As the adage goes, time is money. That means a three-day shoot will be more expensive than a two-day shoot, which will be more expensive than a single-day shoot. Especially if we’re talking about a music video with a limited budget, you can—and should!—keep production to one day.
However, the time it takes to prep for that music video and put it together in post-production will be significantly longer than a single day. Think weeks or even months. While it might seem like a big investment of time, a thorough pre-production phase is key to making sure your production goes by the book with no mishaps.
Another adage? Fix it in post. But what that typically means is that the post-production will be much more expensive than originally thought. Again, doing your prep can ensure that there aren’t any mistakes that need to be fixed. Plus, by putting in the necessary time, not only does making a music video become less stressful, but also you’ll likely have a happy client and great reference once your time on it is done.
No matter how simple the shoot or limited the budget, there should be no cutting corners on how you make a music video. Especially if you’re just starting out and making a name for yourself, take each step seriously all the way from when you first discuss the concept with your client to when you deliver—hopefully on time and on budget!—the final piece to them.
Music videos offer the chance to be wildly creative even when you’re short on time or funds. Most importantly, though, it provides the opportunity to build your portfolio, professional contacts, and reputation as you carve out your career.