With recent advances in video technology, creating amateur music videos is easier than ever. Like any artistic endeavor, the process of recording a music video can bring a lot of personal fulfillment, but at the same time it can be frustrating, fun, challenging, exhausting, and exciting - sometimes all at once. Your imagination and available budget are the limits for music videos. In this article, we'll explore the basics of the creative and technical process, ranging from simple hum recorded with the webcam to more elaborate productions.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Part One: Developing the Concept
Step 1. Know your budget well
A music video doesn't have to be expensive to be good. Some of the most creative and unforgettable videos in history are simple productions, with serious budget constraints. Others burned millions to get ready. Knowing how much money you can spend before you start will keep you from going over budget.
Step 2. Keep a notebook handy
It doesn't have to be anything digital, expensive or full of frills. Just have something where you can jot down your thoughts, ideas and sketch scenes for the video. Keep pencils and pens plus an eraser with your notebook, and carry it around whenever you have to work on filming. You never know when new ideas will suddenly pop into your mind.
Step 3. Talk to the artist or band
Maybe they have an idea of what they want the video to look like. Some ideas will be good or even great. Others may require a cast that costs thousands of dollars, the best possible computer graphics, and the most renowned director known to direct the video. If your budget allows, there's no limit to what can be done in the video, but it's up to you which ideas are worth adopting. Get a realistic view of what can be done-that is, which ideas are viable, which are unfeasible, and which are just plain bad.
If by chance you are one of the band members whose music will be the theme of the video, you are in a position with exclusive perks and benefits. That's because you get firsthand access to the band's creative process. On the other hand, making a music video can be quite stressful. Your personal and creative relationships may end up being affected - be aware of this
Step 4. Before planning anything, listen to the music
Don't do anything more than just listen to the music. So listen again, and again, until you've heard it several times. Listen to the music together with the artist or band. Even if you know the music by heart, listen to it like it's the first time. How does it make you feel? Does it make you want to dance, cry, do something silly or get drunk? Or does she make you feel a strange combination of feelings and emotions? Write down your reactions to the music. To listen to music with a professional's ears, see this article.
Step 5. Develop your ideas
Once you get a sense of the emotions and feelings that the music inspires, start thinking through ideas for the video. It can help a lot if you consult with your technical team during this process - they know what's easy or complicated to do.
- Ideas can be direct and to the point. For example, an idea for a country song about people who end up meeting in the middle of the road might be "following a man driving down the road, meeting people in small grocery stores and gas stations along the way, reflecting on what the lyrics say" very sure if well executed.
- Adding specific, small details can make your video memorable or even iconic. Compare the following notes with the vague description of the idea suggested above: “Main character driving a convertible Opal down a road as far as the eye can see; meets a farmer at a roadside diner in verse 1; then he meets a policeman in a Pajero in verse 2 and a breathtaking cat in verse 3 who jumps into his car and they both drive away as the song ends. Comical side of the story: He drops mustard on his shirt in verse 1; gives a little dent in the policeman's Pajero in verse 2; passes on pierced lines on the cat of verse 3."
- Abstract and weird ideas can make great music videos. Scenes don't necessarily need to reflect what the lyrics say. Creating a contrast between the visuals and the lyrics of the song can make the impact you wanted. Some videos are meaningless or even bizarre. Don't be afraid to shock or confuse your audience if you think this is the best choice for your video.
Step 6. Keep an eye on filming locations
Before starting work, you need to know exactly where you want to shoot. Sometimes the concept of the video requires traveling to a remote, deserted location or putting together a special set. For example, the example video we cited may be easy to shoot in the interior of Minas Gerais, but require a lot of flexibility if the entire team is based on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo.
- Talk to the owners or management of any establishment or location you wish to use. Ask if it's okay to shoot there. You might even be lucky enough to find a restaurant owner who fits the description of one of the characters perfectly and who has always wanted to appear in a video.
- It's also worth notifying your neighbors about the filming before work begins. Otherwise, they could end up filing complaints or even calling the police because of the noise or invasion of privacy.
Step 7. Make a sketch of the scene sequence
This is one of the most effective tools for planning your video. In it, drawings of each scene are drawn to give direction to the video's action. See this storyboard creation article for more details.
