1. It All Starts With A Good Idea
This may seem obvious, but if you have a small budget, you can’t get away with a mediocre idea. The more creative your idea is, the more attention you will get. If you don’t have a huge budget to shoot the music video professionally, you need a concept that overshadows your budget shortage. The first step in making a music video is coming up with an idea that matches the budget and resources available.
Start by brainstorming concepts that can be created with limited resources, such as performance videos, lyric videos, or video collages. Be creative, but also realistic in what can be achieved on a low budget.
It’s not about the technology used. That’s merely a tool. It’s about creativity and having fun with it.
– Matthias Gottwald, photographer and video producer
2. Budget Planning
Once you have an idea in mind, it’s time to start planning your budget. Especially when your budget is limited, it is important to use it sensibly. Make a list of all the expenses involved, such as equipment rental, location fees, actors, costumes, etc. Then, set a realistic budget and stick to it. You can also consider seeking sponsorship or crowdfunding to help cover costs. It is, of course, an advantage if band members already have experience with music videos, cameras or editing. If not, the alternative is to hire a person who is familiar with everything.
Friends or family members can help you as well. This was the case with the band OK GO. For “Here it Goes Again” the band decided to produce a choreographed video, with the dance taking place on treadmills. The video was conceived and directed by the sister of the frontman, Damian Kulash. It was shot in one take. It took the band 17 attempts to get the dance on the treadmill right. This was one of the first truly viral videos that attracted more than 50 million views and earned a Grammy with OK Go.
3. Location Choice
Choosing the right location can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the video. Look for free or low-cost options such as parks, public spaces, or friends’ homes. You can also consider using green screen technology to create a virtual background. Don’t make it unnecessarily difficult for yourself. Save time, avoid tedious travel plans and choose only one location which suits your song.
You and your team can put all the energy you would use for travelling back and forth into the production. Recordings from your concerts can also provide a little variety. The lighting is important here. It can be expensive to light a set properly.
4. Video Editing
Your idea and location can be as cool as you want. But if the cutting of the video goes wrong, the whole thing will be useless in the end. However, this can be done with affordable software such as iMovie, Lightworks or canva. Use visual effects, transitions, and other tools to enhance the final product and make it look professional.
Canva’s Video Maker is a cost-effective solution for musicians looking to create professional-looking music videos. With a wide variety of templates and design elements, musicians can easily create videos that match their brand and style. Additionally, the vast library of stock footage, music, and images allows musicians to add creative touches to their videos without breaking the bank.
As part of the PRO deals, all gigmit PRO users also receive a discount on their shopping cart at Budget Music Videos. Get gigmit PRO here.
5. Be Prepared
Finally, make sure to properly prepare for the shoot. This includes rehearsing, setting up lighting and sound equipment, and ensuring everyone involved is aware of their roles and responsibilities. By preparing well, you can minimize mistakes and ensure a smooth and efficient shoot.
It’s best to plan each sound and each movement in advance so that you know how to move in front of the camera later. If choreography is planned, practice is key. Knowing who does what and when will save you a lot of tedious time during the production.
We hope this helped! If you’d like to know why you should put effort into your music videos, go check out this article.
