I have watched all of the audition videos from all of the designers that were available on Bravo including all of the awful ones from "Brilliant But Cancelled."
Although I have nothing to do with choosing designers, I can certainly understand why some were NOT chosen. Here is my advice for a compelling video:
If things go as they have in the past you will have 72 hours to come up with a two or three minute video. You are not supposed to use a professional production company so think ahead about a friend, neighbor or family member who has the skills, availability and interest in editing your video. This is not something that should be shot on your cell phone or in one long dull scene. This should be carefully edited to present six or eight different scenes.
We would like to see your workspace and your designs. We'd like to see where you live and to meet your family. We'd like an outside shot (are you in a big city? suburb? farm in Ohio?) for atmosphere and then take us inside. Introduce me to whomever you live with - including pets - but make it quick - we've got to move on!
PLEASE show me your studio. Are you designing professionally or just in a corner of your living room? Don't forget to show us your designs. If you could have them on dress forms, that would be perfect. A slideshow is ideal. Again, be quick - but this is important. I am amazed by how many videos don't even show the designs.
Show us your sketches too. Can you make a slideshow of several sketches? Don't be flipping a book on camera. We don't have time! Also try to avoid glare on the pages.
I really think you could have a sort of "script." Not exactly what you are going to say, but you have to move along quickly, so have a plan.
Do you have a job outside of design? Are you a Real Estate Agent? A Teacher? Take me there, We really want to know you. Do you sing in a rock band? Please include a clip of a performance. How about any special talents? Can you juggle? Weld? Show us. Remember, any television show has to be entertaining, so entertain us. DON'T BORE US. Rapidly shift from scene to scene with a carefully thought-out presentation of each facet of your life and talent. Make us want to know more about you.
We DON'T need to know where you were born or where you grew up or how big your family was or what your dad did for a living or how good of a cook your mom was. We don't need to hear about your hardships (YET, you'll have time to reveal this later) or to meet your friends. I'm sure these things are interesting but we don't have time.
Several of the designers have very memorable videos. Laura Bennett's is my favorite. Also Jeffrey's and Robert's are great I think. Only my opinion of course. Jeffrey says he designed for different celebrities and then he gives us photos of the celebrities in the clothes. Also, Jeffrey wears his clothes and shows where he lives and works. We see his sketches, many many of his designs and even learn about his band, Lifter. We learn a LOT about Jeffrey in his brief video. Robert's starts out as a documentary. It's really fun and original. We learn a LOT about Robert as well. Robert's video is extremely professional. The lighting and audio are perfect. Pay attention to these details, please.
One thing that comes up as problematic is the designers who go to New York or one of the other cities and then plan to remain there for several days after the audition before heading home. Well, if you make the first cut, you will have 72 hours to send your video in. If you auditioned on Saturday, your video has to be in Los Angeles by Tuesday. Even with overnight mail, you have to be finished by Monday. This means you will be cutting your trip short OR that you will be making your video in New York. That's okay too. You are creative. You have your portfolio with you, and several of your designs and your own fabulous personality, so work with what you have. Think ahead. Think about places to film (get out of your hotel room, please!)
Be aware that if you film outside on the street or in a club or hotel lobby or anywhere else where there is noise, we will be distracted by the audio. Perhaps you could mute these scenes and then add a voiceover. It's okay. Heidi does it all the time. Again, you'll need someone skilled at editing.
If you want to be considered as a serious designer with enough personality to be compelling on Project Runway, show this in your video. Wear something interesting. Pay attention to your hair and makeup. Give us some close-ups. Show emotion. Finally in the last scene, tell us why you want to be on Project Runway. Be direct. This is the scene that we are left with. Do you want us to be laughing? At you or with you? Do you want us to be intrigued? Maybe you want to be the "Bad Boy" the "Professional" or the "Nut." Be the character that you will be on the show. This last scene is your opportunity to showcase your persona. Use it.
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