Starting a production company and want to specialize in music videos. any advice?

T

tedstriker

Active member
I've only made one so far but have made lots of short films. Heres the music video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y4Z5UF1LKM0

I've started contacting local bands that appear in articles and asking them if they want music videos done for free because I figure I still need to build my reel before I charge and doing them for up and coming bands is like free marketing.

What else should I be doing? How do I find out how much people charge for music videos? What are some other ways to go about finding clients?
all help is appreciated.

Thanks


 
My thoughts... Up and comming bands don't have money to spend on music videos. If you work for free, the marketing results will be, he's the guy that does music videos for free. Do you honestly think you will be able to earn a living doing music videos in your area?
 
thats like starting a business to be in the business of going broke!
but we only wish the best for you
thats a tough business to enter in 2011!
 
i have no clue if i can make money or not, i just thought id try it out and see what happens. What is the best way to make money with some filmmaking knowledge?
 
well, i would "shoot it" free and show it to them (the band), if they like it they pay small money (like a "indy discount") if they dont want it, you can use it for you reel, write this in your contract. That way, they dont lose anything and you get some more experience PLUS connections, believe me when i say that connections are EXTREAMLY valuable later on ;)
 
I'm a bit hung up on the market research phase. I dunno who to talk to or find out who my competitors are. All I can think of is people who do music reviews in the local papers.
 
OK, I got around to looking at the music video you posted and here's my thoughts... I could only hang for 50 seconds. Your main characters are out of focus and your lip sync is off. I would put serious thought into upping your skill set if you are about to open a production house.

All the Best!

Dave
 
There's a close parallel with audio recording, where the same idea often pops up - record them for free, and then they'll sell the product and come back for more. That business model has been tried for years and years and rarely works because bands NEVER have any money, have rapid turnover of members and always fall out. If seen many colleagues try this one, and they're universally disapointed. The bands also ruthlessly (despite being staunch supporters of copyright) rip off the recordings and do what they want with them. Very often they promise to pay, and then don't. Some of course do, but do a few and one will bite you! They're also rarely that committed - so setting up a shoot is a pain. Some have members who belong to more than one band, so suddenly can't make the session when the day comes, messing it up. I've certainly had this happen quite often with recording, and I've never ever wanted to be involved with music videos - where the end product arrives after the gig when enthusiasm wears off. I've even recorded live gigs and produced sound and vision products where when they see and hear their performance, they pull the plug.

I'm sure if you pick the clients it can work - but while you do it fro free they'll participate - start to charge and interest wanes.
 
I also will chime and say --- bands don't have money.
I get those calls.-- I tell them the rate. they say great, when can you shoot. I say after a signed contract with 25% down. Thay hang up or say they have to talk to the other band members and never call back.
I think they just get off with the idea a professional cameraman or crew is coming to tape them.
I taped a band last weekend (a friend's band) I did it as a personal favor. She wanted to look at the footage before WE edited. I gave it all to her. Well I am pretty sure she is editing it herself since I have never heard back on this major RUSH job. I guess my involvement is done, thank goodness.

You wanna tape stuff for free try contacting some non-profits in town exchange the video for the right to mention who produced the video on the actual image while the viewer watches. I think this way will get you better contacts and leads-- since most people involved, with non-profits, have money.
 
i think im just being impatient. but thanks for the different input. I think the key is to build relationships with the people you work with. It happens with all sorts of people. They say they are something, but don't always put in the work. you gotta find the people who you see are putting in the effort.
 
I think that it would be more clever than working for free all by your self, that you offered yourself for extern job at some local production company that allready are paid for producing music videos..

that way you can learn stuff, while helping them ( as gaffer, cameraman, light assistent, or even by post-production )..

When you will learn enough, there won't be any problem to find payable jobs..
 
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