How to Make a Music Video: a Step-by-Step Guide

Contents

I. How to Make a Music Video That Will Get You Famous
   1. Coming up with a Music Video Concept
      a. Tips to Developing an Effective Music Video Concept
   2. Finding the Right Video Production Professionals
   3. Calculating Your Music Video Budget
      a. How Much Does a Music Video Cost to Make?
   4. Working on Your Mood Board, Storyboard, and Script
   5. Selecting Locations, Actors, and Equipment for the Shoot
   6. Filming the Music Video
      a. How Long Does It Take to Shoot a Music Video?
   7. Editing Your Music Video
II. What if You Decide to Shoot a Video Yourself?
   1. What Kind of Production Specialists Do You Absolutely Require?
III. Wrapping Up

It is possible that YouTube and, more recently, TikTok have killed the video star in its traditional MTV heyday sense. But it doesn’t mean that you should pour all your budget into short clips for social media instead. Quick content will sooner or later lose its value, and the fashion for clips will return. In this article, YOPRST, a Warsaw-based company offering music video production services, will share expert tips on how to make a great music video that will make you famous on a reasonable budget and highlight the challenges you might face along the way.

How to Make a Music Video That Will Get You Famous

Disclaimer: Before we dive into the process of making a music video, it’s worth noting that the landscape of music videography has changed. With its complicated dance moves and futuristic visuals, Scream by the Jackson siblings cost a mind-blowing $7 million to make. This is a huge amount for a music video. The video made an impact on MTV 29 years ago, setting a standard that no other artist has ever matched. Today’s music videos do not portray musicians as unreachable icons; on the contrary, they focus on story-driven content over expensive CGI fantasies.

So, one of the key tips for making a music video in 2024 is to keep things humble enough so that more people will relate to your art and be creative enough to keep them watching. One more thing. As a video production company, we strongly recommend that you have your music video produced by professionals. Sure, camera phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can shoot high-quality content for social media, but filming a full-fledged music video without a proper cinema camera is like attempting to paint a Mona Lisa with three crayons.

Even if you rent video equipment, you will need to find someone to operate it. And it is more than just video quality. Other factors, such as lighting, professional video editing, and a strong script, are equally important to your project’s success. Moreover, this specificity is very complex and requires long training and practical skills on various projects. Do you really want to master Adobe Premiere Pro and spend days crafting a compelling story, or would you rather focus on what you do best—music? Without further ado, here’s how to make a music video:

• Come up with an original idea
• Figure out how much money you can spend on the music video
• Approach a music video production company to finalize the concept
• Create a script, storyboard, and moodboard
• Select locations, actors, and equipment for the shoot
• Film the music video
• Edit the content

Step 1: Coming up with a Music Video Concept

Generating an interesting concept is a crucial first step towards making a music video. It all boils down to finding the ideal balance between the essence of the song and your own distinct creative vision. It is also a process that involves comprehension, creativity, and strategic planning. Planning a music video shoot, among other things, includes allocating a sufficient budget for your video. For those wondering how to make a great music video, it’s important to familiarize yourself with different types of music videos and the unique storytelling and visual opportunities they offer.

• Performance videos feature footage of an artist performing live. Such videos are frequently intercut with other thematic elements, but the primary focus is on demonstrating the artist’s energy and charisma. One example of performance videos from our portfolio is I Go Numb by Nizkiz, a prominent indie rock band from Belarus.
• Narrative videos tell a story that may or may not be directly related to the lyrics of the song; the latter approach is frequently regarded as more effective and professional. Such videos often resemble short films, with characters, a plot, and a clearly defined beginning, middle, and end. YOPRST successfully shot a narrative video for ZUI. The video, which accompanies the song Dad Got Fired, depicts the title character’s professional and personal decline through the eyes of his children.
• Concept videos are based on a central theme or idea rather than a straightforward narrative or performance. These videos can be abstract and open to interpretation, providing a more artistic perspective on music video production. If you’re looking to shoot a concept music video, check out ICEON’s Michelle video from our portfolio for inspiration. While the music video includes some cliches from typical rap and hip hop videos, such as sexy girls, expensive cars, and urban landscapes, it complements the song’s dark atmosphere by depicting a destructive relationship doomed to fail.
• Lyric videos highlight a song’s lyrics through creative visual presentations. Independent and major-label artists alike use lyric videos to generate buzz around new music and increase YouTube views before the official music video is released. Lyric videos can range in complexity from simple 3D animations to creative concepts involving actors and proper camera work. Fun’s One Foot, an ode to sneakers and inventive typography, is an example of such a unique lyric video.
• Animated videos utilize various animation techniques, from traditional hand-drawn animation to modern 3D and CGI effects, offering endless creative possibilities without the constraints of live-action video. Gorillaz, an alternative band made entirely of CGI characters, has produced some of the most well-known animated videos. In some of their videos (such as 2005’s Dare), real-world footage blends seamlessly with graphic content.

