Making music videos isn’t just about cool shots and flashy effects. It’s about bringing your song’s story to life in a way that feels true to your vision. And to get it right, planning is key. A well-organised shoot helps everything run smoothly, from the first shot to the final cut.
If you’re wondering how to plan for a music video shoot without the stress, keep reading. We’re breaking it down step by step.
Tips for Making a Music Video
Hit play on your music video creation process with these steps:
Step 1: Interpreting the Song’s Message
Before you even think about cameras or locations, take time to truly dissect the song. What story are you trying to tell? Is it emotional, upbeat, mysterious, or bold?
Tune into the lyrics and vibe, and think about what you want your audience to feel when they watch it. Once you lock that in, the rest of your creative decisions will start to click into place with purpose and direction.
Step 2: Generating Visual Concepts
Now that you’ve nailed down the message, it’s time to get visual.
At this stage, it’s all about collaboration. Team up with the director to brainstorm ideas that guide your music video creation and bring the story behind the song to life. Think about whether your video leans more towards storytelling, abstract imagery, or pure performance.
Some songs work best with a strong narrative arc, while others shine through expressive visuals or movement. The goal is to find a concept that amplifies the emotional impact of the music.
Step 3: Visualising Through Storyboarding
Once your concept is clear, it’s time to map it out visually. Create a storyboard to help break your idea into scenes. This gives structure to your music video shoot before you even step on set. Think of it as your visual game plan, where you can plan out camera angles, transitions, and pacing to match the song’s flow.
This step also makes it easier to communicate your vision with your crew, so everyone’s aligned on the mood, energy, and overall direction.
Step 4: Allocating the Budget Wisely
Let’s talk money, because even the most creative ideas need the right resources to come to life. When filming a music video, your budget must cover everything from the crew and gear to talent, set design, and post-production.
To make the most of it, prioritise the elements that will have the biggest impact on how your music video looks, feels, and connects with your audience. Being intentional with your spending ensures that every dollar supports your vision in the most efficient way possible.
Step 5: Building a Realistic Production Timeline
A great music video shoot isn’t just about creativity, but also timing. To keep things moving smoothly, start by building a solid production timeline that maps out every stage, from pre-shoot meetings and rehearsals to the actual shoot days.
Make space for travel time between locations, gear setups, and yes, even snack breaks. On top of that, include buffer time for unexpected delays, especially when shooting outdoors where weather can turn things upside down.
With a well-planned schedule, your crew stays focused, your scenes stay on track, and your entire music video creation process flows like clockwork.
Step 6: Putting Together the Right Team
Even the best concept won’t shine without the right people behind it. Assembling your dream team means more than just hiring professionals; it’s about finding creatives who really understand the artist’s vision.
Working with a video production company can provide you with access to a team of technical experts, including a director, producer, camera operator, editor, and more. Having this kind of support ensures your shoot is professionally managed, technically sound, and equipped to deliver high-quality results from start to finish.
Depending on the concept and style of your music video, you may also need to bring in additional creative collaborators, like stylists, makeup artists, dancers, or choreographers, to complete the full picture.
Step 7: Finding the Right Locations (and Getting the Green Light)
The shooting location you choose can influence the overall feel and quality of your music video. It sets the backdrop for your story, supports your concept, and helps tie all the visuals together.
But when filming a music video, looks aren’t everything. Practical things matter too. You’ll also need to consider space for equipment, access to power for your gear, and minimal background noise if sound recording is involved.
Once you’ve found a spot that works, don’t forget the paperwork. Filming in public or private areas may sometimes require permits, insurance, or written permission. Sorting this out early keeps things legal, stress-free, and ready to roll once cameras start clicking.
Step 8: Coordinating the Shoot Day
The shoot day for your music video can be exciting, but without proper coordination, things can quickly spiral out of control. That’s why clear planning is essential to keep everything on track.
Here are a few key things to prepare:
- Shot list: Think of it as a to-do list for your shoot. It includes every shot’s angle, framing, and sequence, giving the crew a clear structure to follow throughout the day.
- Roles and responsibilities: Ensure the entire team understands their roles, so there’s no confusion once the cameras start rolling.
- Schedule buffer time: Things rarely go exactly as planned, so leave space for setting up equipment, smoothing out details, or resolving issues without derailing the shoot.
- Logistics: Don’t forget practical details, such as transport arrangements, meals for the team, and extra equipment in case something doesn’t go as planned.
Step 9: Executing the Music Video Shoot
Now it’s time to roll the camera. Stick to your storyboard as a guide, but stay open to new ideas that might spark on set; they can often add something special. Capture multiple takes to have options during editing, and don’t forget to shoot plenty of B-roll to add extra texture and flow to your video.
Throughout the day, maintain open communication among yourself, the director, the crew, and the artist. When everyone’s in sync, it becomes much easier to make a music video that accurately reflects the song’s message.
Turn Your Music Into a Visual Experience
Planning might not be the flashiest part of the process, but it’s what lays the groundwork for a music video shoot that runs efficiently and delivers the outcome you envisioned.
If you’re looking for a creative partner to help you through it all, Aww Media has the experience and expertise to guide the way. Our music video production service offers full support, from concept development, storyboarding, filming, editing, to post-production.
As passionate storytellers, we’re all about turning music into a visual masterpiece. We make sure every lyric, rhythm, and visual element captures your artistic intent with clarity, style, and cinematic finesse.
Get in touch with our team and let’s start shooting a music video that captures the heart of your music.
