7pm-9.30pm
Due to our funding, this course is only available to those resident in the Republic Of Ireland.
For any queries, please contact frankeaveney@furthr.ie
Please register & pay using the link below.
Course booked out? Register HERE to join the waiting list or express your interest in participating on this course in the future. If we have sufficient interest we will run the course again soon.