Pre Production - Things To Consider

Finance:

Before I can actually start to produce my music video, there are several factors that I need to consider. Firstly, I will need to identify potential sources for where I could get my revenue from. I will then need to sort out the resources required for my music video i.e. equipment, crew, lighting, other facilities etc as this will help me to determine my costs. Also, I will need to do some further research into how similar music videos to mine are funded as this will help me to gain an overview of the type of things and materials that are required. Lastly, I should be able to draw up an initial budget which identifies my anticipated costs.

Timescale:

To ensure that I meet deadlines, I will need to set up an agenda which schedules the process of the production of my music video. It would also be very constructive to set deadlines before the main deadlines are due as this gives time to make any last minute amendments where necessary. A timetable would be practical as it allows me to assess each part of the production i.e. one day may be used for the rehearsal of actors; another for shooting the actors in location. A clear and coherent timetable will henceforth be easier to follow and understand ensuring that we do not fall back with time. It will also mean that as we know we have deadlines to meet, the work will get done.

Personnel:

There might be certain aspects of the video which require expertise skills. Therefore, I will need to find people who obtain the skills which are compulsory for the job they’re needed for i.e. a make-up artist may be needed to do the make-up of the actors/actresses. If this isn’t somebody’s specialised field, the job wouldn’t suit them and they wouldn’t be able to work to the best of their ability. If necessary, I may even have to search further afield in order to make sure I have people with the precise skills required so that they carry out their job effectively. The production process will also progress further as there will not be any delays or difficulties that arise if the right people are chosen for the right job.

Facilities:

The facilities serve as a huge key factor in the production of my music video. This is because it is the facilities that contribute to the overall effect of the video. For example, if I wanted to shoot on location in a park and it rained on the day, there would be issues as people may get delayed on their way to the shoot and furniture may get wet, damaged and ruined meaning that it couldn’t be used. I would also have to provide refreshments for all of the personnel and cast members involved to ensure that they had energy to fulfil their full potential for the video. However, if I feel as though this will cut into my costs, it would have to be stated beforehand that the cast are to bring their own food. I will also need to have a professional present to help me construct the equipment so that I or members of personnel can use it. If I decided to shoot in a specific location i.e. a club, I would need to be granted permission from the owner of the club so that I could film there without any problems arising. Ideally I’ll be able to recruit a team who has their own equipment. If I have to get equipment, then I’ll want to get the best your budget allows. If necessary, some equipment may need to be rented in order to ensure that I do not go over and still keep within my budget.

Materials:

There may be huge materials that I need such as a sofa or other furniture to create a bedroom scene etc. This means that I will require props which I may need to enquire to businesses about so they can provide them.

Contributors:

Contributors are also known as extras in the background. They are used to create a more authentic feel to the scene and atmosphere, and are particularly useful in scenes intended to have a large number of people such as in a club or party.

Location:

Choosing a location is vital element when producing a music video as it enhances the authenticity of scene and atmosphere. If you wanted to create a scene that was set in the bedroom of a house, you would need to ensure that the set of the bedroom looked very genuine so that it portrays the warmth and coziness of not only the bedroom, but the house. However, if I wanted to shoot a scene in a park for instance, I would need to obtain permission from the council to enable me do this.

Codes of Practice and Regulations:

Carrying out things such as Health and Safety checks are necessary to ensure that all people involved in the process of creating my music video are kept safe. Regulations that I will need to act in accordance with are things such as Copyright laws. As I will be using music from an existing and established artist, I will need to obtain their permission first before I start filming.