Filming 'On Location' for a music video!

There are loads of advantages and disadvantages of shooting on location especially on a low budget. When on a location video shoot, there are a lot of aspects to think about, including equipment, weather, people, location availability, location permits and many more…

Your location could be inside or outside depending on the music video idea. For example it could be a scenic video at a promenade or a night video in a club/bar. For either location you will need to factor in equipment, this can cause problems without a power source, if outside. Or within a venue, hiring equipment that is necessary to suit that particular venue, especially lighting.

Predicting the weather cant always help, so if you are outside on location, try and source a covered area nearby for bad weather interruptions. The big budget music videos will have their own caravans, but if on a low budget, a nearby cafe, car or shelter will have to do.

Don’t be shy when shooting on location, the faster you can film the better, because when surrounding people catch on to what you are doing sometimes they try and interrupt and disturb the shoot, so confidence is important throughout.

If you are using extras/actors/models/dancers, make sure there is ease of access for them to travel to the location, to ensure that everyone shows up for the shoot. People getting lost may cause a lot of stress before the shoot has even begun. The easier the location, the more likely everyone will show up and want to attend.

Location availability is very important, sometimes if its a popular location, you may be competing for free space with other photographers. This has happened to us before, so try and make your shoot as early as possible, to avoid this problem. If it was a public area, make sure you don’t need a permit. Most public locations don’t need a permit, as long as you don’t set up a tripod or any tracking. So be prepared to free hand all your footage, plus lighting.

Overall this should give you an idea of the costs involved in shooting on location and how to save money and stay on a low budget while still obtaining a high standard shoot. http://www.budgetmusicvideo.co.uk / info@budgetmusicvideo.co.uk