Michael Jackson rocks the lists of the most expensive music videos ever made.
The Prince of Pop led some kingly videos at the height of his reign in the 1990s. This included what is heralded as the most expensive music video ever made — his collab with Janet Jackson, “Scream.”
But unless you have $7 million sitting around, you’re not getting anywhere near that kind of video.
Low budget music videos don’t need to seem cheap. And there are a million ways to make your work seem ritzier than it is.
Here are four things to think about for your video
1. Take Some Lessons From Real Estate
The three top things to consider in real estate are location, location, location.
There are so many places that you can shoot that won’t cost you a dime. Look for older structures that use multiple exterior textures such as brick, wood paneling or metal fixtures.
The older the building usually means the more texture you can pick up in a shot. Also, the older the building to more likely it is to have street art and graffiti for vibrant backdrops.
A warning: some public buildings are off-limits for filming for commercial purposes. If you can get to the property doesn’t mean you should. Always ask for permission to be where you want to shoot. Talking to your city hall should help with both situations, especially if you can’t identify a private property owner.
Also, if you have some cash to throw around, consider renting a really cool space for a day or two. Look for cool Airbnbs near cool natural features for an all-in-one location.
Consider connecting with event companies and production companies, such as Wizard Studios, for consulting on this work,
2. Borrow What You Can
If you have cool friends, they will let you borrow their cool stuff. Just realize that the more valuable something is the less likely it is to be lent out.
Clothes and props are a pretty easy ask.
Also, it’s work asking for things that are way outside of your budget. A way to get at those things is to try to enlist the owner’s participation.
3. The Sun Is Your Friend
You can get some magical shots at dawn and dusk. This is especially true just before and just after the sun breaches to the horizon. What light is visible is evenly diffused across the scene.
When you add in clouds and scenery you can get some awesome vibes, especially in skyline shots.
4. Low Budget Music Videos Desperately Need This
Planning! Lots of it! This is how you make the most of your time and money. The more thought you put into the video on the outset, the better things go.
There are at least four areas to look at: the visuals, choreography, the locations, and the gear.
On point No. 2, even if you don’t plan on dancing, you still need to know how and when you move your body and how you will line it up with the music.
What Else?
There are a lot of elements that go into low budget music videos. Be sure to make the most of what you can with whatever musical savvy you’re trying to showcase.
Read on below to find out what else is happening in music and how you can make the most of your moment.
