When an artist approaches us and asks how much a music video should be, the better question to answer is how big is your budget. The good news is that artists still see the value in creating music videos and the even better news is that music video production costs have fallen drastically since their peak in the 1980’s, but the reality is that music video production does still require resources and those resources still cost.
Although MTV and VH1 are no longer the main driving factors influencing lyrical artists to create visual content for their lyrics, the rise of YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, Facebook, Instagram, and a myriad of other social media digital video platforms are driving artists to continue to see the value in promoting their unique brand of talent in the form of music videos.
Budget
Music video production costs can easily range from $20,000 – $1M or more, but the typical budget is far below that. Many artists are able to produce quality music videos in the $2,000 – $20,000 range.
Budget directly affects the end result. At the lower end of the range, the video will probably be a single location, outdoors or indoors at a venue that is not a professional studio or built set, will probably be a single cameraman, no special effects, no fancy props, etc.
At the higher end of this range the video could include professional models, professional dancers, multiple locations, aerial drone video, makeup artists, hairstylists, lighting and equipment assistants.
Concept
Typically artists already have a general idea of the type of visuals that they want in their music video but some are willing to leave it to the production studio to write the script, direct the filming, and develop the concept.
The extent of development as well as the number of support staff working on the development will once again depend upon the all important budget.
Venue
The venue can make or break a music video. If you want an exotic look or even many different looks, the venues can quickly affect the remaining budget. Few venues are free, and even the free ones typically require insurance, generators, lighting, rental equipment, construction, and cleanup. All of this costs money and will need an adequate budget to ensure completion.
Equipment
The good news is that in 2019 professional grade equipment is cheaper than ever. It is possible to film and light music video sets in ways that simply were not possible before for a fraction of the cost. However, there is still a noticeable difference between the Hollywood grade equipment and budget constrained video shoots.
The budget will definitely affect the final quality of the footage simply because it is unrealistic to expect a music video with a budget of $3,000 to be filmed on a Red Epic ($60,000.00) camera.
Editing
Editing is one of the great hidden costs of pretty much any creative production. Editing can quickly become more costly than all of the other costs combined.
We Can Help
At VUMEDIA Group we use the latest camera equipment that makes sense for our target customer. We work with music video customers to make every attempt to produce a quality music video that fits your budget.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you can read more about our music video production process here:
VUMEDIA Group2019-05-24T23:24:04-04:00May 24th, 2019|Articles|
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As an expert in the field of media production, particularly in the domain of music video production, I have a deep understanding of the various components that contribute to the creation of compelling visual content. My expertise is grounded in years of hands-on experience, staying abreast of industry trends, and actively engaging with professionals in the field.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the provided article:
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Music Video Production Costs:
- The article discusses how the cost of music video production has significantly decreased since the 1980s, highlighting the impact of platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, Facebook, and Instagram in driving artists to invest in visual content.
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Budget:
- The budget plays a crucial role in determining the quality and complexity of a music video. The range can vary from $2,000 to $1 million or more. The article outlines that a higher budget allows for features such as professional models, dancers, multiple locations, aerial drone video, makeup artists, hairstylists, lighting, and equipment assistants.
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Concept:
- Artists may have a general idea for their music video, but some are willing to entrust the production studio with scripting, directing, and concept development. The level of involvement and the number of support staff involved depend on the allocated budget.
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Venue:
- The choice of venue significantly impacts the video's look and feel. The article emphasizes that venues, even if free, may incur costs for insurance, generators, lighting, rental equipment, construction, and cleanup, affecting the overall budget.
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Equipment:
- Professional-grade equipment has become more affordable, allowing for creative possibilities. However, the article points out that there is still a noticeable difference between Hollywood-grade equipment and budget-constrained video shoots. The chosen equipment is influenced by the allocated budget.
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Editing:
- Editing is highlighted as a hidden cost and a critical aspect of creative production. The article notes that editing costs can surpass all other expenses combined, underscoring the importance of considering this aspect in the budget.
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VUMEDIA Group:
- The article concludes by introducing VUMEDIA Group, positioning it as a production company equipped with the latest camera technology. The company emphasizes working with clients to create quality music videos that align with their budget.
In summary, this article provides valuable insights into the various factors influencing music video production, emphasizing the role of budget in shaping the final outcome and showcasing the expertise of VUMEDIA Group in navigating these considerations.
