How to create a (music) video
In 8 steps
Audiovisual material for self-presentation and networking is also becoming increasingly important for artists in the classical music sector. For example, to make professional contacts, but also to reach an interested audience via video platforms and social media. A short video of a rehearsal or a successful performance are possible formats. But portraits and overviews of the repertoire also offer interesting opportunities for networking and establishing contacts.
Planning
This is half the battle. Music and video recordings need to be well thought out and organized in advance. What equipment and budget do I have available? The ideal case of an HD-capable video camera, a good microphone, a tripod and a professional video editing program will not always be available. The question of equipment and budget is crucial because it has a huge impact on the quality of the end product.
Equipment
It is not necessarily necessary or practical to purchase the above-mentioned equipment yourself. You can often borrow something from colleagues or rent equipment. There are numerous companies that offer a rental service - just google them.
Target channels
It is important to clarify in advance which channels you want to use and which audience you want to address: agencies, orchestra conductors, commercial video and music platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud and social media or your own website? Each social media platform works according to its own dynamics, algorithms and aesthetic rules. Content should therefore be created appropriately for the respective social media channel. It helps to look at how successful, high-reach users operate on the respective platform.
Storytelling
The decision regarding the equipment and the desired channels has been made. Now it's time to plan the video itself. What story should be told? What emotions, images and associations should be evoked? Which audience should be addressed? Which locations are feasible and acoustically suitable?
It is important to remember that, ideally, image and sound should form a unit. It helps to create a script that describes the individual scenes and includes a schedule. For visual types, it can also be helpful to draw a storyboard that defines camera angles, characters and locations with the respective lighting situation.
Collaboration, synergies and cooperation
The procedure outlined so far may sound complex and time-consuming, but there is a remedy here too. The magic word is teamwork - teaming up with colleagues in a similar situation and clarifying which resources can be mobilized together. Perhaps someone already has experience with their own YouTube channel, knows a budding sound engineer or someone who is studying video or media technology?
On location
It has proven to be ideal to always take several shots of a scene or perhaps even film with two cameras. In general, make sure that enough material is recorded. The rule of thumb for a three-minute video is: at least 45 minutes of raw material. Otherwise, you will be very limited when editing later on and won't be able to try out any variations.
It can also be a good idea to think about a making-of or outtakes when shooting, as these can be used very well on social media.
Editing
Free or inexpensive video editing programs provide good services here. The cut should be based on the sound and the envelope curve. Determining the song or music speed in beats per minute (bpm) can also be a good aid.
When editing, it is important to remember not to string together individual fragments and scenes, but to create a flow that drives the narrative forward. Now is also the time for the final sound mix. Are there any parts that are noisy and what sound do I actually want?
What should also not be forgotten are possible opening credits, intertitles, other text effects and closing credits.
Right
When writing the script, it is important to research which locations are legally possible and where permission must be obtained. It is also important that all persons to be seen in the video agree to this - preferably in writing.
The areas mentioned here are known in legal jargon as portrait protection and copyright. Further information can be found on Wikipedia and Internet4jurists.