(photo- this shot is of some of the 'asylum freaks' just sittin' around waitin' for their scene)
I'm assuming that you now have most of your locations found and locked in place. At this point, know that you are getting closer to shooting this, and it's time to put some of the pieces together. Depending on which style you are thinking of shooting, you may need an actor(s)/actress(s) and xtras, but you definetly need a crew. A music video is a big task, and requires more than one set of talents.
The main priorities should be camera, lighting, playback, an AD (assistant Director)and an assistant to do running around or moving stuff around. How many in each technical group depends on the size of the shoot.
The Music Video Crew
Director - The director is in charge of the set and crew. He is the one who makes the creative decisions, and the one who deals with the actors creatively.
AD - Whoever the AD is should be someone who is able to take full control of the set during the shoot. The job requires that they are strict by working to get the shots in time, and in an orgaized fashion. They definitely should have experience at this position.
Camera Op -The camera operator is the 'eye' for the shot. Unless they are the director, they follow what the Director asks for in a particular camera movement. They should be trusted to understand what style or look that you're going for.
Gaffer -The lighting master or gaffer is extremely important to the music video. They are capable of blending light and colors and are masters of creating moods and feelings with light. Bad lighting will destroy a video. If you want the right lighting, just get someone who has experience in lighting. Common sense.
Playback - Playback is a crutial part of the video, especially in the Performance style. Since the artist/ band have to be able to 'play along' with an audio track of the song being shot, you need someone who is capable of "playing back" the track from whichever point in the song they are shooting. Performing like an 'airband' is standard, and you need to have a guide to work with. This should be done by someone capable of pressing play, stop, and rew...and following simple instructions.
PA (production assistant) - the PA is very important, They are an extra set of hands when need, and can 'lock up' (aka act as security) during the filming of a scene. Good for coffee and food runs too. People cant always get up and leave, the PA should be able to perform those tasks.
Like I mentioned before, the size of the crew is dependant on the size of the procduction, but if these 5 roles are filled, you can shoot pretty much anything.
Casting
Casting can be very easy or very hard. I've experienced both. I am, however, lucky to know a lot of unknown acting talent from the independant film scene, and they love doing music videos. Make sure the casting decision is being made by both the artist/band and the director. The band knows what they want to have, but the director will be able to weed those out that may not be able to peform properly. Each actor has different skills, and/or looks that they can bring to the table. But what's important is what they can bring to the table in making the video work.
Will they fit the role? Do they have the right 'look' for the character? There's alot of elements.
I strongly suggest calling up small theater companies, or acting schools to search an actor out....alot of them will work for free and/or very very cheap, and they will act for you. That's all they want to do. They want to do a good job, and being a small 'film', it's something to add to the resume. I know because I've acted in numerous theater productions, and countless crappy indie movies! :)
Been there....done that! But you will see that after talking to a couple of actors, it won't be hard to find one that will suit you're needs. There's always some decent hidden talent somewhere. Maybe even look online for acting schools in your area. If you call them, they will come!
Did you find some local acting schools that may help with your casting? Was I right in how helpful they were in your search?
Let me know how this works for you.
Vince
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