Question for fellow music video directors

C

cb1

Member
I'm a music video director and am currently trying to build a demo reel. Since I'm just starting out I only have 3 completed videos and for that reason I do not charge bands for my services, hopefully when I get a few more done I can charge. I'm having a problem with bands dropping out, in the past 6 months I've had 10 of the 11 bands I had scheduled to shoot a video for dropout, I wasted tons of time working on pre-production and then I either never hear from them again or they say they can't do it for whatever reason.

I've pretty much given up on the whole music video thing because of this, I just don't have the time to work on something and then have it not happen and have everything be a waste. I keep thinking it's going to be different with the next band, but it's the same thing every time. The only reason I can think of why most of them drop out is because they are responsible for securing locations. I would like to charge a deposit up front to make sure they follow through, but I'm not sure if most bands would accept that or even afford it. I'm just wondering if anyone here has had similar problems when dealing with bands?
 
I could see that happening. I'm trying to get into the music video thing as well. I've offered my brother's band a free video if they'll secure a location--nothing so far. I'd say between that aspect and the fact that most bands have no money would be the main reasons for dropping out.

The deposit thing might not be a bad idea. If a small band signs up, they're not going to drop out and risk losing all that money. Keep trying, just don't tell yourself you can shoot weddings in the meantime.
 
Before I found that most bands end up dropping out I wanted to do more story driven videos and then once I found I was wasting time doing all that writing, I decided to switch to performance videos so we could just shoot at a single location and I would not have to write a script, but that didn't work either. I had one band that secured a location and they were supposed to send me pictures of the location and they never did. Another band wanted to do a house party video, but they couldn't secure a house. And then I was set to do a performance video with a band and they wanted more story, so they told they would write up some concepts and would get back to me, I'm still waiting.

I've had my best luck when working with solo artists, I guess because they don't have to ok everything with the other members. I was thinking of doing videos only for solo artists, but thought it would be a waste since it would be kinda strange if all I had were videos of solo artists and no actual bands.
 
Deadbeat bands that aren't taking their music seriously. Fuk'em.

There's thousands of bands in every city that would love the opportunity to shoot a music video... especially free of charge. Not sure where you're finding these guys, but look elsewhere. You're obviously not looking for the right people.

Go to shows, check out local bands on myspace, youtube, etc. Find people that are SERIOUS about music, not some punks that started a band to "score chicks".

They will be excited as hell, and more than willing to find a location.
 
I found all of the bands on myspace. I searched through thousands of bands and picked out the best ones and then emailed them, I always got a reply and an immediate yes to doing the video, I would then setup a phone call and then an in-person meeting and after that is where things usually fell apart. I also posted classified ads on craigslist and myspace. I'm doing a test with the deposit idea, I'm starting at $100 since most bands don't have any money or don't want to spend any, I'll let you know if I have any success.
 
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cb1,

Don't give up!!! That's the most important thing. You're learning the realities of the creative world. Unfortunately, there are A LOT more dreamers and flakes then there are serious folks who actually walk the talk.

I make short films. Every time I hold auditions, I can count on at least 1/3 of the actors who CONFIRMED not showing up. And this happens even when I am paying. It's just the reality of the creative realm. There are a ton of hacks and big talkers who don't follow through.

DON'T GIVE UP. You're learning the right way - by going for it. Just keep it up, and once you're a music video superstar, then they'll be begging you for your time! :thumbup:
 
This is a very easy problem to fix. 50% upfront to hold the spot (that's non refundable) and 50% on delivery. I've used this method and it's worked great for years !


When dealing with any band, always listen. Most focus on looking good and the others focus on their actually "music" (ding ding). Most bands don't really think that far ahead of time, and usually break up or find someone else to shoot there video. Giving that you're doing them for free, dude I'd say 1 video... maybe 2, you should have definitely started charging!


Anyway deal with the manager or record label, not the band (not unless money the money is in your hand).




Good luck
 
I always get 50% up front before I do any preproduction work then 30% before the 1st day of production begins and the balance upon delivering the final set of dvd's.

