A music video can be the difference between a good song and a hit.It is more difficult to make a professional video than it is to turn on a camera.You should view music videos more than just a promotional shot of you playing music.A music video is a short film that tells a quick story and charms the audience to the band or singer.
Step 1: You can record a high quality version of the track you want to use in a music video.
The video will promote a song that has already been recorded.Start with a professionally recorded track of the song.If there is singing in your video, you should play the track while filming so the performers can sing along.The professionally recorded track will be used when editing the video.When filming a music video, there is no need to record sound.
Step 2: The narrative of the music video is what you decide.
A short story should be told in each video.You can combine imagery and lyrics to make a short film.The video doesn't need to interpret the lyrics in order to represent the song.Music videos that are successful tend to be more conceptual.You can listen to the song objectively.It is likely that you are very invested in this song, but you should take a break from the work you have already done.Listen to the lyrics and see what images come to mind.What mood does the song evoke?What scenarios would elicit the same mood?Where do you see the video taking place?Imagine the setting being similar to the song.
Step 3: Characters are used to portray parts of a story.
Who would you like to have in the video?It is possible that you will want the band in the video, but you may also want it to be more like a film with actors or a dance piece.You can combine these elements in different ways.The lead role in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was played by an ensemble cast.They made a mini horror film.There are some good examples of videos that focus on dance performance.Dancers and choreographers are hired to perform her music in her videos.There are several examples of videos with the band in them.The only performers in these videos are the band and other dancers.
Step 4: You should storyboard the video to get your idea on paper.
This is similar to making a comic strip version of a video.To get a good idea of what the video will look like, draw out the entire video in frames.You can convey your vision to the camera operator with this.Do your best to draw the general idea, you don't have to be an amazing artist.Stick figures are fine.Next to each frame of your storyboard, describe the action and camera angle.You can write the lyrics underneath the frame if there is a specific shot.
Step 5: The backdrop of your video can be found at a location.
You will need to scout around your area for a place that matches your vision once you have a setting in mind.It's possible to rent a space like a theater, event space, or film studio.Public parks, abandoned warehouses, and a public school after hours are some of the free options.Permission is required to shoot a video on private property.Explain what you are doing and ask for permission.At the time of day, visit the location to see the light in the area.Make sure your location has enough power for the equipment you are using.
Step 6: If necessary, cast the video with performers.
You need to find real people to play the characters in your video now that you have a concept and a storyboard.If you want to put out a casting call, reach out to friends.Performers could include yourself, your friends, or the band.It's possible to find actors and dancers at your college.You can either pay them or give them a copy of the finished product.If you want to connect performers with gig opportunities, put an ad in one of the online sites.
Step 7: You can hire a crew to help you.
You will need some help to create a quality product.Don't try to do it on your own.The more creative minds and skilled hands you have, the better.A camera crew can operate the camera for the shoot.Artists will help you create a look for the set.If you have dancers in your video, you will want a choreographers to create the dance.The performers will be dressed to match your vision.A hair and makeup artist is needed.If you have too much style or theatrical makeup, this is important.If the look for the shoot involves everyday hair and makeup, make sure your performers are willing and able to do it on their own.
Step 8: Schedule times and dates for the shoot
You should plan for more time than you think you need.It can take several days to shoot a music video if you are shooting at more than one location.Everyone on your cast and crew should be available at these times.Leave yourself time to find a replacement if someone is unavailable.Leave time for setting up and tearing down scenery, hair and makeup, costume changes, and moving camera equipment around for different shots and angles.The time of day will affect the lighting greatly if this is an outdoor shoot or a room with windows.In order to have consistent lighting in the video, you may need to shoot for several days at the same time of day.
Step 9: The best outcome is achieved by using a high quality camera.
