Behind the Scenes of Music Video Production

A music video is a short film created to promote a song that record companies distribute to TV/radio networks and streaming services to stimulate promotion and sales. Many credit Queen’s 1975 hit 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as the video that first popularised the format.

Great music videos don’t happen by accident. Music video producers need to work closely with artists to turn the message and emotions of a song into a story that connects with the audience.

Read on to find out what goes into the production of a music video and how directors, choreographers, and artists work together to create memorable results.

 

The making of music videos

Music video production requires creativity, planning, and teamwork at each of the four stages of the process. 

The concept

The first step for a music video director is to come up with a visual concept and a narrative that captures the overall shape and structure of the song.

However, before they outline any complex storylines or start staging dance sequences with their choreographer, they need to tap into the emotional core of the song. Doing this helps them see in the mind’s eye the movements and visuals that will capture the mood and the feel of the piece of music.

 

Pre-production

Next up is pre-production planning: this is where the creative vision starts to come to life.

Key pre-production steps are:

• Storyboarding: Create a visual outline of each scene to map out the video's flow and key moments

• Location planning: Choose music video locations that fit both the creative vision and practical needs

• Set design: Make sure the music video background reflects the mood and style of the video

• Logistics: Manage practical details like securing location permits, setting a filming schedule, and organising the equipment and crew

• Casting: Select the performers and extras who fit the concept and whose participation will bring the video's vision to life

• Budget: Plan how to allocate the available budget on different expenses but hold some back to pay for last-minute creative ideas

Regular pre-production meetings before the shoot will keep everyone on the same page and moving in the right direction. Encourage new ideas and suggestions during these meetings, and build on each other’s input instead of critiquing it to create a collaborative environment.

By the time filming starts, everyone should know their role and understand how their contribution is key to the overall vision.

 

Production and filming

On location, small, focused teams work best where everyone knows their role and how it impacts the rest of the crew.

When setting up, make sure the space fits the shoot and won’t cause any filming issues. Natural features like lines and symmetry can enhance the visuals without the need to install a complex set.

Get cameras, lights, and sound equipment ready. Expensive gear is not always necessary as many great videos rely on simple setups, creative camera angles, and natural lighting.

Work through the shot list but keep the cameras rolling to capture spontaneous moments, like the interaction of the dancers with moviegoers in Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You.”

Let performers add their own style to their movements and scenes. Some of the best shots happen when people have the freedom to interpret things their way. Two great examples are Madonna’s expressive dance moves in "Vogue" or Sinéad O’Connor’s tears at the climax of the emotional build in "Nothing Compares 2 U."

If the video uses special effects, film it so that editing is easier in post-production. Using green screens, practical effects like smoke machines, or leaving space in the frame for digital elements, like the animated visuals in A-ha’s 80s pop classic "Take On Me" can help.

 

Post-production

This is when music video editors transform raw footage into a polished final product. When editing, prioritise cutting to match the emotional flow of the music over simply matching the beats to improve storytelling.

Key post-production steps include:

• Revieiwing footage: Pick out the best shots, and focus on natural moments of energy and genuine performance to make the video more memorable and authentic

• Rough cut: Be unattached and unemotional about the first rough cut, keep revisiting rushes to find better ways to tell the story

• Effects and colour: Add special effects and adjust the colours to match your creative vision. Keep them subtle as they should improve the storytelling and not distract from it.

Get feedback from key team members but keep the group small as too many conflicting opinions can move the end result too far away from the original vision. 

Make sure to save all of the rushes and different versions to create later alternative or special versions for social media and other channels.

The collaborative process

Creating a music video requires strong teamwork and a shared vision. That teamwork should start from the very first pre-production meeting so everyone is aligned from the beginning. 

Flexibility and adaptability matter. On-set disruptions like technical issues or sudden weather changes are common. In post-production, unexpected challenges like missing footage or sound quality issues can delay the timeline or require you to make extra adjustments. React quickly to setbacks as a team and move on.

Encourage creativity, but keep it within practical limits of what you can film and create within your budget. Experimenting with a new technique can be very exciting but it can lead to delays and extra costs. If you can, use proven methods that you and your team are familiar with.

 

Directors, choreographers, and artists at work

Each member of the production team has a unique role in bringing a music video to life, with the director overseeing the entire creative vision. 

Their job is to make sure that every element from the visuals to the performance supports the narrative and emotions of the song. The best directors are decisive and are comfortable with their own instincts. 

They know which unexpected creative moments that come up during filming will make the final cut. They’re also great people managers, skilled at guiding the crew while staying open to input.
Choreographers ensure that the contributions of the artists and performers enhance the song’s story.

The best choreographers choose subtle moves that match the rhythm and emotion of the song. Sometimes, that’s more impactful than a complex dance routine. 

They can also adapt and revise on the fly where they see an opportunity to bring out the song’s energy in a way that feels natural and true to the artist.

The artist brings authenticity, it’s their expression that’s being captured here.

Often, the most memorable moments in videos come when artists add their own interpretations to their performances while staying true to the director’s vision. It’s like a glimpse into the artist’s connection with their own music that makes it special to the viewer.

When the connection between a director, choreographer, and artist works well, the audience sees it clearly in the final video and they love it.

 

Evolution and future trends in music video production

Music videos have gone from simple promos to full-blown visual stories sometimes with multi-million dollar budgets. The launch of MTV was a game-changer, turning music videos like Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller', Madonna’s emotional rollercoaster 'Like a Prayer', and Nirvana’s 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' into cultural icons whose impact is felt decades later. 

Today, the shift to artist-driven content on digital platforms like YouTube has made distribution cheaper than ever before. However, the move away from unit-based sales to streaming sales has greatly curtailed budgets, meaning there is less money to spend on music videos.

 

New trends are reshaping video production:

• AI and automation: AI tools make editing easier by picking the best shots and matching visuals to the song's mood, freeing directors up to focus on the story and emotion of the video.

• Immersive experiences: 360-degree videos can immerse listeners into virtual concerts while augmented reality lets viewers interact with the music and visuals directly on their screens. This level of engagement can help a video stand out and create a memorable connection with the audience.

• Social media optimisation: Platforms like TikTok favour short, eye-catching clips made for smartphones. Directors now need to create content that works across different formats to encourage sharing.

• Sustainable production: Virtual sets and digital production tools help cut costs by minimising travel and set building and reduce the environmental impact of video making.

 

Register with Universal Production Music

Universal Production Music offers music video producers a vast library of high-quality music you can use in your projects.

If you want instrumental, upbeat, or atmospheric tracks for smooth transitions between scenes or in the build-up to the start of the artist’s track in your video, speak to our team. Alternatively, check out our range of over 200,000 sound effects with easy online searching.

Register today to discover our range of music and sound effects.