Works like a charm.
 
yessir. I get 70% up front. then the remaining balance before I turn the camera on. Always, No shorts, No "I can hit you Friday" Been burned too many times. I deal mostly in Hip-Hop videos and a lot of the people I worked with....well....let's just say they walk around with more money in their pockets than most people make in a year. That way if something happens I have most of the money. I have never worked with a rock band although I would like to. And I just don't get how anyone could do that much work for free. I belive in helping out by cutting prices for those who don't have a lot, but free. no sir. I have 2 kids. My wife would not even let me load up the truck.
 
Nobody should work for free! I've been burned a number of times myself and now always demand a deposit first. Sure I've donated my time for my kid's school and for non-profits but that's been the arrangement up front and they do appreciate the effort.

I've found that serious people have no problem coming up with the money, tire kickers are just that, tire kickers.

By not getting paid first, you are working on spec. You could do a ton of work and they could still say they don't like it and you would be out-of-luck.

If you are doing a freebie for someone who is going to use your work to potentially gain some tangible benefit I've found that the 'client' doesn't place much value on your work. If you charge $500.00 up front as a deposit, and they pay it, you know that they are serious.

Many bands don't have much money, we all know that. The serious ones, the ones who really have the passion and the drive to try to make it work will find a way to come up with the money provided that you are not outrageously expensive.

I've been a sales manager and currently am a sales trainer as a sideline, so trust me when I tell you, if you don't get a decent deposit up front, you don't have anything. It is much better to walk away from nothing than to invest your time, effort and talent only to later find out that you have nothing.

Ask for $500.00 and you'll know how serious they are.
 
After I completed my 3rd video earlier this year I decided to charge, $500 (250 up front and 250 after) I had one band take the offer, I met with them and they agreed to my terms. So before I typed a word of the script I emailed them asking how they wanted to pay for first $250... never got an answer and never heard from them again. I think good word of mouth within the music community is the best way for a director to get work, but first you need to build a great reputation and body of work so they will take you seriously.
 
If you offer your services for free, you will find that most people will treat you with about as much respect as they are paying you for your services. Zero. You'd think people would be more gracious because you are working for them for free, but you will find that it will be an excuse for them not to take you (or the video) seriously. Money = commitment. No Money = no commitment.

That's not true in all cases, I'm sure. But in the instances I've offered a free videos before, a lot of them have blown up in my face. Because with a 'free video' comes a certain 'free attitude' that I think has a lot of negative energy against you. So have some dignity for yourself.

Don't waste your time with "clients" that can't afford to pay you anything, even if you really really like their music. Go after the ones that will take you seriously.
 
I'm the original poster of this thread and just wanted to give you a quick update. First thing I want to thank everyone for the great advice, I'm sure you have helped other indie music video directors as well.

My problem in the beginning was I had only done a few videos and was unable to charge yet for making music videos, so I was doing them for free... which was the biggest mistake I have ever made, if you want to direct music videos never make a free video unless you know they are 100% going to make the video, because I wasted hours upon hours preparing videos that never happened. At least get a refundable deposit as many posters here have suggested.

I have found that solo artists are the best ones to work with, because bands have to check with all of the other members when you need answer. Also, working with an artist who has a manager is hell! I had a manager tell me what song they wanted to use in the video and then when I talked to the artist they had no interest in doing that song and I was stuck in the middle, I did not make that video.
 
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I say up the deposit to $250, non-refunable, which works out to roughly $50 per band-member. That is a relatively small amount, but it would be just enough to make sure they are serious, and to make them think twice about bailing. That way if they do bail, at least you get paid for all the prep work!
 
I've done 2 music videos (well, 1 fully done, the other is close to it). One was a solo artist and the other was a hip hop group and unquestionably, solo artist was the way to go. Both were unsigned, unknown artists, but with the solo one, he took the work very seriously and it's much easier to get an answer about something from 1 person versus a committee. The group took it seriously and I only had to answer to 2 people instead of the group but it's still a communications nightmare. I also charged for both videos, and felt right in doing so since I knew the artist personally and knew he was good for it. So I don't have all the horror stories some of you do but always get at least half up front so you don't get burned. The ones who will really succeed are the ones who pay. After all, you gotta spend money to make money
 
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