Shooting music video: 5 tips

Thanks to today's technology, even a layperson can make a music video. For a successful music video, however, it takes more than a song and a camera. We have 5 tips for a music video shoot for you.

Shooting music video: 5 tips

If you want to make a music video, there are a number of things to consider. Even if you are unlikely to have the capital of a music producer or label, you don't have to do without a well-produced video. The following tips are aimed at musicians and bands who want to achieve a lot with little. Good planning is often more important for success than expensive technology.

• Equipment : In addition to a camera with at least 24 frames per second, you should have tripods, gimbals or camera sliders (depending on the "action" in the video) for image stabilization. There should also be a way to hear the music while shooting, for example to synchronize the movement of the lips with the song. Depending on the project, a drone cannot hurt either.
• Camera settings : Suitable camera settings ensure a pleasant look and look more professional. Recommended settings are either 24 FPS (shutter speed: 0.02 seconds) or 60 FPS (shutter speed: 0.008 seconds). For slow motion, choose 50 or 60 FPS at your desired shutter speed.
• Location and light : Choose a location that fits the concept. But make sure that it has plenty of natural light or that you can adjust it (like in a studio). Alternatively, you can use a green screen and video editing software.
• Action and concept : adapt the action or concept of the video to the lyrics and the music. You should visualize a song about love in the urban jungle with other images than a heavy metal breaker about dead and supernatural life. Let your creativity run wild and don't be afraid of makeup and costumes.
• Professional help : The shoot in a studio or with the help of an experienced cameraman should not be underestimated. If you can't handle cameras and technology yourself, professional help is recommended. These can also contribute to the visualization of your music during brainstorming. Professional cameramen can be very expensive, depending on experience. Ask media schools whether a student wants to participate in your project.
• Small hint: it doesn't have to be an expensive camera. Even an iPhone can do the trick.

Very important when shooting music videos: feedback

Artistic and technical skills are not everything. Feedback from third parties is often underestimated or simply forgotten. But it is precisely with feedback that errors and logical approaches can be found. Constructive criticism is the key to a better result.

• Ask friends, family and colleagues for their opinions. People who are fans of the corresponding music genre are particularly well suited.
• If there is a possibility, ask artists, music studios or producers for their opinion on the filmed clip. Students and professors in the field of media are also suitable for this.

All by myself music video by Richard Dunn

Once the music video has been shot, post-processing on the computer follows. We present 18 free video editing programs in the next practical tip.