3 Things I WISH I Knew Before I Started Filming Music Videos...

Summary

This video offers valuable insights to both seasoned and budding music video directors. The speaker shares the top three lessons learned from their journey, emphasizing the importance of lens choice for achieving desired shots and cinematic effects. They also stress the necessity of clear communication with clients, outlining a firm booking policy to avoid misunderstandings and ensure timely payments. Lastly, the speaker advises on the benefits of having a shot list to maintain creativity and efficiency on set, ensuring a smooth and stress-free production process.

Takeaways

• 📸 Lens Choice Matters: Starting directors should focus on selecting the right lens for their music videos to achieve desired angles and cinematic effects.
• 🔍 Understanding Focal Length: Knowing the focal length and aperture is crucial for capturing specific shots and working effectively in different lighting conditions.
• 📹 Kit Lens Limitations: The standard 18-55 kit lens may not always be suitable for creative shots, and directors may need to invest in additional lenses.
• 👀 Comfort with Equipment: It's important to feel comfortable with the camera and lenses being used, which can sometimes mean starting with a cheaper camera and better lenses.
• 📈 Business Scaling Challenges: Scaling a music video business can be difficult, especially in terms of client communication and managing expectations.
• 🗣️ Clear Communication: Directors should make sure to communicate all terms and conditions clearly to clients before any booking to avoid misunderstandings.
• 💰 Deposit Policy: Requiring a deposit ensures commitment from clients and helps secure payment for the director's work.
• ⏰ Punctuality Policy: Implementing a strict policy on late arrivals can prevent wasted time and ensure the shoot runs smoothly.
• 🚫 No Payment, No Edits: Some directors choose not to start editing until the full payment is received to ensure timely compensation for their work.
• 📝 Shot List Importance: Having a shot list, even for a run-and-gun style, can help directors stay organized and focused during the shoot.
• 🛠️ Preparation and Planning: Being prepared with a plan, even a simple one, can reduce stress on set and help achieve the director's creative vision.

Q & A

What are the three main things the speaker wishes they knew before starting their career as a music video director?

The speaker wishes they knew about the importance of lens choice, the necessity of clear communication with clients, and the value of having a shot list for music video shoots.

Why was the 18-55 kit lens difficult to use for the speaker's initial music video projects?

The 18-55 kit lens was difficult to use because it limited the angles and shots the speaker could achieve, especially for zoomed-in and wide shots, due to its focal length and aperture.

What is the significance of choosing the right lens for a music video director?

Choosing the right lens is significant because it allows the director to capture the desired angles and shots that match their creative vision and the style they want to achieve in their music videos.

What advice does the speaker give for new directors regarding the camera and lens?

The speaker advises new directors to focus on lens choice rather than just the camera itself, suggesting that a better lens can make a significant difference in video quality, even with a cheaper camera.

What mistake did the speaker make during their early music video shoots that they later regretted?

The speaker regrets not having clear communication with clients about the rules, timing, turnaround time, and deposit requirements, which led to misunderstandings and stressful situations.

What is the speaker's policy regarding deposits for booking a music video shoot?

The speaker's policy is 'no deposit, no booking', meaning that a booking is not confirmed until a deposit is placed, and the deposit is non-refundable.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of having a policy for clients?

Having a policy ensures that clients understand the terms and conditions of the shoot, including the timing, deposit, and cancellation policies, which helps avoid confusion and ensures a smoother working relationship.

What is the consequence for clients who arrive late to a shoot according to the speaker's policy?

If a client arrives late to a shoot by one hour or more, their booking gets cancelled, and they do not receive a refund on their deposit.

What does the speaker recommend for directors who want to ensure they get paid quickly for their work?

The speaker recommends not starting the editing process until the remaining payment has been received, ensuring that they get paid for the full project before proceeding with post-production.

Why is having a shot list important for a music video shoot, according to the speaker?

Having a shot list is important because it provides a structured plan for the shoot, helps save time, and reduces stress, especially during run-and-gun style shoots where spontaneity is common.

What is the speaker's suggestion for directors who are new to creating shot lists?

The speaker suggests starting with simple notes on a shot list, specifying the location and type of shots, and providing brief explanations for each, which can be referred to during the shoot for guidance.