Things to Consider before Shooting Your Music Video
Finally your “MASTERPIECE” is on the
radio. The deejays are raving, friends are yelling. Each time kids in the
neighborhood hum the chorus, your heart skips. A wave of excitement grips you.
Nonetheless there are handfuls who enquire with anticipation: “why are you not
on TV? When is your Video coming out?” “Very soon you managed to assure them.
Everyone knows the power of
television. It is only logical to record a video once your “I am” is on the
air. A good musical clip, adequately “hyped” on T.V. can turn your career around,
positively affecting the sale status of your album and win you motley of
admirers, and perhaps enemies.
But before you rush to the video “coverage”
guy next door, there are a few things to consider so you don’t get “SHOT” (financially
and emotionally) trying to make that block buster.
·
BUDGET
Be warned, it cost as much to produce
“bad” musical video as it is to make a good one. Your budget will influence the
caliber of the technical crew you hire or the quantity of the stock of tapes
you buy! It will determine the grade of camera you use and the accessories that
come with it. But do not despair; digital technology is fast eroding the gap
between expensive professional cameras and their cheaper but better quality
cousins. Your shoestring budget may see you through after all!
·
CONCEPT CREATIVITY
Your concept and budget are like
twins, inseparable and sometimes parallel. Cash will determine many things but
lack of it should not emasculate creativity. In fact, shortage of funds
sometimes induces great ideas.
·
FASHION A CONCEPT/STORYBOAD
Many directors work with a
script/storyboard some do not. Whichever way it pays to prepare well for the
tapestry of sound paints a picture in their heart, which forms the bedrock of
their visual interpretation for others, music as a montage of sound evokes a
deep meaning and feeling. Therefore the mood a tune stirs plus it`s lyrics,
determine the concept of a video.
For this class of directors whether it is a
love song, a political video, a gospel number, or even a gangster rap-about sex,
drugs, and women –video literately, or symbolically, interpret the lyrics.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE ROUTES
DIRECTORS ADOPTING:
DRAMATIZATION APPROACH
PEFORMANCE APPROACH
ABSTRACT APPROACH
ANIMATION APPROACH
INDIVIDUAL APPROACH
·
SHOOTING
The starting point is to select a
director. Some artists prefer to direct themselves. Nothing spoils shah, but remembers
specialization offers a great value.
A few tips:
A.
Request
to see his show reels (jobs he has done) while giving him to come up with a
concept for your music. Rub minds
B.
Discuss
the budget so he knows what facilities you can afford and what to skip.
C.
Deliberate
with the director on the size of the cast/crew, costumes, locations, equipment
and other logistics – transportation, welfare etc.
D.
Check
out venues for your recording and get necessary permission.
E.
Rehearse.
Shooting a video is no piece of cake. The more you practice the better prepared
you are. Especially if you want to really impress fans – like fanciful
choreography if it`s a dance inspired one.
F.
Be
punctual and pray for good weather especially if you are shooting outdoors.
G.
Listen
to the director. A video shoot is not an opportunity to play “big boy” or show
off in front of girlfriends. Work at it so your career con go places.
H.
Make
sure you have a CD player to use in miming the song. A stand by power generator
is very essential, you never know with NEPA.
(9ja)
I.
Looking
good is show business. Ensure your team includes a makeup-up artist to help
with the sweat and reinforce your cool look. If you can’t pay a pro drag your
sister, girlfriend, or neighbor along.
·
CHOSING A CAMERA
Do not settle for anything less than
a digital video camera/camcorder. DV cameras com in all kinds – in size and
features (lens e.g) – each type and model affecting the quality of image
production. Nonetheless chances are there will be something to suit your
pocket!
·
POST
PRODUCTION
Nonlinear editing offers a lot of
flexibility and allows you to transfer your video digitally onto the computer.
This preserves picture quality. Computer based non- linear editing can be slow
compared to traditional linear editing. But technology keeps moving, so be
patient while your editor “stiches” the picture together.
·
WORKING
WITH THE CREW
This is a very important point often
neglected. Learning to relate well with your production/post production crew
can make a difference in the quality of the service they give you. While in
“post” respect the skill of your editor. Explain what you want and give him the
freedom to invest his heart in your job.
·
CONCLUSION
Competition in music industry is
stiff. Every day new artistes emerge. Standards are rising. Where good videos
are struggling for attention, it is inevitable that the bad ones will be consigned
to the library shelf of the T.V. houses across the country. Or worse still,
wiped off to record stuff more “VALUABLE” it is better not to shoot at all than
to record crap.
N.B.
Before you produce your video talk to “older”
artist. Go round production houses to check out charges, and talk with known
directors. Hopefully the information you gather can help you make the right
decisions.
……………………………….
Good luck catches you on the video.
For more info
contact follow @DaROOTZ or call 08051398911
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