Clients
We generally get two kinds of client, labels or management and artists direct. Labels/management are very often using their own contacts to generate briefs and they're using Radar to increase their chance of getting a pitch they like. This means it’s possible the client won’t pick a pitch from a Radar member. Artists direct/very small labels often have limited access to other professional contacts, so it’s more likely they’ll commission a pitch from Radar. We don't try and tie clients down contractually to commissioning from Radar come what may, I don't think it's realistic or to the long term benefit of attracting briefs.
What gets sent to the client?
Most clients only want to see pitches from the top 10 filmmakers, or sometimes even fewer.
They get sent the top 10 (or 5 etc) ranked filmmakers’ pitches. If they want more, they get sent the next 10 etc. Clients also get a list of everyone who has pitched, their place in the ranking and the URL to their profile.
Who reads the pitch?
The client reads the pitches, sometimes the band just read a few that the client has picked out. I don't generally read pitches unless/until the client asks for my opinion, which happens at then end of the process when it's down to the last two or three.
How are filmmakers ranked?
Ranked shortlists are based on experience only. This is to establish how expert and reliable you are as a filmmaker (not as a human being, I’m sure everyone here is lovely). At the top are the members who have produced 20+ music videos and commercials for big name clients. They’ve won prestigious awards like Cannes Lions or D&AD or they’ve been selected for music video screenings at SXSW or OneDotZero. It goes down to members who have made maybe 1 short film and no music videos.
What contributes to a good ranking?
Music videos get a high ranking – a member who has made a lot of drama and documentary will rank lower than a member who has got music videos for signed acts on their bio. Commercials rank higher than short film, lower than music video.
Commissions get much higher rankings than fan videos.
Well known awards get much higher rankings than obscure ones.
Stated producer/director roles get higher rankings than no role stated, where I may assume a runner or assistant role. It’s assumed experienced music video editors have a good handle on how to put together a good music video.
Recent music videos and awards get higher rankings than older ones.
You get the picture. It’s not necessarily 100% accurate, I go on what you put on your profile.
How to create your best profile?
List each film you’ve made, what it is (music video, short film, commercial) the date and your role. If I’m guessing I might assume something less than you were.
Link to music videos you’ve made, either on the site or elsewhere. Commercials are good too as they’re sales films. Links to short films aren’t so helpful, they aren’t such a good indicator of whether you can make a good music video but if you don't have music videos or commercials to link to, then do.
A bit about you, who you are (people seem to like listing food preferences here). It’s also worth stating what production support you currently have. Do you have your own production company, are you in a collective, do you have a regular producer/editor, do you have access to support from your day job production company?
Awards you’ve won, what for, when.
Screenings, what for, when. If it was a big deal and not so well known, say why it’s a big deal.
Other info. If, for instance, you’ve had music videos getting over 100,000 views on YouTube, this is well worth stating
When to pitch, what to pitch for?
If you’re a hyper-experienced, multi award winning music video director the Radar world is your oyster. Assume high credibility, bigger budget briefs are likely to attract top ranking filmmakers. If you’re new to music videos, assume not many of high ranking filmmakers will be pitching for low budget unsigned bands - this is where you’ve got the opportunity to build your reel and move up the rankings.
Bear in mind though, successful directors recommend doing as many pitches as you can, hone your skills. Plus it’s always possible that a client will want to work their way through the whole shortlist.
If you want to learn more about putting together a good pitch, please look through the forum. If you don't find what you want, start a forum thread. As a pointer, remember it's a sales document; short and to the point is generally a good idea.
Can I get feedback?
Sorry, Radar doesn't have the resources to give individual feedback on pitches. Any overall feedback from the client goes onto the member email that goes out when the job closes.
Where are you ranked?
You get ranked when you submit a pitch. Email me. If you think you’re in the wrong section, update your profile next time you pitch and tell me you’ve updated, I'll assess NEXT TIME you pitch (not now). I won’t get into any lengthy correspondence about this, it's as fair as I think it can be - though do feel free to suggest alternatives. There’s only one person, me, running this site at the moment. Though I want to keep it feeling friendly, for Radar to work I need to automate/systemise as much as I can, so please don’t expect too much in the way of personal emails.
thank you, good luck
Caroline