Tips to Developing an Effective Music Video Concept

• Analyze your song’s theme, mood, and lyrics. Does it invoke any specific imagery?
• Look for other music videos, films, paintings, or even books that delve into the same topic as your track
• Think about what makes your perspective unique and how you can present the song in a way that hasn’t been done before
• Brainstorm concepts with your team, friends, or even fans. Don’t limit your creativity during this phase; no idea is too outlandish.

Before presenting your ideas to a video production company, try creating a mood board, which is a collage of images, textures, colors, and sometimes text or other elements that together capture the aesthetic vibe, emotional tone, and thematic essence you are aiming for. To arrange the visual elements, you can use visual board tools like Milanote or graphic design tools like Canva, or simply pin photos, color palettes, or fabric swatches to a white board. Before we proceed to the next section of our How to Make a Music Video guide, we would like to draw your attention to one critical issue.

Do not confuse mood boards with storyboards. The former are intended to inspire and establish a conceptual framework for your project. It will be used to select color palettes for the decoration of the set, costumes, and props. The latter outline the flow of your video, frame by frame, and can only be created by individuals who know the process of making a music video inside and out. It indicates the size of the plans, the optics used, and the order of shots. We will go over how to make a storyboard for a music video later in the article, but first, let us talk money!

Step 2: Finding the Right Video Production Professionals

The obvious advice for artists wondering how to make a professional music video is to look for a production company near them, especially if they are working on a tight budget. However, this rule does not apply to lyric videos or clips that do not feature the artist. For these cases, you can safely look for production in any country in the world or buy several stock videos. Many videos use stock images, and there is nothing wrong with that if they fit into the story. In some cases, low video production rates in a particular country can offset the costs of flying the entire crew to your location.

When selecting a video production company for a music video project, consider several factors, including responsiveness, communication style, and cultural fit. Your partner in crime should be just as enthusiastic about your video as you are. There is no creativity without chemistry. That is why it is recommended that you meet with the production team in person and thoroughly discuss your potential collaboration before committing to the project’s execution. Otherwise, the algorithm for finding a video production company will be as follows:

• Go to Google and search for video production companies that specialize in music videos. When doing so, use specific terms like “music video production services,” supplemented with a country or city name, or broad phrases like “near me.” You can also look up company ratings on independent review aggregators such as Clutch and Manifest, or get recommendations from other musicians whose videos you enjoy.
• Evaluate the companies’ portfolios, specifically looking for videos that align with your music genre, aesthetics, and preliminary concept. When doing so, consider their storytelling abilities as well as the quality of their visuals, which include editing and special effect capabilities. It will be a plus if the company of your choice has an in-house rental, which indicates a solid equipment park.
• Shortlist up to ten companies and fill out briefs on their websites. While at it, include references to your music video and clearly communicate your vision. We also recommend that you be upfront about your budget. A reputable company will likely be transparent about what they can achieve within your budget constraints and suggest several options for your project, including optimum team composition, places to shoot a music video, and the required equipment.
• Ask for a detailed quote to understand what is included in the companies’ services. Make sure they offer crystal-clear contracts that outline deliverables, timelines, costs, reworks, and copyright ownership. Once you have signed a contract, the next step in making a music video is to refine your mood board, write a compelling script, and create a storyboard.

