Answers for artists

HOW CAN A MUSIC VIDEO HELP MY CAREER?

Music videos are to artists what television commercials are to brands. Just like television commercials help sell products, music videos help bands expose and “sell” their music. Music videos are the most powerful marketing tool to help artists showcase their talent and uniqueness. A music video can also spawn buzz in the industry and help musicians gain exposure.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME?

It’s simple. We’ll work with your independent band to fulfill your vision of your music video that works for your budget.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU AND/OR YOUR BAND ARE READY FOR A MUSIC VIDEO?

Usually, if you are in one or more of the following situations, it means you are ready for a music video:

• Your music is receiving airplay on radio stations
• You are mailing out your press kit to record labels
• You are promoting a new CD or single on your website and through live shows

LOOKS LIKE WE ARE READY. NOW, WHERE DO WE START?

The first step is to choose a production company that will help you get the video done. There are several production companies out there. However, be aware that some production companies would take on any kind of video production contracts (corporate videos, weddings, tv commercials, etc.) which in other words means that they do not really specialize in music video production. Once you find a music video production company you feel comfortable with, make contact and present yourself and your music to them. They will likely respond and establish a dialog about your project. If you like our work, feel free to contact us.

Once the production company reviews your press kit and listens to the song, they will let you know if they think they are the right company for you. Serious music video production companies will not engage in projects that fall out of their creative scope. Provided that the production company decides it wants to be a part of your project, a series of meetings and/or calls between the band and the production company will take place to discuss ideas, storyline, situations, look and feel, style, and so on. Based on these discussions, the production company will prepare a music video treatment (this is a script for the music video,) storyboards to help you visualize the treatment and a detailed budget explaining cost and the allocation of funds. At this point, it is up to you and/or your band mates to discuss whether you want to pursue the project or not.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT A MUSIC VIDEO TO COST?

In order for a production company to answer this question somewhat accurately, at least one treatment needs to be written so a budget can be estimated based on the actual project requirements. Music videos can go from a couple thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the treatment and the format in which it is filmed.

SO, SHOULD WE SHOOT OUR VIDEO ON FILM OR ON DIGITAL VIDEO?

If you can afford it, shoot on film (16mm or 35mm). If you don’t have the budget, try shooting HD video. If this is still beyond your means, shoot broadcast-quality SD video.

WHAT OTHER VARIABLES AFFECT THE COST OF A VIDEO?

Besides the actual format (video or film) there are many variables that can have an impact on the budget. Some of the most common include location rentals, hiring actors, visual effects, complex or risky stunts, number of shooting days and production insurance.

WHAT DOES “FORMAT” REFER TO?

Format refers to the medium used to capture the images. There are two types of formats: video and film. Within the video format, there is Standard Definition video (SD,) and High Definition video (HD.) Within the film format, there is 8mm, 16mm and 35mm motion picture film. Most mainstream movies are shot in 35mm motion picture film though lately more and more directors and producers are opting for high end, HD video.

IS DIGITAL VIDEO MORE AFFORDABLE THAN FILM?

Yes. Digital video technology now allows production companies to achieve broadcast-quality results at a fraction of the price and the time it takes to produce videos on film, thus presenting the artists with a cost-effective product completed in a timelier fashion than film.

CAN DIGITAL VIDEO BE MADE TO LOOK LIKE FILM?

Maybe. The actual look of the video depends on lighting, the type of digital video the production company uses as well as the post-production processes done to the video. Mainly, there are three types of digital video cameras:

• Broadcast-Quality Standard Definition digital video cameras. This format delivers broadcast-quality video that is robust enough to support heavy post-production processes such as visual effects and most importantly, colour correction. However, it’s not as sharp and crisp as footage captured by High Definition video cameras.
• Broadcast-Quality High Definition digital video cameras. As of today, this is format is the format of choice when looking to achieve a film look within a video budget. High Definition video offers extremely clear images that can endure several visual effects and colour correction and maintain its quality throughout the post-production process.
• High-end, $60,000+ high definition video cameras. This format is ideal, although productions shot in this format can cost as much as shooting on 35mm motion picture film. Some big Hollywood movies have been shot in this format, including the fifth instalment of Star Wars.