The best way to make your music video look professional is to hire professionals.Equipment that makes your product look good is the second best thing you could do.You will need a tripod and a decent video camera to hold the image steady.The PXW-X180 Full HD XDCAM Camcorder and GY-HM650 ProHD Mobile News Camera can be controlled from an iPad or an Apple device.The Sony PXW-X200 is ideal for adjusting to different levels of lighting, including really dim settings.You can shoot in one speed and play back in another to create a slow motion effect with the AG-AC160A AVCCAM HD Handheld Camcorder.The AG-AC90 has built-in image stabilization to keep the shot steady.The only difference between the two is that FDR-AX 100 allows you to shoot in 4K Ultra HD.The ability to shoot in mp4 is optimal for web usage.
Step 10: The set should be similar to the storyboard.
The location you have chosen may be close to perfect, but you will need to dress it up and make some adjustments to get what you are looking for.The imagery from your storyboards can be used to set the scene.You might need to change the furniture in your set.Adding elements like flowing cloth, a fire pit, or a nice car in the background creates a mood you are looking for.Extra lighting may be needed to make the visuals look better.
Step 11: You can tell your story from different points of view.
You can vary the point of view by using different camera angles.The 180 degree rule is used when changing angles.Imagine if you will an invisible line between the two people.You can move within a half circle on one side of the line when you switch angles.You can't cross this line more than 180 degrees.It will appear as if the two people are facing the same direction rather than facing each other if you cross this line.Eye level is the most realistic shot you can use.The power of the subject will be reduced by a high angle with the camera above them.The camera's low angles will help the subject.The bird's eye gives the viewer an all-knowing impression.Dutch tilts are common in music videos.The camera is tilted at an angle to the horizon for a dramatic effect.
Step 12: There are a variety of shots that can be used to create depth and detail.
When you film a video, you don't want to leave the camera in one place.You won't be able to see the faces, emotions and reactions of the characters in your video if you are shooting from a distance.You won't get the whole picture if you are too close.Close ups are good for detail work and have a feature of the character or object you are filming.The character or object is shown in its entirety on the screen.The viewer can experience the point of view of one of the characters because the camera is shooting over the shoulder of that character with the other person or object in their view.The perspective of that person is still given by seeing a little of the other character's shoulder.A cut away is used to move away from the main characters or objects and shoot something other than the scene.
Step 13: You should film more than you think is needed.
Move the camera to another angle once you have filmed everything.It's a good idea to film several takes from each angle so that you have plenty to choose from.This will make sure that you have everything you need.The best takes in editing will be available to you.A lot of "B-roll" or extra footage will allow you to make more changes in the shots and angles of the video.
Step 14: Your video will be uploaded into editing software.
There are many options for the everyday user.Some are free and some are expensive.Take your options and budget into account.Take a look at any software that may already be on your computer.Final Cut Pro is the best video editing software for a Mac.It is common among independent filmmakers and has been used to complete high-profile, feature films.It costs around $300.There is a cheaper and user friendly version of iMovie for the Mac.The Sony Vegas Movie Studio has a lot of features for Windows users.It is a more affordable option.
Step 15: The recording of the song needs to be uploaded to the video editing software.
Don't use sound from the filming of the video.You want the recorded version to be compatible with the video footage.If there is a singer in your video, make sure that their visual is in sync with the recording of the song.
Step 16: Shoots should be cut according to the changes in the story line or the song.
You can use different shots and angles to create a dynamic video.Match the cuts and shots with the changes in the song.If there is a large climax in the song, you may want to use a long shot which zooms into a closeup.You can cut quickly to a new shot if there is an abrupt change in the beat.A jump cut is used in music videos to cut from one shot to another.This could be a shot with a lot of action and the artist singing into the camera.
Step 17: Use color correction to change the colors in your video.
It is important that the video looks consistent in it's coloring.The final polish will give it a professional look.Some of the shots are dimmer than others and need to be brighter.You can change the tone of the video by changing the colors.Blues are cooler than red.The mood can be made more ominous by darkening the image.
Step 18: One final time, review and modify your work.
You are not finished when you think you are done.If you want to be critical as a viewer, watch the entire video again.Look back at your storyboards.If you want the video to convey the tone you originally imagined, make sure it is telling the story you meant it to tell.Make notes of any moments which lost your interest and could be corrected.Go back and make the final edits.