Shooting a Music Video on a Budget in 2023
So you have a great song that you’ve worked really hard to perfect. The beat, timing, melody, everything is perfect.
Now, how do you get your friends and fans to actually listen to it?
I hear it time and time again- Oklahoma musicians complaining that they spend hours working on their masterpiece of an album and once it’s released, no one listens to it.
Making a music video is the perfect way to engage your audience’s attention, introduce yourself to your fans, and share your acts’ visual aesthetic.
Releasing a music video creates another way for fans to interact with your music and offers them a bonus listening experience. People love music videos!
Here are 5 tips to staying on budget when shooting your music video.
CREATE A DETAILED SHOT LIST AND SCHEDULE
Set you and your crew up for success by getting organized from the beginning.
We find that productions run smoother when a detailed shot list and shooting schedule are established and adhered to. We also find that sets are more productive when each member of the crew is assigned a role. Having everyone on the same page will save you time on the day of the shoot.
If you want to know more about crew roles, you can read our blog here: Film Crew Positions and Who You’ll Need on Set for Your Film Production.
KEEP YOUR MUSIC VIDEO TO 2 TO 3 LOCATIONS- (PREFERABLY SOMEWHERE FREE)
If you can choose a location that’s free, you’ll have more room in your budget for other purchases on your list. Get creative! Talk to your friends and ask around to see if anyone knows of a spot that will fit the idea that you have in mind.
A potential location gets bonus points if you’re able to use different rooms, or even different corners of one room, as separate “locations”. Try to keep your list of locations to 2-3. This reduces the amount of company moves necessary, saving you the hassle of transporting gear and crew to multiple places.
Click here to read our blog: DIY: 5 Tips for Shooting a Music Video on A Budget
MAKE A DETAILED PROP AND WARDROBE LIST; CONSIDER HAIR AND MAKEUP
While you’re making your shot list and shooting schedule, be sure to note in each scene what props and wardrobe you’ll need. You can save money by having talent come to the set “camera ready,” which means their hair and makeup is already finished and they’re ready for the camera.
Consider any hair, makeup, wardrobe, set dressing, and props you’ll need when you are preparing your budget, so that you won’t run into any unexpected expenses.
SHOOT WIDE WHEN YOU CAN
Setting up the camera for a wide shot can save you time because the director of photography will need to reset the camera less. So when you can, prepare the camera for a wide shot and switch lenses or use the zoom feature.
SHOOT EXTRA B-ROLL WHILE YOU’RE ON LOCATION
Shoot plenty of close ups and B-Roll while you’re on location. B-Roll is supplemental or alternative footage that can be intercut with the main shot.
Having plenty of B-roll helps the editor when it’s time to edit the music video because they’ll have a large variety of footage to cut from. The more options you can give the editor, the better the final product will be.
READY TO START PRODUCTION ON YOUR MUSIC VIDEO?
The creative professionals at Spivey Media are ready to help you create a music video for your band. Whether small or large, we can help you craft an impressive music video that fits your band’s unique aesthetic and budget.
Contact us today and ask us how we can help you produce your next music video. We’ll sit down with you and create a music video concept and treatment, then we’ll get to work figuring out how to make it happen.
Spivey Media is based in Norman, Oklahoma. We are ready to help you produce the next big thing!