In today’s music world, having a music video for your track is an absolute must. Music creators must have visuals to go behind their sounds, not to mention a music video is a great way to increase your fan base.
However, not exactly everybody has the budget of Beyoncé and Jay-Z when it comes to making a music video—and we get that. The great news is that it’s possible to make a great-looking music video even on a low budget. If you’re ready to get started shooting a music video of your very own, here’s how to do it without a million dollars.
Find the Right Location
When it comes to video production, location is everything. It’s important that you choose a location that has the same aesthetic as the one you’re going for. Make sure that the interior is designed in a way that matches the look and feel of your group, and above all, that this space is equipped for everything you plan to do in the video.
You’ll need to consider things like lighting, electrical outlets, and of course access. If you have a lot of equipment to bring in, then it’s not very realistic to shoot your music video on the 6th floor of an apartment building with no elevator.
“Make it Work”
One of the oldest terms in the business is “make it work.” Even though you may not have all of the tools that you ideally want to make your production exactly as you see fit, sometimes you simply have to use what you have and “make it work.” On a budget, sometimes that means only a few speakers, a camera, or a microphone. Ultimately, all of the greatest artists started at the bottom, so it’s not unreasonable to find yourself in the same boat for your first music video.
Time is Of The Essence
If you’re paying for equipment rental, actors, or your location, then time is of the essence. It’s important that you shoot as quickly as possible, ideally in one single day. Remember, if you’re shooting in a public location like a park, or the streets, you may require specific permits. So, when creating your shooting schedule, make sure that you keep this in mind. Every day adds up, so make sure that you stay speedy.
Reach Out
As an aspiring new artist, there’s no shortage of people that are rooting for you to succeed. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to your network and ask people to help! Ask them to spread the word about donating to your cause, or even providing materials.
You never know when someone might have something that you require for your vision. You’d be surprised how many people you have in your network that would be thrilled to help out on a music video— even if it’s amateur and on a low budget!
