Even in isolation or lockdown, a music video production can still be created by collaborating with other musicians and artists that are not with you. Using a recent music video that I edited together as a case study, I explain some tips about what to consider when making this kind of music video production.
Producing music videos in isolation
Even when not playing in the same room, musicians can film themselves individually playing or singing to the same track. These visuals can then be synced and edited alongside the master sound mix. This can result in a high-quality, affordable music video featuring everyone.
For this case study for guitarist and music teacher Joe Perkins, I was sent a video of each musician playing a track they had filmed themselves. I synced each visual to the master music mix and edited it to suit my client.
This process worked very well. All the visuals blended well together when edited. Having edited the music video for Joe and his bandmates, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for anyone who would like to make a music video. This can work whether collaborating remotely or working in isolation.
Playing to the master track.
Before you start filming, make sure all the artists performing have the same master track to either play or sing along to. Even though the final track might still undergo further mixing after the performance, the duration, beats, and body of the song must remain identical so they can all sync up with the performance.
Setting the camera frame rate.
For best results, everyone taking part in the music video should ensure each camera is set to the same frame rate, selectable in your camera settings: 25 frames per second (fps) or 30 fps. Depending on the camera or camera phone you are using, the settings and options available will vary.
My current iPhone 6S can only film at 30 fps or 60 fps. To get an iPhone to film at 24 fps or 25 fps, you need to install a third-party app like FiLMiC Pro (for £15; other filming apps are available) and then adjust its settings. Ensuring everyone is filming at precisely the same frame rate, whether 24, 25 or 30, helps avoid any frame rate conversion in post-production, which can result in less sharp images.
Other camera settings
Filming at the highest possible resolution helps enable higher-quality recorded visuals and more options in post-production. So 4K (4096 x 2160 pixels) or UHD (Ultra High Definition, 3840 x 2160) would be better than the lower resolutions of HD 1080 (1920 x 1080) or 720 (1280 x 720). Filming at the largest aspect ratio would require more storage, so make sure you have plenty of space on your device before starting.
Also, consider that it all might take longer than you imagine or that you might like to film many different takes. This will mean you might need to plug a phone into the mains while filming or have enough battery power for the filming session.
Setting the camera focus.
Ideally, film with manual focus. In this case study, I could see that the bass guitarist was most likely filming with autofocus. As he moves his bass guitar, you can occasionally see the camera focus hunting. Using the manual focus option on your camera or the FiLMic Pro app, you can set the focus to a single position so it stays there for the duration.
Lighting for filming
Good lighting is essential for filming a video, so you might want to play around and take some test shots beforehand to see which part of your location best lets you film your best-lit self. Perhaps this may vary depending on the time of day if you are using natural sunlight.
For perfect results, keep the lighting conditions constant during your filming session; avoid using light from sunny windows on cloudy days or when the light (and colour temperature) is changing quickly. Check out my guide to lighting for filming.
Sound recording
So that any filming can be synced easily, you will need to record the master track audio and/or the performance audio with the filming. The master mix could be played through speakers close to the camera and needs to be recorded very clearly by the camera.
Filming in a quiet location will help the performance or music be recorded clearly, enabling quick, easy syncing. Before you start recording, test and play it back to make sure your camera is recording sound properly.
Visual aesthetics
Consider the overall visual aesthetic of the video you are creating well ahead of filming. What backgrounds are you using? Will they match with any others? What are you wearing? Does that need to be similar or different to anyone else appearing? In addition, consider the framing and your position within it, along with those of anyone else.
Filming different angles
When you film, make sure to perform and record the track from start to finish so it’s quicker to sync in the edit. Consider filming more than one angle, i.e. a wide-angle and a different angled closer shot perhaps of your hands. More angles and differently framed shots can add visual interest and make your music video more dynamic. You might need to use a suitable camera tripod or camera holder that enables you to secure your camera in different positions.
Editing performances
Once all the performances have been filmed, they can then be transferred to a music video editor and synced up. It’s always best practice to keep at least one copy of all digital media on a separate drive or device for safety. Creative decisions can then be discussed as to how the visuals might work best for what has been filmed. In this case study, I created a Zoom looking effect.
Throughout the video, I’ve then edited the best parts of each performance and shown them as a full-frame image. This combination works very well for this video though of course, many different styles could also be edited from the same footage. Once the music video production is signed off editing wise, the final music could undergo further mixing to suit the visuals if required.
If you would like any help with your Lockdown music video production or music video editing, please do get in touch. You might also be interested in reading these helpful blog articles:
