The Gang of Five
The Land Before Time => LBT Projects => Topic started by: DarkHououmon on January 05, 2008, 07:18:43 PM
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I hope this is in the right section.
Here are some tips on making music videos based on my experience and from what I've seen from other music video makers.
1. Start Off With A Simple Program. If you are new to making mvs, don't start off with a complex program like Adobe Premiere or Sony Vegas. Instead, start off with Windows Movie Maker. While it is a limited program and has some problems, it is great for learning how to make music videos. WMM is easier to learn. Only after you "conquer" WMM in a sense should you consider using a more complex program.
2. Go Crazy with Effects and Transitions. When you are still new to music video making, I recommend using any kind of effects and transition that you want, even if it's not necessary for the video. This serves as a learning purpose, and helps you decide which effects you like and which you don't. This is how I learned how the effects and transitions worked with the clips and from there could determine which ones I felt were best to use in the future.
3. Listen to a Song Carefully. When you think of a song you think would go nice with a music video, listen to it carefully. Listen to the lyrics (if there is any) and listen to the music. Remember, a song is not always just music, there can be lyrics to it. To make a good mv that makes sense, you need to make sure both the words and the music flows with the scene. But don't try to overdo it. You don't need to match up the words perfectly (if there are any).
4. Don't Be Afraid to use Still Pictures. Don't have moving clips? Don't have enough clips? Don't be afraid to use still pictures for part, or even the entire mv. A good mv does not need moving pictures to be interesting.
5. Speed Through your First Videos. Don't spend so much time on your first videos. Just put a song in that you like and pick random scenes. This serves as a lesson in how to properly cut the video. This is how I used to make the video and through it taught myself how to properly cut the video and arrange it the way I want it. I only recommend speeding through videos on the first couple videos, however.
6. Use Tutorials. Don't be afraid to go online to ask for help, or to look up tutorials to teach a certain method. Learning new techniques can help improve your mv making skills. You can also look to other mvs for help as well. I've learned some techniques by watching music videos on YouTube.
7. Learn to Restrain Yourself. After becoming more experienced with a program, try to moderate the amount of effects that you use. If you use too much, you may drive viewers crazy. This is not to say you can never go crazy with effects. The amount of effects used can be determined by the song you choose. A more energetic song may do well with more intense effects than a slow calm song.
8. Don't Become Arrogant. There's no such thing as a perfect music video maker, and there's always something new to learn, new techniques that can be taught. Try not to act as if you know all there is to music video making, and accept that not everyone makes mvs the same way you do.
9. Use Songs That you Like. It is easier to make a music video when you use a song you are more comfortable with. If you use a song that you like, then you may have more fun making the mv. But if you use a song that you can't tolerate, then you may find yourself struggling with the video.
10. Picture the Music Video in your Head. Before going through with an mv, it would be very helpful if you play the song in your mind and then picture what scenes you think would fit. This can help you visualize what scenes you could use. The mv does not need to be a perfect match, of course, but having an idea for the mv in your head can really help.
11. Be Patient and Take Your Time. After gaining enough experience, try to slow down and take your time with making a music video. A music video does not need to be done within an hour or two. Don't rush through it. Don't feel ashamed if it takes over a month to get a music video ready.
12. Watch Music Videos Online. Watching mvs online that other people made is part of the learning process. See how other people do their videos, the styles that they use, and this can help you with your own music videos.
I hope this helps. And I'm sorry if I confused anyone. These tips are just suggestions, and do not need to be followed.
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Thank you for these suggestions...once I find the time to get back onto my family computer I'll start using WMM, when my folks stop playing solitare and spider.
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Thank you, Darkhououmon!
*Stickied* :D
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You're welcome.
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If anyone else has any tips they may want to add them here. Though these seem nice, simple and to the point. Any other tips may be more specific and advanced.
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I appreciate your suggestions.
BTW, whatever happened to your Youtube account? I miss your older videos (esp. the sharpteeth tributes).
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It was taken down due to copyright violations. I do have a new account up there though with some videos up. My new account is Counterinsurgency.
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It was taken down due to copyright violations. I do have a new account up there though with some videos up. My new account is Counterinsurgency.
Glad to know that you've returned to Youtube, though the reason for suspension sounds moronic. Your videos violated no more copyright rules than mine (I'm Tyrann0saurus over there), and yet I haven't been banned.
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All of these tips is what I basically do. And they are a Big help.
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11. Be Patient and Take Your Time. After gaining enough experience, try to slow down and take your time with making a music video. A music video does not need to be done within an hour or two. Don't rush through it. Don't feel ashamed if it takes over a month to get a music video ready.
This is the most important Tip alive. Out of all the Fan MVs I've seen on youtube they are poorly constructed. And there is end up get over 50,000 views and people is say stuff like: "Best Video Ever" yet its not worth all the credit. Like what Malte told me the well constructed comments count more than the quantity.