What are people who shoot music videos called?
People who shoot music videos are usually called music video directors. The music video director is in charge of the whole music video. They devise a vision for the video, decide what will happen, and determine how it will look. They tell the musicians, actors, dancers, and crew what to do to make the video.
The main job of a music video director
The main job of a music video director is to make a music video that matches the feel and message of the song. They have to make the visuals go along with the music. They must develop a creative idea to get people interested in the video and the song. They need to make something memorable that people will want to watch over and over.
Music video directors work closely with the musicians to understand what they want the video to be like. Sometimes, musicians already have a clear idea. Other times, the director gets to come up with the whole concept. The director then has to figure out how to make that idea happen on the budget they have to work with.
Planning and pre-production
Before they start shooting, music video directors do a lot of planning. This is called pre-production. In pre-production, the director writes up a treatment explaining their vision. They draw storyboards to show what each shot will look like. They scout locations and figure out what sets need to be built. They audition and hire actors and dancers. They assemble their film crew, including the cinematographer, set designer, and choreographer. They make a detailed plan for the whole shoot.
Shooting the video
The music video director is the boss on set when it’s time to shoot. They approve the sets, costumes, props, hair and makeup. They work with the cinematographer on the lighting and camerawork. They direct the talent, telling the musicians, actors, and dancers what to do in each shot. They decide if a take is good or needs to be done again.
Music videos are often shot out of order to use time and locations best. The director has to keep track of how it will all fit together. They watch each take’s playback to ensure they get the shots they need to edit together the final video.
Post-production
After the shoot, the director works with an editor to assemble the video. This is the post-production stage. They go through all the footage and pick the best takes. They decide what order the shots go in and how long each shot lasts on screen.
Many music videos use many visual effects. The director works with visual effects artists to add computer-generated imagery (CGI). They might want effects like the singer multiplying on screen, dancing on the ceiling, or transforming into different animals. The effects are blended with the live-action footage.
The director gives notes on the edit and effects. They work to get it right to match their original vision and fit perfectly with the song. When the director is happy with the final video, they deliver it to the record label.
Music videos as an art form
Music videos are a unique art form. They blend music, visuals, storytelling, fashion, and dance. They are short films set to a song. When a director does their job well, the music video enhances the song. It gives added meaning and impact to the music. It makes people connect with the song on a deeper level.
Some directors with highly creative visions have elevated music videos into a respected art form. Innovative directors play with unusual ideas and techniques. Their videos go beyond just showing the band playing the song or having dancers performing to the music. They create abstract visuals and complex concepts. They turn music videos into something people analyze and study. These directors blur the lines between music videos, short films, and video art installations.
Career paths for music video directors
Most music video directors start out directing low-budget videos for lesser-known musicians. Sometimes, musicians direct their videos when they are starting. As directors gain experience and recognition, they get hired for bigger projects with larger budgets. Successful music video directors are in high demand. They command large fees and have their pick of projects.
Some music video directors go on to direct commercials, which can be very lucrative. The visual and storytelling skills needed for music videos transfer well to the short form of commercials. Many companies want commercial directors who can create mini-films for their products, similar to music videos.
Other music video directors leap-directing feature films. Several acclaimed movie directors, including David Fincher, Michel Gondry, and Spike Jonze, got their start in music videos. Directing a slate of inventive music videos can be a stepping stone to opportunities to direct full-length films.
Famous music video directors
Several music video directors have become famous names based on their iconic work. Here are a few examples:
Mark Romanek is known for his extremely stylish and cinematic music videos. He has directed videos for many top artists, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and Nine Inch Nails. His video for Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” is considered one of the greatest music videos of all time.
Hype Williams is one of the most prolific music video directors, making over 300 videos. He has shaped the look of hip-hop and R&B videos since the 1990s. He is known for his high-energy, highly stylized, futuristic videos for artists like Missy Elliott, 2Pac, and Kanye West.
Floria Sigismondi has developed an instantly recognizable surreal aesthetic. She makes haunting, distorted, and dark videos with a strong art design. Her video for The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography.
Director X is Julien Lutz’s stage name. His flashy, colorful videos often feature dancehall and reggae artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Sean Paul. The video for Drake’s “Hotline Bling” became a huge meme because of the bright colors and Drake’s memorable dance moves.
