Learning how to become a music video director(2021)? You would agree with me that the showbiz industry isn’t complete in its entirety without music videos.
Matter of fact, after a song, is shot out into the airwaves, the build-up and anticipation of the release of the video is one hell of an adrenaline pumper.
Music videos are pleasant to watch and adds a sensory feel to songs which is quite different from when you just listen to the audio.
Music Video Directors are responsible for the fine music videos that hit our screens daily.
It’s a lucrative field of endeavor in the entertainment industry, a career here comes along with the perks of fame, money, and pleasure.
Fantastic music videos are products of amazing concepts from the directors.
The music artist is usually the one occupying the entire video alongside a slew of dancers and appearance by other personalities, so erroneously we all think the entire concept of the video was all his idea, but that credit is shared between the music video director and the artist, with the director have the most part of that accolades for those who know the intricacies involved.
These directors are smiling to the bank at will, just as music videos won’t stop appearing on our screens.
But, then how does one become a music video director?
The following outlined steps on how to become a music video director
Be Creative
The work of a music video director is to translate the lyrics and meaning of a song into motion pictures.
This can’t be done without a creativity hat.
So if you want to evade making mediocre music videos, you need to work on your creativity first, birth ideas on the go, bring new concepts out of mundane things, and infuse them into the videos.
Suffice to add that, as a music video director, you can also direct commercials where your creativity is highly needed.
Most of the time, the brand you are working with might have a great idea, it’s your job to refine that concept and make it stand out.
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Humor sells every day, allow your creativity to veer into the comic lane.
Bits and pieces of humor infused into a music video adds a healthy spice to it.
Everyone enjoys having a good laugh.
Give them that satisfaction.
Acquire professional training and certification
Music video directing is not one of those skills you learn by the roadside and start practicing, it’s a professional career, you don’t find these guys around on a daily basis.
You can get the music producer’s often but not video directors.
So if you want to be like this valuable elusive lot, then a professional skills acquisition is the way to go.
There are lots of film academies around.
Go abroad if your pocket says so, but if it refuses, find one in the country you’re resident in and acquire proper video directing skill and certification.
Find the best around in the country and enroll in a program and avoid wacky ventures.
Internship
This is not an option, it’s a must.
Every field that requires technical activities demands at least a half a year of internship to hone the skills learned.
Internship exposes you to more fieldwork and practical experiences.
There are things no school can teach you safe for the experience.
Little wonder, employers always ask job seekers how many years they have been in a field of discipline because they know experience counts in a great deal.
The internship gives you your experience, sharpens your skills, and gives you an edge.
There’s no specific duration for an internship, but anywhere from six months to a year is reasonable.
Apply for an internship with someone who’s a guru in directing and play the rookie card.
Act like you’re dumb and mask whatever prodigy you have.
If you act like you know more than the master already, the master takes the back seat and allows you on the wheels, limiting your chances of acquiring the experience you came for.
Get a little dancing skills
Since the entire success of a music video will be anchored on you, which you’ll be paid heavily for, it is sheer necessary you know a little about dancing and choreography.
You don’t need to be an expert but have some dancing skills.
It’ll help you guide the dancers or choreographers into a style that is in sync with the music.
In most cases, there are professional choreographers on the ground to handle this part, but you are one who sees better on the screen and knows what’s best and suitable, so your input will be highly respected and appreciated.
Props, Costume, and Setting
An eye for details on these video ingredients listed above is one quality every music video director must possess, even before going to get professional skills.
You must be able to identify the right costume that suits a particular song and the right environmental setting to match up.
Some songs require a little bit of drama, you are going to direct it equally.
The costumes must be on point and in line with the setting.
Knowing this is very important because you don’t want to get caught shooting a video in a village setting with all your dancing crew attired in French suits.
Perhaps, the shooting is just a studio thing, the backdrop is yours to decide because it needs to be sharp on your camera.
The right colors and design are decisions entirely up to you.
Although you’ll be thought most of these things in the academy, a piece of basic knowledge and prodigy for these things come in handy any day.
Conclusion
The overall success of a music video is the obligation of the director to ensure.
So a vast knowledge is needed in various fields surrounding music, acting, comedy, dancing among others.
The job is a lot more demanding, but the pay cushions that demanding nature.
Most times video directors spend sleepless nights trying to direct the shooting of a music video, it must be accurate before they call it a day.
Brace up for the stress and wait for the bread it brings.
Below is the list of steps on how to become a music video director (2021)
- Be Creative
- Acquire professional training and certification
- Internship
- Get a little dancing skills
- Props, Costume, and Setting
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