Hey I'm new to the forum and I'm not too sure how well this post fits into this forum or if im in the right place but I've recently been approached by a local musical artist after doing some band photography in the area asking me if I'd be willing to shoot a music video/ promotional video for them. I was just wondering if aesthetically anyone had any tips in this sort of scope as I'm quite in the dark and am after any suggestions as this is new to me as someone who usually just takes still images.
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artyman
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The most important bit with video, particularly with music is sound, you can get by with a bit of dodgy video but the sound must be top notch. How easy it is depends on whether you get to shoot separately or at a live gig. I suggest having a trawl of YouTube bands promo video to give you an idea.
lindsay
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As Ken says, plus make a plan - storyboard - to know what sort of shots and clips you need. How does the band want to project itself? Are they trying to tell a story with a song? etc. The video is a marketing tool, so has to be directed with that in mind. Producing such a thing requires you to be writer, editor, director and producer. What production values do you and they want to project? Lots to consider. They may just be thinking that you'll film them playing, but it needs to consider much more if they want to use it to build their image and audience.
swanseamale47
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The biggest issue you'll have if your doing it properly is syncing the sound. Professional videos normally have the sound recorded separately on professional recording gear, usually in a studio. The video is then shot in lots of short clips (watch a music video) the lip sync is then done at the editing stage.
If they just want a video of them playing for facebook or YouTube and they just want a video of a song thats fairly easy, but a music video.... Either way I'd suggest you record the audio separately.
If they just want a video of them playing for facebook or YouTube and they just want a video of a song thats fairly easy, but a music video.... Either way I'd suggest you record the audio separately.
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Definitely take the actual sound from the sound desk.
Some other thoughts...
I'd ask them what they had in mind, are the any videos online they'd like to emulate. If not, then spend some time looking at online music videos and find a style you like. Then try to answer the question "how are they doing that?"
You'll need lots of camera angles, so you can cut between them. Which means multiple cameras. And interesting angles.
Depending on the music genre, lots of short edits can help with engagement. Software that allows multi-cam editing is a must.
Some other thoughts...
I'd ask them what they had in mind, are the any videos online they'd like to emulate. If not, then spend some time looking at online music videos and find a style you like. Then try to answer the question "how are they doing that?"
You'll need lots of camera angles, so you can cut between them. Which means multiple cameras. And interesting angles.
Depending on the music genre, lots of short edits can help with engagement. Software that allows multi-cam editing is a must.
Watch this video Paisley Camcorder Club
Filmed by a camera club using numerous cameras at the same time (because they only had 1 chance to get it) its a great use of different shots, angles, plenty of B roll and for me it really gives a great feeling of being there. Obviously some of the B roll was filmed at a different time, its well edited and it just works. With 1 chance you'll need a minimum of 3 cameras 5 would be better. If you can film it over a day or 2 then you'll get away with 1 camera.
If you watch that video carefully you'll notice there are very few shots of the singers mouth, which has made the syncing of the vocals a lot easier, if you are worried about trying to get everything to sync then shoot like they have it will make it much easier. If you have a perfect view of the singers mouth and your off by 2-3 frames it will be very noticable, the way a lot of that has been filmed it could be off by 10-15 frames but you never notice.
I've got nothing to do with this its just a great song and the video has been put together well.
Like has been said before you need to ask them what they want, if you can find that out and come back here you'll get a few ideas to help you.
Filmed by a camera club using numerous cameras at the same time (because they only had 1 chance to get it) its a great use of different shots, angles, plenty of B roll and for me it really gives a great feeling of being there. Obviously some of the B roll was filmed at a different time, its well edited and it just works. With 1 chance you'll need a minimum of 3 cameras 5 would be better. If you can film it over a day or 2 then you'll get away with 1 camera.
If you watch that video carefully you'll notice there are very few shots of the singers mouth, which has made the syncing of the vocals a lot easier, if you are worried about trying to get everything to sync then shoot like they have it will make it much easier. If you have a perfect view of the singers mouth and your off by 2-3 frames it will be very noticable, the way a lot of that has been filmed it could be off by 10-15 frames but you never notice.
I've got nothing to do with this its just a great song and the video has been put together well.
Like has been said before you need to ask them what they want, if you can find that out and come back here you'll get a few ideas to help you.
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