Music videos can be fun to make, and you don’t need expensive kit to
make a good one. Watch ‘How to Shoot a Film’ in the
Making Media series for tips on framing your shots.
Planning the Shoot
Get to Know the Music
Listen to the track a lot. You need to know the track really
well before you shoot the video.
Come Up With Some Visual Ideas
Think about how you can illustrate the lyrics and how you can use your location. With
music videos you have got permission to be a bit abstract so think creatively.
Find a Good Location
It’s crucial that you find a good location to shoot your film – somewhere that inspires you
and fits the track.
Get Your Master Shots
Find Your Shots
Decide on your framing before you even get your camera out. Create a
rectangle with your fingers (it mimics what a camera sees) and try
to find interesting shots.
Film the Whole Song in Close Up and Wide Shots
These are your master shots. You can cut between these in the edit.
Produced by Mosaic Films for BBC
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HOW TO SHOOT A MUSIC VIDEO
When filming a music video you need to play the track whilst you are filming.
This can be done with portable stereo or iPod with speakers.
Even though you’ll be using the original recording in the edit, playing the music
whilst filming will help to make sure that youʼre in sync, especially if you’re lipsyncing
with the lyrics.
MAKING MEDIA: AN INTRODUCTION
Creative Techniques
Getting creative with your camera work can really help lift the production value of your
video and there are lots of easy tricks you can use.
Panning
Add movement to your video by doing simple pans using a tripod. Panning means
moving the camera from side to side. Try and make your camera moves as steady as
possible.
Tracking
Tracking shots are shots that move with the action. Camera operators usually use carts
(called dollies) on tracks to achieve these shots but the same is achievable using a
wheelchair or skateboard. This is a fun way of bringing more energy and a very
professional look to your shots.
Small Cameras
Smaller handheld digital cameras allow you to move around
when shooting helping to make your shots more dynamic.
Lots of mobile phones also allow you to record video.
Armʼs Length Filming
One technique with a small handheld digital camera or
phone camera is arm’s length filming, when you hold the
camera at arm’s length to film yourself. This is a really
interesting angle and looks great when cut with your
other shots.
A ʻLocked-Offʼ Shot
A locked off shot is where you put the camera on the
tripod and leave it running, letting the action happen
inside the frame. You can play with these shots in the
edit, for example making someone disappear and
reappear in the frame.
Produced by Mosaic Film
