Ever since the creation of YouTube back in 2005, many revolutionary new video content trends have emerged. YouTube is a dream for music lovers, as not only can they now listen to their favorite tunes on different platforms like Spotify, they can also hop on YouTube and watch their favorite music videos for free. For modern singers and videographers, creating great music videos is very important if you want to be successful. Today’s music fans are as interested in the video as they are in the song itself so you need to create something memorable.
In order to produce the perfect music video, you need to start with the right equipment. Here is a list of the essential gear that you will need:
1. Music Player And Speakers
The audio track on music videos is rarely the artists actually singing along or playing live. Rather, they lip-sync the lyrics, so you will need to have a music player and speakers on set. Not only will this system help the artists, but it will also give the production team a general idea of what to work on when it comes to post-production. If you are filming the music video outside then you will need to make sure that everything is weather-proofed to avoid any technical or safety issues. Music equipment can be expensive but there are many discount coupons available which can help you save money. You can see more information about discount coupons online and some of the fantastic offers that are available. Many of these are valid for big department stores where everything you need will be in one place.
2. The Right Cameras
When it comes to producing a great music video, the first rule is to never settle for cheap video recording equipment because they just won’t cut it. Even though smartphone cameras are capable of delivering increasingly high-quality videos, they are not yet up to the required standard needed for a professionally produced music video. You will need to use a camera that can record videos at the highest possible quality (up to 8K) and have enough advanced features for your needs.
If you don’t have the budget for the model of camera required, there are many places where you can rent cameras and other equipment. Ideally, you will need to use various cameras and setups to give you multi-angle shots for creative editing purposes. Many award-winning music videos produced in the last few years, for example, use a camera integrated into a drone for previously impossible overhead shots.
3. Interchangeable Lenses
You will need to use interchangeable lenses (either zoom or fixed lenses) on set when filming your music video in order to give the audience many different perspectives. When it comes to cinematography, your best bet will probably be cine lenses as they deliver the superb image quality and let you focus on the scene.
4. Tripod/Stabilizer And Camera Monitor
With that many cameras being set up from different angles, having to shoot handheld and carry them around may seem like a daunting task. You will also have to make sure that they are stable to ensure steady footage, and for that, you can use tripods, monopods, or stabilizers. This equipment will offer 360° ball head movement and adjustable legs, which will make for increased maneuverability and easier, more creative shooting.
To make the shoot easier for the whole music video crew, investing in a camera monitor that can give you a live and detailed outline of the recording is essential. This equipment will serve as an external viewfinder for everyone on the production team, and you will be able to get your desired footage on set without the need for a retake.
5. A Full Lighting Setup
Shooting music videos always means working with a wide range of lighting conditions (both indoors and outdoors), but if there is one way that you can control this aspect of cinematography and ensure that the results are exactly how you want them to be, it is by creating a customizable lighting setup. With a full-spectrum lighting kit incorporating different lighting fixtures, mount adapters, swivels, and power supplies, you can experiment with your creativity by setting a wide variety of ambiances, looks, moods, and styles to enhance the scene.
6. Portable Generators and Rechargeable Batteries
Music video production is a lengthy process that requires repetitive phases of shooting. To ensure an uninterrupted schedule and save time and money, make sure that you are equipped with extra batteries for your cameras and other battery-operated equipment. In addition to these, you will need to use portable generators in any location where there is not an accessible supply of mains power. Diesel generators are more cost-efficient than petrol or gas generators and are usually more reliable too.
7. Editing Software
Once the shooting process is over, it is time to get your teams into the production studio and start the post-production work. This later phase is just as important as the filming because as careful and attentive as you are on set, human errors are inevitable. However, with the high-tech features of professional editing software, you can easily edit out all the mistakes made on set and further refine your music videos. With professional editing software, the possibilities really are endless. From cleaning up the audio to adjusting the length of the video and even incorporating different effects, you can create amazing results that are guaranteed to help you create an amazing final video.
Some tools like video editing free sign up offer a free trial period, allowing you to test out the software before making a purchase. This is a great way to find the right editing software for your needs without breaking the bank.
Creating the perfect music video takes a lot of planning and hard work, and while it may seem like there is an incredible amount of work to do at the outset, the results will be well worth the effort. Nowadays, professional video-making equipment is readily available at affordable prices, which means that anyone can make a high-quality music video. Having the right equipment to hand is the most important first step, and as long as you have the necessary expertise available for the job, you will have everything you need to create stylish, and cinematic music videos.
