So You Want To Make A Music Video…
- Basement Party Radio
- Jul 20, 2020
- 3 min read
Being an independent artist may come at a cost, but what if we told you that creating a DIY music video won't cost you more than a family meal? Technology has caught up to our passions. The game is about resources, sharing knowledge and creativity.
BY: JOHNNY RUIZ / JULY 20, 2020
DIY/MUSIC VIDEOS/RESOURCES
As an avid lover of music, and cinematography in music videos, I often found myself wishing I had the capabilities to do both. Now at the ripe age of twenty-two and freshly graduated with an English & Theatre degree that I probably won’t use anytime soon; I can proudly say I have accomplished being able to do that. This article is not about me, but about the resources and lessons I discovered while making my own music videos. I have made at least about five videos for myself; two of which I have not made private on Youtube.
This article is meant to help you skip the private video phase. I want to help fellow independent artists produce content that can compete at the levels of BROCKHAMPTON and beyond. Work with what you got, but do not let anything limit you.
I did not go to school for film or music, however, I was fortunate enough to meet friends who did. The biggest takeaway from this article will be network and learn. Here is what I have to offer:
Getting Started:
“Just f*cking do it”
Ashlan Gray, the creative behind BROCKHAMPTON’s camera, once told me via Tumblr anon question response that if I wanted to make music videos and be good at it I had to just do it. Interpet that advice to your advantage.
Download/acquire your software (ios/OS)
I am writing this with the assumption you have access to an Apple product or have a friend with one. Any Macbook, iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad is enough!
Download iMovie (FREE .99 baby)
For a few dollars you can enhance any imovie product with:
VivaVideo: Offers aspect ratio altering, some lighting and color correction. (FREE, but charges for Watermark removal & other features)
Video LUT: Allows you to color correct at a very complex level for a mobile device. You can import LUTS ($5.99)
Vont: Allows you to place text that you can import and alter onto a video. You can caption, create credits, titles, etc… (FREE)
Adjust your camera settings
Whether you have an iphone, Android, DSLR, or Mirrorless camera, you can get video quality worthy of showing off. Here are my tips for recording in general:
- Shoot at 24FPS! When recording videos at 24 frames per second, you can produce a visual with a cinematic feel. This is the fps used for movies, and single shot TV shows. If imma drop a music video on Youtube, imma make it look sexy.
- If you have an iphone you can go into your Settings>Camera and change your video recording to record video at 4K at 24 fps. It does wonders.
- You can apply this to all recording devices. Adjust your settings to the highest possible video quality and resolution or not. It really depends on your intended aesthetic.
Plan out your shots/structure your shoot
Storyboarding makes a huge difference to the process. Surely you can improvise and get really great shots, but you can also do that intentionally. Intentionality facilitates your music video shoot and bringing your vision to fruition. Use your Notes app, a notebook, a sketch pad, anything that can help you express your vision! (Draw your vision out, make a mood board, study music videos you like)
Figure out your aesthetic! What kind of vibe do you want for the visual of your song? How minimal is your set? What outfits will you wear? How can you finesse some lighting? These are questions to ask yourself when planning.
Plan your day: Locations, necessary actions, clothes, etc
Invite your close friends to experience it! You never know how great your friends and yourself can be until you do something challenging together. Someone might be really good at directing, acting, or networking. Never let quiet people’s ideas remain silent. Collaboration is key.
Have fun and learn!
Trial and error is key to artistry. You have to have humility to keep learning and convert criticism into growth.
Keep studying music videos, movies, and youtube videos that can help you become a better artist.
I wholeheartedly believe that one of the best things you can do starting as a DIY artist is studying art you like. We live in an era of pastiche art. With that being said, go out and do it! You should believe in yourself as an artist. Believe in your vision and work on your craft. You deserve it.
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