Step 3: Calculating Your Music Video Budget

In one of our upcoming articles, we’ll discuss the cost of making a good music video in detail, so stay tuned for updates! This will be an important and large material in which we will draw up an estimate for a real project that our team has implemented previously. Right now, we will identify the factors influencing music video production expenses and provide ballpark estimates for a few small projects from our portfolio. When planning a music video shoot, no matter what your budget is, consider the following elements that affect project costs:

• Elaborate video concepts often require specific locations, props, equipment, and visual effects. As a result, your budget will need to include the costs of negotiating location fees and permissions, as well as renting the necessary equipment to shoot a music video and hiring experts.
• Detailed planning, such as mood and storyboard development with creative consultants, translates into additional fees.
• Larger video production crews with specialized skills (e.g., camera operators, lighting technicians, and makeup artists) have higher hourly rates. Similarly, well-known video production companies from the USA and Western Europe tend to charge higher rates solely because of their brand power. One way to shoot a music video on a tight budget is to collaborate with a smaller production company from Central or Eastern Europe.
• Visual effects (VFX) can dramatically increase your production budget. And even if you opt out of such effects in your video, you’ll still need to hire video editing professionals and perform color correction, grading, and cleanup in order to transform raw footage into a visually appealing product.
• If the shoot is taking place far from the crew’s base, make sure to budget for transportation, lodging, and catering expenses. And your budget should always include a buffer in case something goes wrong (for example, running out of fluid for fog machines during the shoot).

How Much Does a Music Video Cost to Make?

Besides the cost factors mentioned above, you also need a marketing budget if you do not have a platform or record label to effectively promote your newly filmed music video. Before the advent of streaming services, for instance, putting your work on a major music video channel was key to success. Today, many independent artists turn to paid social media advertising or collaborate with music blogs and influencers to get their work noticed—and, sadly, these things don’t come for free. In the end, how much does a music video cost to make?

• A low-budget video like ICEON’s Michelle could cost anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. It lacks a standard narrative, focusing on the overall mood of the song, and is typically shot by one videographer using a medium-range camera like Blackmagic Pocket, Sony FX3, or RED Komodo 6K.
• A mid-budget project, such as Belarusian Gold, a music video YORST produced for J:MORS, one of Belarus’ most well-known rock bands, could cost $5,000–10,000. To shoot a music video like this, you’ll need a RED Komodo 6K or ARRI Alexa camera. A mid-budget project’s crew typically includes a director, a cinematographer, a camera assistant, a lighting technician, and a producer. To cut project costs, one specialist may wear multiple hats.
• A big-budget music video’s costs start at $10,000-15,000 with no upper limit. The shoot could last several days and include filming in multiple locations, using various props, and assembling an acting team. In addition to the project roles mentioned in the previous section, you may also need to hire a makeup artist, a gaffer, a fashion designer, and a location manager with several assistants. Going back to our portfolio, an example of a big-budget video would be IRDORATH’s Broken Heart, a medieval-themed music video with aerial footage, authentic-looking costumes, and choreographed fight scenes.

Step 4: Working on Your Mood Board, Storyboard, and Script

In Section 1 of our How to Make a Music Video guide, we briefly discussed mood boards and how to create them. We have also mentioned storyboards, stating that they can only be created with the assistance of an experienced director and director of photography. However, we said nothing about the script, even though this is often the most important part of a successful music video. Among all the stages of video production, it is the script that needs to be given maximum attention and creative efforts by the creative team, so let us go over this in greater detail.

• Mood board. A music video company can help you refine your mood board by bringing their own vision and experience. For example, they can tell you if it reflects your song’s theme and is cohesive enough to convey its message. They can also tailor the mood board to your budget, deadline, and music video type. Additionally, a video production team can assist you in finding places to shoot a music video, making prop and makeup suggestions, and coming up with set design ideas.
• Script. Music video scripts, unlike traditional film scripts, rarely include dialogue. Instead, they provide a detailed description of a music video’s scenes and the outcomes of events. Scripts are inextricably linked to the mood board because they use its themes and aesthetics as a foundation to flesh out the story or concept into a cohesive narrative structure. In some cases, the script and storyboard are created concurrently, with the former focusing on the narrative and the latter on the visual representation of that narrative. Reputable video production companies employ skilled scriptwriters who work in tandem with the client and director to bring creative concepts to life.
• Storyboard. A storyboard is a frame-by-frame representation of how your music video will play out. It depicts specific scenes from a music video and aligns them with your mood board. In addition to structuring the narrative of a music video, storyboards may include technical details such as camera angles required to achieve a specific effect and the video’s timing. Now, how to make a storyboard for a music video, and why can’t you do it yourself? A director can use a variety of tools to bring your concept to life, such as quickly sketching frames on paper and creating visuals in FrameForge. In complex projects, a video production firm can also prepare an animatic to show you what specific scenes or the end product will look like. Unless you work as a digital designer by day and an indie musician by night, you will not be able to complete the task without professional help.

