How to Shoot a Music Video

Wondering how to shoot a music video? At Peerspace, we get it. Music videos are a great way to get started in the video production business and require lots of creative energy. They are a critical tool for musicians looking to market their records and can potentially leave a lasting impression on this and future generations.

And not only are music videos a practical way to tell a succinct visual story, they can really push your creative production and development skills. This is something we at Peerspace know all about. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we make it easy to book sensational spaces that bring your music video together.

We’ll touch on that in more detail ahead. But for now, let’s check out how to shoot a music video, from concept development through to stylized post-production.

1. Develop your concept

Think of the music video as a visual accompaniment that works to heighten the experience of the song. Like all great productions, you need to start with a clear, clean visual concept. Meet with the musicians and discuss their vision. Some clients will rely on your creative concept development skills while others will come to you with an idea for the music video.

Take copious notes during this meeting. You will want to refer back to these notes later, as they will serve as a kind of visual thesis for your video.

2. Dive into the creative process

Listen to the song and break it down into beats. When you’re writing a script for your music video, think about the narrative of the song. Is it a romance? Or is it more of an anthem? Is this song about heartbreak? When you’re developing your concept, think about the various elements. Will your music video include a performance of the song in a studio setting? Will it be more of a narrative accompaniment?

Consider using a two-column script template. This differs from the traditional screenwriting format but works well for short video productions with lots of visual elements. In a two-column script, you’ll have your audio in one column and your visuals in the other. This is a great way to present your script to your client. It’s your platform for sharing your vision with your crew — be it a shoestring project or a big production — everything goes back to the script.

After your scripted concept is approved, start on your storyboards. These can be as simple as photos of locations, colors, and stylistic influences and as complex as artist renderings of the shots and sequences.

Wondering how much it costs to rent a music video studio? We tackle that subject in detail here!

3. Plan your shooting style

Music videos tend to break a lot of the traditional rules of filmmaking — especially when it comes to shooting style and transitions. Whip pans are an effective way to transition between shots. A whip pan is simply when the shooter remains static but quickly moves the camera from left to right, or vice versa.

A dutch tilt is another classic music video trick. This is when the camera moves up and down, a great way to start or end a scene. Be sure to include notes about your shooting style in your two-column A/V script. 

4. Hire your crew

Now is the point where you want to recruit your crew and cast. Let’s assume you are serving as the director — it is your vision after all. If your budget allows, bring in a producer to help manage all of the moving parts. Your producer will help you develop the concept of the video and handle securing your locations, contracts, call sheets, and more.

Hair, makeup, and wardrobe are often key elements of the music video’s look and feel. Having a great director of photography (DP) is critical — be it you or someone you bring on board. If you can afford it, having a dedicated DP is worth every penny. If the music video has extras, put out a call or ask the musicians to bring in friends. 

5. Secure your locations

Securing great locations is key when you’re discovering how to shoot a music video. Peerspace is the go-to site for your location scouting needs and a great asset when it comes to securing amazing spaces. And with Peerspaces in cities across the globe, location is never a barrier.

Each Peerspace venue has its own dedicated listing page that includes high-resolution photos, upfront pricing, a detailed description of the venue itself, and reviews from past renters. You can also use the listing page to contact the host with any questions or requests and to book the space when you’re ready.

So what types of music video locations are available on Peerspace? Here are some of our favorites:

• These multiple music video film sets in Los Angeles, CA (pictured above) with LED walls, overhead RGB lasers, and several immersive and colorful sets
• This rare music video studio in Dallas, TX with an LED wall, overhead lighting grid, and several fun add-on options
• This music video studio in Manchester, UK with a cyc wall, green screen, blackout capabilities, and add-ons like a rain machine and special lighting
• This selfie studio with 20+ unique pods in Manly, NSW, AUS for a variety of backdrops and props
• This stunning 6-in-1 video studio in Atlanta, GA with props, lighting equipment, and video equipment
• This blackout studio with RGB Astera LED wall in Queens, NYC with French walls, glossy concrete floors, and lighting equipment

As you can see, choosing just one location when there are so many killer options on Peerspace may not be easy! But to narrow it down, think about the shots that you want to capture. Does the space allow you to actualize your vision? When picking locations, think about your shooting schedule. If you are traveling between two locations, be sure to factor in the time for a company move. This is one of the essentials to how to shoot a music video.

6. Design the lighting

Lighting is a critical part of your music video. Are you going for a dramatic and moody look? Are you planning on shooting in daylight? On a green screen? Different scenarios require different lighting settings, so be sure to test your lighting before you shoot. 

Discover our 10 essential tips to succesfully master video directing next!

7. Shoot lots of coverage

If you are shooting with a single camera, you’ll need to plan on shooting lots of coverage from various angles. Keep the camera rolling — the more footage that you have to work with the better. You will want to have the band or musician play the song several times. While they are “playing,” you’ll want to have the mastered song play on a speaker.

The musicians should essentially lip-sync along to the master track. Make sure that you get full takes of the song from several angles. If you are shooting with multiple cameras, the same principle applies. Get full takes of the song, and use a slate or a clap to sync all of your footage in post. 

8. Head to the editing room

Now that you have shot your music video footage, it’s time for the edit. Post-production software has come a long way and most non-linear editing programs can sync multi-cam footage for you. The software searches for the clap or the sound of the slate and then syncs everything up.

Another post-production software plugin feature that has hit the market over the past few years is beat detection — the software can detect the beat of your song and then generate markers or even automatic edits. You want your visuals to really hit the beat for maximum impact as you edit. Whether your editor is manually cutting to the beat or using some post-production plugins like beat detection, be sure to plan your shots for the edit. 

How to shoot a music video: conclusion

With careful planning and execution, learning how to shoot a music video will be a rewarding experience. Start by follwoing these tips and booking all your locations through Peerspace.

On our platform, you can book professional studios like the ones we listed above, as well as more unique locations, like mansions, lofts, rooftops, art galleries, cafes, and pretty much any other type of venue you can imagine. Start searching for unique spaces near you and let your inspiration guide you.

Find unique music video production venues on Peerspace