How to keep a low budget for a music video?

Keeping a budget low for any music video can be difficult. At Budget Music videos (budgetmusicvideo.co.uk) we are experienced at gathering low cost resources for music videos. There are a lot of expenses to think about whether you are considering a small simple video or a more creative video. The main questions to be asked are, what’s the best idea to represent the music? Where should we shoot the video? Should we use, extras/actors/models/dancers? Who is the best team to film and edit the video? Costumes/Hair/Make-up? Props? And many more…..

We have managed to generate lots of ideas to save money when planning your low budget music video. When you are coming up with an idea for a music video, sometimes it can be easy to get very literal with the music, and generate lots of ideas that would be difficult to capture. Sometimes the best way to capture the music is the simplest and your fan base will appreciate it more. For example Azealia Banks – 212. This was a very simple video that went viral and goes to show you that less sometimes is more.

Deciding whether to shoot within a studio or location can affect your costs. Obviously shooting on location will be cheaper; however other factors you should consider is the whether or not you will be able to capture good shots without lighting when on location. One idea we have used are battery operated LED lights, these are cheap and can be bought on EBay. They can be hand held or attached to your camera. These lights are great for close up shots.

If you decide to hire a studio, you will find that the further outside the city, the cheaper the studio cost. However don’t forget to factor in all the travel costs for yourself and all your team. Sometimes the most expensive studio works out the same either way. When hiring a studio check if lights, backdrops etc are included as this can play a huge part on your costs and a lot of studios included them now, to keep fees low. This will also be one less thing to think about.  Also, if you plan your video shoot well and organize timing etc, you can limit the amount of time needed in the studio, therefore cutting down cost.

If you require extras/actors/models/dancers for your video, the first place to look is your friends and family. They always love to get involved and will be happy to do it for free. If you have no luck there, you can put up a free ad on Starnow, however unpaid ads don’t get the best responses. If you offer to pay expenses, you may get a better response as there are lots of people out there trying to build upon their experience and show reels. Always remember less is more. for a low budget music video only one model and one dancers should be enough to create the scenes required for your video.

Costumes are an essential part of your video; they create the image, the brand and set you apart from other artists. Source your ideas online and try and re-create them from cheap high street stores and EBay. You can find anything on EBay, any prop or accessory. You don’t necessarily need to have several costume changes within your video; one very powerful costume is sufficed on a low budget.

Hair and Makeup is more for the females, yet needs to be well thought through, if you can budget for a makeup artist, great, as it needs to be flawless for your video, it also needs to be more creative than your normal make-up. Look online for ideas that can be easily generated by yourself or someone else and do a practice run before hand. This goes the same with the hair styling. Remember only one hair style and one makeup look is enough when making a low budget music video, as long as its powerful and creative.

The most important part of your music video is the filming and editing team. Here at budgetmusicvideo.co.uk we are able to do this in house therefore keeping the costs low. A good camera, good lighting and a good editor are essential and shouldn’t be passed aside, but should be carefully considered even on a low budget!

Overall being organised, having a thorough plan and good resources that have been well researched should make for a professional music video on a low budget! http://www.budgetmusicvideo.co.uk / info@budgetmusicvideo.co.uk