Making Music VideosGuidance by Pete Fraser

Better Practical work at A2

Focus your research

Look at previous students’ work

Set yourself an early deadline

Keep it simple

Don’t try to be funny

Top Tips

Storyboard

Visit locations/check permissions

Be prepared for mishaps and absences

Have everyone’s mobile phone number

Check props, costumes, times

Shoot more than you need, for cutaways

Shoot the whole song as a performance - 3 times

Plan

There’s a tape in the camera

You’re not recording over someone else’s tape

Your batteries are charged

You know how to use the camera and tripod

Date and time display are off

You have the CD and player with you

Check

Well-known songs

Overdone flashy effects

Driving around in cars

Drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, fights

Walking aimlessly

Speeded up traffic

Avoid

Rehearse shots and action before recording

Keep the camera steady

Avoid using the zoom

Don’t use ‘found’ footage

Backwards footage and speed changes must be motivated by content

Cut… and cut again!

You cannot polish poor footage

Should not be full of excuses

Should feature audience feedback

Should use technical language accurately

Should place your video in relation to industry

Should relate your video to ‘real’ examples

Evaluative writing

Making Music Videos

Better Practical work at A2