How to Make Music Videos
Music videos are promotional tools for musical artists to be seen and distribute their music through another channel to widen their audience. Some are very simple while others are elaborate mini-movies of sorts. If you want to be seen you need a music video to post online on networking sites like Myspace as well as your website.
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Things You'll Need
- Storyboard
- Lyrics
- Cast and crew
- Audition space
- Shooting locations
- Computer
- Camera
- Editing software
Instructions
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1
Read the lyrics several times. Try to find a story within it that can be represented visually. Write out a basic story concept. Have someone else read it and see what they think. Listen to their feedback and incorporate any of their comments that you think will improve the video.
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2
Draw out a complete storyboard of how the video will play out. Write in the details. Then create a list of all the people you will need (cast), props, locations, special effects and so on. Set up an audition date and find a location to hold the auditions at. Cast your selected people. Locate crew members to work the camera, lights, handle the talent, do hair and make-up and so on.
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3
Create a shooting schedule based on the breakdown of the storyboard. You want to schedule the same people for the same days so you don't have to continue to pay day rates when you only use them for two hours a day. Also consider the locations and location fees. Try to shoot all the scenes at one location in one day. It will be much simpler and less expensive to do so.
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Shoot the music video. Film all your shots and shoot extra footage while on set because you might see something you like even better than what you scripted out in your storyboard. Import all the footage to an external harddrive to keep it separate from your other files on your computer.
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5
Open an editing software program on your computer. Hook the harddrive up to your computer. Lay down the studio track version of the music. Cut and edit the footage then assemble it according to your storyboard. Export the video. Have several people watch it and give you some feedback. Make any necessary changes. Reexport the video then post it online and have fun!
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Tips & Warnings
Have fun with the creative process and create something original.
Don't try to shoot a video without having a planned out schedule and shooting list.
