Music Video in the desert

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Ianb123

Active member
I'm going to be shooting a music video in the desert and I am in a little trouble because I'm new to the music video craft. I'm shooting on 2 rented 7d's and I was wondering what to do in terms of lighting. The group is a girl group of 5 singers. I want it to have a glamorous/sexy look to it(kind of like Miley Cyrus, Party in the USA look to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA

I was thinking about using a mirror to as a backlight and then a gold reflector as a fill. Am I off base with this idea? The only thing I know about it is they're renting an old cadillac convertible and they want it in the desert (hence why I thought of party in the usa.) Also, I've noticed that there are normally at least 3 different locations used to cover performance and even more for b-roll. Is there a general rule for how many locations to use because I know we can't keep it interested all in the desert.

If you could let me know some pointers on how to make this good and if I'm on track with lighting? The more specific you are, the more you would really help me out.

Thanks in advance,
Ian
 
If you really want to achieve that look forget about the mirror, it is too strong. As far as reflection thing, very large soft sources like 12X12 or even 20X20 ultra bounce. If it is very sunny you will want to top your shots with silk. You will need a few HMI's to fill here and there. The rest is done in post.

Of course M Cyrus and her record label has very deep pockets and can afford all these tools and the crew to support it. It is very difficult if not impossible to expect the same results on a limited budget.
 
Great thanks for that. In terms of shooting, is there a sort of formula to follow? I've noticed that there is a lot of camera movement in pop videos and also an abundance of angles and cuts at least every 3 seconds. Also at least 3 or 4 different locations.
 
music videos are about creativity there is no real formual... u could do it all 1 location if you wanted... but try to let your brain flow...
on music videos with low budgets - sounds like yours is... i shoot with no lights and use a peice of stirofoam to be a reflector... but im gheto like that hahahah
still turns out great tho... but if you have bigger budgets use the hmi's
the 7d is a great camera you will have fun! :)
 
Ianb123 said:
I'm going to be shooting a music video in the desert and I am in a little trouble because I'm new to the music video craft. I'm shooting on 2 rented 7d's and I was wondering what to do in terms of lighting. The group is a girl group of 5 singers. I want it to have a glamorous/sexy look to it(kind of like Miley Cyrus, Party in the USA look to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA

I was thinking about using a mirror to as a backlight and then a gold reflector as a fill. Am I off base with this idea? The only thing I know about it is they're renting an old cadillac convertible and they want it in the desert (hence why I thought of party in the usa.) Also, I've noticed that there are normally at least 3 different locations used to cover performance and even more for b-roll. Is there a general rule for how many locations to use because I know we can't keep it interested all in the desert.


If you could let me know some pointers on how to make this good and if I'm on track with lighting? The more specific you are, the more you would really help me out.

Thanks in advance,
Ian
Click to expand...

What time of day, and what desert. Highnoon in the desert is boring. The scenery comes alive at either ends of the day... but then the light is not as intense, so, you may actually need more boost.

There was a video discussed that was shot in the desert, I can't recall the thread name... but basically it was big bux deal, so they could afford trailers, generators, etc...

What type of music, CW, rock, string quintet playing Bach...

Dry lake beds provide some good 'stage' area. However, dust/wind is a problem. Using canyons, especially deep cut canyons may allow for some interesting top down shots.

Watched the video, it was rather boring, but if the Cadillac is vintage get the Shure 55SH...
 
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