How to Shoot a Music Video

Shooting a music video is the dream of many. However, what often seems glamorous and fun is a lot of hard work. A music video shoot requires a certain level of skill and commitment to turning out the best product possible. If you're serious about it you will be able to see your music come to life.

Instructions

1. Choose locations that are private and free. Pick ones that you have ready access to and if possible can get for free or extremely low cost. You don't want to risk shooting the music video without a permit because you can get blackballed from a location and have to pay exorbitant fees.

2. Keep it simple. A low budget shoot isn't the time for special effects, elaborate sets or lots of props. Ultimately it's about the music, so to save time and money, keep sets and the story idea as simple as possible. But add a bit of flavor to make even the most hackneyed idea seem new and interesting.

3. Look for the odd shot or the different angle. You want your video to look different even if the theme is unoriginal. The best way to do that is with odd angles and interesting shots.

4. Shoot the music video outside as much as possible. It costs more money to light interior shots then outside shots. If you shoot during daylight hours than you can use natural light to your advantage.

5. Make use of lenses, filters and gels. Hype Williams became famous because of his Fish Eye lens that gave images a fish bowl look. Filters and gels also give you the opportunity to play with light and color in your music video.

Resources

• Visit the Music Video Production Association website for more tips.