Making Music Videos - Intro to Step 1

Hello and Welcome!!!

If you write and record music, to many, the obvious next step is to create a 'visual' interpretation of what it is that you're trying to say. But just like creating the music, creating the video can be just as daunting.
I've seen alot of bands go out with any old camera and hit the record button not knowing what exactly will show up when they get to the task of editing, or throw their money away hiring a huge production crew for a small project. Making a video isn't easy and it will cost a bit of money - but it doesn't have to be hard or expensive either!!!
That's why I'm doing this.
My goal here is to share my experience with those who wish to listen to it. Maybe you have other ideas you can share as well. That's what this is for.
For the purpose of this blog, I will use specific examples drawn from real events, and pictures from my own experience working in film, music videos and directing.
And since I am currently working on a music video project ( Devoid's 'Breathe) , Ill take examples from there as well. All example from current projects will be in blue text.

First Thing's First

Ok. Lets get into it. Before you can actually shoot a video, you have to have a decently recorded song. It may sound pretty stupid, but some folks actually think that any old recording will do, and that's just not the case. If you don't, I suggest you hold off any video ideas until you do. You do not want mistakes or bad tracks upstaging any emphasis on the video. But hey, that just may be the 'angle' you're looking for as well, but a good recording definitely helps.

Intro

Not to overly simplify this, but there are 3 major styles of music videos out there:

• 
  
  Dramatic


• 
  
  Performance


• 
  
  Dramatic/Performance

It may seem like common sense, but it's important that you choose a style and stick to it. Do you want to show what you're like on stage infront of a crowd, or tell a story. Maybe you want to do both and have the drama intercut with the artist. It's totally up to you. But just as important, you don't want to be in the middle of shooting and want to change things around. That's when mistakes are made, and can be the cause of alot of arguments. It's best when everyone is on the same page right from the start.

So Drama, Performance.....what will tell your story and have the biggest effect?

Themes

In order for you to be able to make a good video that works for your music, you have to be able know what that song is talking about. A song is usually built around a theme and you're video should say the same thing It's a really good idea to write down the key words or phrases in the lyrics. This helps not only with getting some ideas out and on paper, but it will start the ball rolling on other possibilities you may want to explore......if you try this you'll see!!

Now another good exercise to practice is to close your eyes and listen to the song with headphones on. I ALWAYS do this when I'm writing a video, as it helps me visualize events in the story. You'll see that even after a few listens, the images will start taking shape on their own.

Now of course, if you start seeing helicopters and explosions, you better start remembering that all things wonderful in music videos have a price to go along with them as well!! haha

Budget is very important, and remember that the simpler it is, the cheaper and easier it is as well!

Humor me, and try out those execises of writing down the themes, and have a listen to your tunes with your eyes closed. You'll see what I'm talking about, and will be ready for the next step!

....or maybe you're already at this point...in which case....on to the next step!

Please comment and let me know how this worked for you!

Vince