- Music videos often employ special cinematic choices or special effects to create a unique experience. If you plan to include one of the two features in your video, include it in your draft of the scenes.
- The draft of the scenes does not need to be elaborated. It can simply consist of the position of the actors and objects in each scene, or it can be detailed to the point of describing each character's feelings, emotions, facial expressions, movement direction, etc. If drawing is not your forte, just make the sketch with text only. The important thing is that you know what will happen in each scene and that you know how to communicate with your team.
- Try to split the video into scenes that have everything to do with your overall vision. You can also reduce shooting time by shooting everything in one place. Or plan filming so you don't travel for nothing.
Method 2 of 5: Part Two: Casting
Step 1. Find your team
Depending on the size of your production, you may only rely on actors or need a large crew. Here are the functions for which you will need to hire people:
- Director. It is very likely that it is you. You'll manage all the different parts of the footage, from sharing your overview with the cast and crew, through mediating disputes between the lighting and sound personnel and into, to maintaining the car used in filming and all locations. are available to be closed to the public. You will be the boss, but you will also be responsible for absolutely everything and everyone.
- Videographer. He is responsible for capturing the action that takes place in front of one or more cameras. He'll structure the scene, work with the electrical to make sure the movie set is properly lit, and even let the sound crew know when they have to step into action.
- Chief Electrician. He is the one who makes sure that all the lights are on and working, that the actors are clearly visible, and that everything is ready for filming.
- The sound specialist. On the film set, he's the one who keeps putting microphones over everyone's faces and hiding others in the right places on the set. For a video, which normally doesn't require dialogue, he's responsible for synchronizing the actors and the music. During work breaks of pressing "Stop", "Play" and "Rewind," he'll go running after snacks and drinks for the staff.
- The assistant. This poor creature is the one who arranges all the wires, lights, equipment, benches and chairs, tables, objects used in the filming and everything else that goes on set. It's a lot easier to shoot when you have someone to take care of it all while you worry about the concept of the video.
- Closet. Depending on your budget, you may simply ask the actor to wear jeans and a tight T-shirt, or you may have clothes made especially for the shoot. But the essential thing is to have someone who can organize the change of clothes between scenes and a place with privacy for the actors to change.
- Scene objects. You'll need to have someone who can handle things like finding the cars required by the script, as well as all the objects the actors pick up or that aren't part of the location.
- Continuity. Unless you're going to shoot everything at once, someone needs to check that the actors are going to pick up where they left off in the previous scene. The person responsible for continuity notes the positions of everything on stage with the aid of a camera. She must ensure that the mustard stain on the shirt from scene 1 is still there 3 days later when the last scenes will be shot. (Or, make sure the smudge is *not* there if the scenes at the beginning of the video are taken later).
Step 2. Find actors with the right talent
Make a list of all the characters in the video. The video might show the band playing - in which case, you'll have to direct it too. If your video tells a story, make notes of all the characters, describing their physique and behavior. Take auditions (tests) to choose who has the right talent for each character. To choose the most appropriate actor for our video, we would look for actors to play the following characters:
- The traveler. He doesn't have to talk, but he has to be tough, show self-confidence, and be the kind of figure who goes out on the road in an old car. Jeans. Sunglasses. Shirt?
- The farmer. An older man, his face weathered by the sun. An old hat, jeans and untucked shirt, with a friendly smile. He appears short and fast on the scene, so he doesn't need to be a professional actor.
- The cop. Young, tall, strong and more self-confident than the protagonist, but also more humble.
- The gas station attendant. Mirradinho? Full? Grease-stained uniform, nice but worried face, rolls his eyes very well on stage.
- The one in the suit. Metrosexual, tall and almost handsome, but not quite. Licked hair that gets messy in the heat. Expensive looking clothes and car. He's physically awkward and has no way with people. Has an arrogant laugh. Attracts everyone's dislike at first.
- The cat. Strong, independent woman. She likes her own body, which makes her even more beautiful. Brunette. Relaxed, tanned, has a sense of humor and a constant smirk. Never lose patience with the suit; on the contrary, he is amused by his lack of awareness. It treats the traveler as an object, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
Method 3 of 5: Part Three: Lights, Camera, Action
Step 1. Prepare the scene
Now that everything is in place, the actors have rehearsed a lot and the crew is stocked up on beer, it's time to start shooting. Choose a scene. In our example, let's choose the final scene. In it, the suit trips and falls, the traveler helps him up and ends up with the cat jumping into the protagonist's car.