Step 5: Selecting Locations, Actors, and Equipment for the Shoot

When it comes to selecting a location, hiring actors, and choosing equipment, there are a few key points to consider that can help you make the most of your resources and shoot a music video that aligns with your vision. You should ensure the company you’ve addressed has realistic expectations regarding your budget. They can assist you, advising you on where you can save and where you should not cut corners. Your creative partners will walk you through the essential equipment needed without going overboard. They may also have equipment in-house or in a rental company.

The company can suggest places to shoot a music video that fit your concept and budget. Sometimes, public spaces or locations owned by friends or family can be used for free or for a small fee. Music video production company chosen by you may have connections with local talent agencies or networks to help you find actors or extras on a budget, or they may work with local theater groups and art schools. You can offer your actors if you are confident in their abilities, but it is better to entrust the turnkey work to one company. Now let’s discuss these tips for making a music video in more detail.

• Choosing equipment. Without knowing your project’s innards, it’s hard to recommend a specific camera or lens. For instance, if you want to create a historical music video like we did for IRDORATH, it’s best to use an Alexa camera with soft lenses, like Cooke, Lomo, or Helios. They will give soft, slightly grainy visuals that complement the atmosphere of the video. When shooting a music video in urban or futuristic settings, we recommend using a RED camera with sharp, clear lenses such as ARRI Signature Prime or ARRI Master Prime, which is a more affordable alternative. A video production company can choose less expensive equipment to fit your budget if you decide not to use certain props or decorations that require specific image quality and properties. Some budget-friendly alternatives to the above-mentioned cameras include RED Komodo 6K. When it comes to lenses, Canon and Olympus offer more affordable options.
• Finding actors. Every video production company has a casting specialist who assists in finding acting talent. As a rule, they select specific types of actors from their database, hire a casting agency, or, if your budget is limited, recruit actors from local theater groups and drama schools.
• Selecting locations. Our How to Shoot a Music Video guide would not be complete without practical tips for choosing locations. When selecting places to shoot a music video, you should consider several factors, including your script, the video’s theme, and your budget. To find natural and urban locations, your production company may initially use Google Maps. Having studied the satellite images, they’ll visit the location in person. They may also consult their colleagues in professional chats or partner with a location manager if the budget permits. For bigger-budget music videos, you may consider shooting with a screen. In this case, a video production company will work with 3D designers to create locations in 3D using Unreal Engine and other modeling software. In some instances, this could be more cost-effective than transporting the entire crew to a remote location, such as mountains or a desert.

Remember that working closely with your production company and being clear about your vision and limitations can lead to a successful project. Many iconic music videos, such as Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U, were made on a shoestring budget but stood out due to their creativity, storytelling, and connection with the audience. If you are an aspiring director or young performer looking to create a video for your audience, you should first focus on the script. Avoid coming up with extravagant ideas that can blow your project’s budget.

Step 6: Filming the Music Video

When you have finished planning a music video shoot, the real fun begins! Prepare for the possibility that, at any moment, things may go out of hand. The location you’ve handpicked might be busy, your lead actor may get sick, the taxi with props may be stuck in traffic, and so on. In addition, if you’ve failed to obtain permission to film in the desired public location, you may be simply kicked out halfway through the shoot. In short, filming a music video, like any other creative endeavor, does not follow a set pattern. However, the process typically unfolds like this:

• Rehearsals. It may take place prior to the shoot, especially if complex choreography or specific actor movements are required. This ensures that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, saving time and reducing the possibility of errors on the day of the shoot.
• Setup and lighting. On the day of the shoot, the first task is to prepare the location. This includes arranging the set according to the storyboard, installing lighting equipment, and conducting camera tests. Lighting setup is critical to making a music video because it influences mood and aesthetics.
• Shooting the music video. The actual shooting process can be divided into several stages, depending on the complexity of the scenes and the number of locations. To increase efficiency, content is frequently shot out of order and organized by location or setup. The director guides the performers and crew, ensuring that each shot reflects the vision outlined in the storyboard and script. Two to three takes are common to capture the best performance and provide options for editing. When discussing how to make a professional music video, it is important to mention the different types of shots that a director must take:
  • Performance shots. These are shots of the artist performing the song. They can range from close-ups to wide shots and are usually synced to the music being played back on set.
  • Narrative/conceptual shots. If the video includes a narrative or conceptual element that is separate from the performance, these shots are filmed in accordance with the storyboard. They might involve actors, different locations, and specific set designs.
  • B-Roll. Additional footage that can be used to spice up the edit, such as crowd shots, landscapes, or abstract visuals, is also captured.
• Wrapping up. After all scenes are shot, the crew will dismantle the set, return the equipment, and ensure that all necessary footage is backed up. This stage marks the completion of the physical production process.

