How to Shoot a Music Video

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!