- Place vehicles and everything on the scene in the right positions. Ask the actors to stand in their assigned places.
- Prepare the lights. As in our example the scenes are done outdoors, if you don't have strong lights, you can use something that acts with a reflector, ie a large piece of white fabric or white cardboard panel that reflects the light. the sun, softening shadows and brightening a scene. For more power, use a mirror or more than one reflector. The assistant must take care of this.
- Remember, the most important character in each scene must always receive the most lighting in the scene. When shooting outdoors, always ask the main character to stand with his back to the sun, except when the sun is at mid-point. In this way, the reflectors can illuminate the person's face and front. While there are many ways to achieve efficient lighting, it's worth investing in lighting to get quality video.
Step 2. Prepare the camera
A tripod camera can be used for still scenes. Cameras that are shaking can distract the audience from the video content. For other scenes it may be necessary to use a camera with a film stabilizer (also known as a “steadycam”) for more dynamic scenes. There is also the option of filming with the camera shaking, following scenes with a lot of energy and action. If you have the necessary staff and budget, shooting with a mix of angles and styles will be an advantage when it comes to having more options for the editing team.
Step 3. Ask the actors to be in the right position for the shoot
If they are in the scene while the camera is operating, ask them to be in their positions. If they are already in action when the camera starts to rotate, ask them to return to their starting position.
Step 4. Get the song ready
Let the sound people find the right spot in the song and allow time for everyone to get in tune with it. The longer the shooting time, the better. At least in the beginning. If you do multiple takes, then you can edit and make that part shorter. The sound person can also insert sounds into the video and help the general editor later.
Step 5. Lights
Leave all lights in the right position and on.
Step 6. Camera
The videographer presses the Record button to record and starts filming the scene.
Step 7. Action
Everyone knows the catchphrase-when they hear "Action!", the actors come and perform the scene.
Step 8. Repeat all scenes from your video
That way you can have multiple shots, varied angles, great shots, and other pitiful shots as a result. This is the time when business starts to get fun!
Making a movie is a complicated and detailed process that cannot be explained in just one article. Also check out How to Make a Simple Movie, How to Make a Movie
Method 4 of 5: Part Four: Post-production
Step 1. Transfer your video to your computer
This is usually done with a USB device (the famous pendrive), Firewire or smartphone connections to the computer. Whichever method you choose, it's a good idea to load everything onto your computer and save everything in a single directory.
Step 2. Get the most out of your editing program
It can be Sony Vegas, iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or the Avid deluxe.
Step 3. Select only the best for the final result
Examine the video from start to finish, take by take, and select the best ones.
Use the temporary sound recordings in the video to synchronize with the cuts in the music, but don't worry about small noises or background noise. Temporary recordings are not used in the final video
Step 4. Put the music to play along with the scenes
Now your job will be to synchronize images and music. Make the necessary adjustments so that everything happens at the right time in the video according to the song - which will be even more evident if you're working with scenes of the band playing.
- If you've decided to use scenes of the band playing, be prepared to cover up mistakes. For example, if the guitarist was humming in the video during a part of the song where he is simply playing a single note on the recording, cut and focus on another band member or use another scene for that moment.
- Edit sparingly. Too many cuts can disorient the viewer, while takes that are too long can seem too artificial. It's usually obvious when a shot isn't right - use your common sense calmly and time to look things over.
Step 5. Add a title and credits if desired
It used to always put the name of the song, artist, record company and video director at the beginning and end of most videos. Nowadays, some artists prefer to leave this information aside and imitate the style of films in terms of titles and credits. Talk to the cast, crew and band to see what they think of your choice.
Method 5 of 5: Part Five: Learning from the Giants
Step 1. Study the classics
Like any art form, music video creation has its "classics." These videos influenced artists and directors of later generations. Know that many of the best videos of all time are worshiped for different reasons. Some are visually innovative, others bring an unforgettable message, and still others manage to fit the music perfectly. By understanding what made certain videos a lasting success and an influence for posterity, you'll have a better perspective on how to make your own video unforgettable.
