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By M. Patrick Quinn
A lot of work goes into the production of a music video. There are so many
factors to successfully putting one together, and so many things that can go
wrong, that it's important to fully prepare for the shoot during preproduction.
The more you prep, the better your odds are of getting through the actual production
without issues. The following are some of the basic elements of prepping for
a music video shoot.
- Putting together the budget -You
may receive a budget to work with from the band based on the concept that you
have pitched. Or you may have to create a concept for the music video while
keeping a specific budget in mind. This is going to greatly affect how you
make the music video. You will have to budget for your entire film crew, any
actors that you plan on using, locations, props, costumes and equipment rental.
Not to mention the post production process, which will require you to hire
an editor, colorist and sound designer.
- Speak with the band - Maintain constant communication with the band.
Odds are the budget is coming from them. Not to mention that they have to
sign off on your concept. By speaking with the band you can get additional
information on the song you are using as well as creative input. The band
is basically your boss, so if they want the music video to look a certain
way, you need to figure out a way to achieve that.
- Storyboards and shot list - These are essential to a music video. Odds
are there will be a number of different shots that will need to be filmed.
By having storyboards on set, you'll ensure that nothing is forgotten.
- Finding your locations - Finding the locations for your concept may
take some time, especially if you have budget constraints.
- Creating your schedule - The schedule depends on a number of factors
that include when the band is available for the shoot, how long you have
access to your locations and how big your budget is.
- Putting together your crew - You'll have to hire an entire crew, which
needs to consist of a director, a producer, a director of photography, a
camera operator, an AC (assistant camera), a gaffer, grips, an art director,
location sound recorder, a costume designer and script supervisor. While
you can possibly do without one or two of these positions, having them filled
on set will only help to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Additionally, you'll need to find an editor, colorist and sound designer.
For unpaid help, you can try scouring nearby film production programs and
audio engineering schools for students looking for experience.
These are just some of the basic elements of prepping for a
music video shoot. The more experience you have with music video shoots, the
more smoothly they will go, which is why taking courses at film production
programs or audio engineering schools is a great way to gain experience.
Patrick Quinn is a Copywriter at Higher Education Marketing, a leading web
marketing firm specializing in Google Analytics, Education Lead Generation,
Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, and Pay Per Click
Marketing, among other web marketing services and tools.
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