Schedule a meeting with the band, filmmaking crew and volunteers. During the meeting discuss the purpose of the music video and how every person involved can help meet the video goal. Assign duties for each crew member and volunteer. While the number of jobs within a production can vary according to the overall budget and size of the video, the most common roles include lighting experts, hair/makeup artist, cinematographer, director and wardrobe. Use this meeting to answer questions and solidify specific duties for each crew member and volunteer.
Outline the music video. Music videos can be simplistic or have a complicated story plot. The type of music video produced should be determined by the artistic vision of the musicians and filmmakers. Work with the musicians and others involved in the production to develop the overall plot. Write a scene-by-scene breakdown of the video and after finalizing the concept deliver copies of the outline to all crew and volunteers.
Finalize shooting dates and locations. To reduce financial cost, keep the locations to a minimum. The amount of time needed to shoot the music video is determined by the complexity of the shooting script. Most music videos can be shot within two-to-five days. Never rush the filming process as this can yield low-quality results. Once the shooting dates and locations have been finalized send copies of the shooting schedule to all crew members and volunteers.
Gather filmmaking equipment. Equipment can be rented from television production companies as well as film departments from local colleges and universities. While a standard digital camera can capture videos, for a professional-quality video rent a professional-grade digital camera, full lighting kit (complete the filters, colored gels and lighting umbrellas) as well as any other piece of equipment needed.
Shoot music video according to the shooting schedule created. If shooting takes longer than expected, speak with all crew and volunteers to schedule additional shoot days. Take note recording sound during a standard music video is not necessary as the music track is added during the editing process. However, if dialogue between characters is needed turn off all appliances and air conditioners and heating units to reduce background noise.
Purchase editing software. Software such as Adobe Premiere Elements by Adobe, Sony Vegas Movie Studio by Sony or CyberLink PowerDirector by CyberLink provides the necessary functions to edit music videos. Place the music track over the final edit. To ensure the best version of the video is produced, edit two-to-three different versions and have friends, colleagues and band members critique each version. Make alterations to the video if necessary.
Place the final edit of the music video on video file sharing sites, such as MegaVideo, YouTube or MetaTube. Burn copies of the music video by using a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. Give every person who worked on the music video a copy of the final version for their portfolio.