Step 2. Tell a story worth knowing
Many of the most beloved videos of all time tell stories that are funny, shocking, tragic or triumphant. A really good story stays in the viewer's memory for weeks, months and even years.
- One of the most famous videos of all time is John Landis' video for the song "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. It tells a classic story as well as being much longer than the song itself. It worked, but be aware that combining too much video with too little music can get boring.
- Radiohead's "Just" video directed by Jamie Thraves also tells a good story, but with a completely different tone. This video uses perfect scenes and cast, and lets the viewer interpret the ending to capture the utter meaninglessness of white-collar life - a perfect match for Thom Yorke's sarcasm and ironic lyrics.
Step 3. Create a unique visual style
Music videos are quite a showcase for visual innovation and daring. It can be an opportunity to employ abstract visual effects or animation that complements the video's audio. The visual part doesn't even have to make sense. As long as it is impactful and follows the music well, it can leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
- "Take on Me" is Steve Barron's video for the band A-ha that broke out in the 80s. It shows a romantic story in combination with action scenes and cartoons. This style choice is perfect for the fantasy and passion tone of the music, creating an unforgettable visual style.
- The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" video employs optical illusions to give the impression that the shot is the same throughout the entire video. Combined with the spectacular play of light, it's a delightfully gloomy mood.
- It's also worth checking out the See also videos: "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse and "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits
Step 4. Play with parodies
Cultural references are used a lot in videos – sometimes the entire video is an inspired tribute or a blatant satire of the material that references the video. With a good sense of humor, the results can be classic. If artists don't mind laughing at themselves, so much the better - audiences love musicians who are humble enough not to take themselves all that seriously.
- An even funnier parody is the video "Sabotage" directed by Spike Jonze for the Beastie Boys. Having the Beastie Boys portray wildly exaggerated caricatures of truculent '70s cops makes Jonze's video unforgettable and hilarious, while also fitting perfectly with the music.
- The parody serves two things - in addition to being funny, it insinuates that 1990s California is a lawless land, where only the strong survive, in an environment similar to the post-apocalyptic world portrayed in the Mad Max movies.
Step 5. Be extravagant
Sometimes to entertain, just burn as much money as possible on the screen. Film in a very exotic location. Plan large choreographed sequences. Hire supermodels. Music videos can be a pure and simple show.
- Hype William's "Big Pimpin'" video for Jay Z is a classic example of music video as a spectacle. There is very little narrative - the video basically consists of Jay Z having fun with friends on a giant yacht, having parties in a tropical paradise, throwing money into the crowds and always surrounded by beautiful women. He is very effective at showing wealth and arrogance.
- Lady Gaga is another artist famous for her neat videos. Steve Klein's video "Alejandro" portrays a highly sexualized military dystopia that is even bizarre. To top it off, very crazy scenarios and costumes (but appropriate for the video). It's an amazing and extravagant production.
Step 6. Just the basics
Unlike big productions, many great videos follow the philosophy of “less is more”. Minimalist videos allow the viewer to focus on the action and narrative (and its relationship to the music) without distractions. For those on a tight budget, this is a perfect option.
- Saam's "Islands" video for The XX uses repetitive shots of a dance with very simple choreography, but the effect is surprising. By adding small changes to each take, we can see that a tragic romance is to come. The gradual pace of change makes the final shot even more shocking.
- OK GO's early career videos used choreographies that required a lot of imagination to create memorable experiences for viewers, all on a tiny budget. The video "Here it goes again" (directed by Trish Sie and the band) is a great example of a well-crafted video that spent next to nothing. The video is shot in a single static shot in a room with no decor and just eight gym treadmills. But the strength of the choreography and the impactful concept made the video a great success when released in 2006.
Tips
- A good strategy for making the video is to make 3 completely different videos and mix clips from each to a mixed version.
- Always put a copyright notice on the credits to protect yourself from plagiarism.
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When you finish your video, share it! Check out the articles How to Upload a Video to YouTube and How to Post a YouTube Video to Facebook
If you trust the ultimate quality of your own work, share your video with radio stations and television channels that specialize in music videos. They can post your video on their website or include it in their schedule
- To use You Tube to promote your video, you need to credit in “Additional Details”, otherwise your music will be muted or your video may be removed for infringing copyrights!
- Make sure the camera is not facing the sun or another camera, as the sun can greatly affect the image capture by the hardware.