How Long Does It Take to Shoot a Music Video?

One more thing to go over before we move on to the last chapter of our guide is your project’s lifespan. How long does it take to shoot a music video? An honest response would be, “It depends.” An inexperienced producer frequently overestimates production deadlines to allow for extra time in the event of various flaws and force majeure, which occur because the human factor has not been eliminated and will require time and effort to navigate. These rough estimates may give you a general idea of what to expect in terms of timing:

• One day of filming translates into two to five minutes of production-ready material
• The length of a video that could be shot during one day depends on the number and complexity of scenes
• A simple, small-budget video could be shot and edited in up to two days
• Filming a more complex project takes one to two days, with an additional two to seven days spent planning the music video shoot and the same amount of time dedicated to post-production
• Big-budget music videos may take up to 30 days to plan and seven days to film, with post-production lasting up to one month

Step 7: Editing Your Music Video

First and foremost, the term “editing” is not typically used by filmmakers to describe the final stage of a project. “Post-production” might be a better choice. This phase of making a music video includes compiling the best takes (i.e., actual editing), adding effects, color grading, and syncing with the music track. The sound in clips is often not recorded because the artist’s track is simply superimposed on the video. Additional elements, such as text or special effects, may be used to augment your video. As a result, post-production can significantly alter the look and feel of the video.

What if You Decide to Shoot a Video Yourself?

There are always musicians who can one day try their hand at filmography as well, deciding to shoot a music video inexpensively and saving on production costs. Of course, this is possible if you are very talented and have at least some video production experience. For example, there are musicians who are also good actors, like Jared Leto and David Bowie. Your first music video will more often than not be a failure, after which you will probably not want to shoot anything else. Any director will also get a negative experience if he suddenly decides that he can record his album on his own.

Any music video production must involve many people at the same time. If you think about how to make a music video inexpensively, it turns out that to complete it you will need to solve many problems. You can close them yourself. However, by having a professional in each role, you will reduce the completion time, although you will also spend some money. The minimum possible budget for such a video could be about $300, because $20-40 will be spent on lunches, another $100 on materials, and a little on travel. Here we did not take into account the team fees, which should also be there.

What Kind of Production Specialists Do You Absolutely Require?

Obviously, you will need an operator. If you know how to shoot yourself but must be in the frame, you cannot be a cameraman. A professional cameraman will be invaluable to you, especially if you have no shooting experience. He will choose inexpensive and beautiful locations, as well as find or make low-cost light sources and modifiers. If he is a friend of yours, he might be able to complete the project for free or for a small fee, which will keep him motivated. Next, consider hiring a good director who can write a script that tells a compelling story to your audience.

It could be your story, one inspired by the music, or something entirely new. If you are unable to find such a director, avoid making your video overly complicated. Without proper experience, you will usually end up with an incomprehensible set of shots, similar to Tarkovsky’s films, which are overly dramatic or incomprehensible for an unprepared viewer. As a result, you will lose money because no one will watch your video. If you still have some money left, find a gaffer who can assist the operator. Other specialists are not as important when you are working on a shoestring.

Wrapping Up

This comprehensive guide covers everything from conceptualizing your vision to finishing touches in post-production, ensuring you have the tools you need to bring your musical storytelling to life. Whether you’re aiming for a simple performance piece or a high-budget cinematic experience, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge on how to make music videos that resonate with your audience and amplify your artistic voice. If you have any questions about music video production or need more information on a specific step, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our team is eager to answer your questions and offer additional tips to help you navigate your music video journey. Perhaps you are just at the beginning of your search for ideas and are just beginning to explore the production plan for your first music video. Then you should definitely listen to this guide. It will help you save thousands of dollars by eliminating beginner mistakes. Let’s create something memorable together that not only captures the essence of your music but also enchants your audience visually. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your project!