Create Music Videos
Turn your music into visual art. From simple performance videos to cinematic storytelling — everything you need to bring your songs to life.
Finding Your Visual Story
- •🎵 Listen to the song 20+ times — let visuals come naturally
- •📝 Note the emotions in each section — verses, chorus, bridge
- •💭 Ask: What story does this song tell? What feeling should viewers have?
- •🎨 Create a mood board — collect images that match the vibe
- •📊 Match concept to budget — be realistic about what you can achieve
🎬 Music Video Types
Performance Video
Narrative Video
Concept/Aesthetic Video
Lyric Video
Planning Essentials
- •📋 Create a shot list — every shot you want, mapped to the song
- •🗺️ Scout locations — check at the TIME you'll be filming (light changes!)
- •👗 Plan wardrobe — multiple outfits = visual variety
- •👥 Assemble crew — even just one friend to help is huge
- •📅 Create a schedule — know what you're shooting when
📝 The Shot List
How to Build a Shot List
Coverage Philosophy
Essential Music Video Shots
- •🎤 LIP SYNC CLOSE-UP — The money shot. Emotional, intimate, powerful
- •🏃 TRACKING/DOLLY — Moving with the artist creates energy
- •🌄 WIDE ESTABLISHING — Shows location, sets mood, gives context
- •🔄 SLOW MOTION — Use for emotional moments, choruses, drama
- •👁️ DETAIL SHOTS — Hands, feet, props, environment textures
🎬 Filming Tips
Lip Sync is EVERYTHING
Energy and Performance
Lighting for Music Videos
Movement Techniques
Unique Opportunities
- •🏔️ LANDSCAPES — Himalayas, monasteries, settlements are visually stunning
- •🎭 TRADITIONAL DRESS — Chupa, jewelry add visual richness
- •🙏 CULTURAL ELEMENTS — Prayer flags, butter lamps, mani stones
- •💃 TRADITIONAL DANCE — Incorporate movement that tells our story
- •🎻 INSTRUMENTS — Dranyen, lingbu, dungchen are visually compelling
🎨 Visual Ideas
Modern + Traditional Fusion
Location Ideas
Color Palettes That Work
The Edit Process
- •🎵 Lock your master audio FIRST — everything syncs to this
- •⚡ Cut on the beat — most cuts should land on musical hits
- •🔄 Vary shot length — long shots breathe, quick cuts energize
- •🌈 Color grade for mood — this transforms phone footage
- •👁️ Watch without music — does it still flow visually?
✂️ Editing Techniques
Cutting to the Beat
Creating Visual Flow
Color Grading
Speed Changes
Tiers of Production
- •📱 $0 — Phone, natural light, one location, you edit
- •💵 $100 — Rent a gimbal, hire one friend, two locations
- •💵💵 $500 — Dedicated camera, 2-3 locations, basic lighting, editor
- •💵💵💵 $2,000+ — Crew, professional gear, multiple locations, extras
- •🎬 $10,000+ — Full production, director, multiple shoot days
💡 Low-Budget Hacks
Free/Cheap Upgrades
Location Ideas That Cost Nothing
DIY Equipment
Avoid These Errors
- •❌ Poor lip sync — reshoot if it's off, can't be fixed in post
- •❌ Not enough coverage — you NEED options in the edit
- •❌ Inconsistent color/look — feels unfinished
- •❌ Cutting every beat — exhausting to watch
- •❌ Weak performance — energy on camera needs to be 120%
- •❌ Ignoring audio — music video still needs clean music track