2. What do music video
directors do?
Music video directors are responsible for
storyboarding and composing a shot-by-shot
vision for a music video. They music analyse a
song and synchronise their video to the rhythm
of its music. Music video directors must
collaborate with the production crew and actors
to create a unified video. A director is
responsible for determining how the music video
looks and sounds, as well as for the
performance of the actors. On set the director
takes charge of the artistic and technical
aspects of the video. They hold auditions,
conduct rehearsals and approve music, costumes,
scenery and location.
3. Job description +
finding work
Job description
There's no degree required to work as a music director. Many start out making student and
independent films and may also work as volunteers, interns or production assistant on
video shoots to learn. When it comes to acquiring their first music video directing
credits, some befriend musicians in the local scene and make low budget videos that
demonstrate their creativity, while others slowly work their way into the director's chair
by assisting established directors. Successful music video directors might become
filmmakers or television directors or develop close creative partnerships with famous
recording artists.
Finding work
Most music video directors are freelancers, although some work for production companies
that specialise in music video work. In order to even be considered for jobs, music video
directors must network with artists, managers and record labels and cultivate a positive
reputation within the industry. Some established directors might be hired upfront based
on their past work or collaborations with an artist, most have to earn the job by
submitting treatments. As such writing effective and persuasive treatments is key to
finding work.
4. Music video director's
part in music video
production
There are different stages for beginning to film a
music video, the first one is "The pre-production
stage. This is where you start planning the
different aspects of production. A lot of different
people are involved. The first step is "planning the
story"
Director – The main responsibility of production
lies with them. A music video director is involved
at every stage of the production process, helping
and guiding others to do their job.
"Production stage"
Director – Directs the video considering all aspects
of pre-production. The assistant director assists
the director.
5. Tips on how to become a
music video director
Immerse yourself in the world of film and video
Having knowledge of music videos from the past and present
is key to developing your own work too. Arnaud Bresson of
Divison who has directed music videos for Kanye West has
said ideas don't come from no where "you can learn to
understand what a real idea means by watching the legendary
music videos that were made in the past". "Often each idea
you have to constantly keep it in mind so you don’t lose
sight of it and try to push it to its maximum, find all the
possible and feasible ideas in this same idea.
Get into the action any way you can
There's no clear path into directing music videos which
means its crucial to get hands-on experience however you're
able to. Hannah Lux Davis who directed "thank u next" by
Ariana Grande states "I was determined to find a way onto
sets". "I started working as a makeup artist on different
videos, it was the knowledge I gained through observation
and the network I built on those sets that opened the doors
to where I am today."
6. Tips on how to become a
music video director
Do your own prep work from start to finish
There's a lot of preparation that goes into these shoots. Pasqual Gutlerrez says it’s
all about the work you do around the production itself. "a lot of the time in the
music video world a pretty-looking treatment can be enough to get you through the
door, but the real key is doing as much prep as possible prior to the shoot". "We all
make animatics and do boards for our music videos and we try to get speaking with our
keys as soon as possible. It doesn't matter what stage of your career you're in,
music video sets are always a bit of a toss-up, and many things can change on the
day. The more you're prepared, the better you can adapt to the changes you'll face.
Your network is your trump card
Ollvia Rose has directed videos for Stormzy, Jorja Smith and Ty Dolla sign and she
says networking is essential. "We live in the era of social media and connecting with
people has never been easier, do your research and start to build a network of
relevant crew members – from cinematographers to stylists to steadicam ops, and
always reach out if you like someone's work. Nine times out of ten, it will come to
nothing, but that one person in ten might be one step away from the client of your
dreams,or be as into your work as you are to theirs. This is a career of teamwork.
The more friendships and connections you have, the more your name will come up in the
right circles and conversations". Lux Davis agrees "never say no to helping somone
with a favour, this entire industry is built on connections and the most valuable
tools you have as a director is your network. No matter how big or small the project,
always say yes and have a can-do attitude about getting your hands dirty. For all you
know the random person you randomly helped transport set pieces may be the same one
to give you your first big video"
7. Skills for becoming a
music video director
• Strong organisational skills
• To be confident using maths and budgeting
• In-depth industry knowledge
• The ability to think creatively
• Awareness of health and safety guidelines
Professional skills
• Film and production
• Film editing
• Writing (treatments and scripts)
• Storyboarding
• Hiring and managing a production team
• Working within a budget
• Time management
8. Interpersonal skills
and work life
Interpersonal skills
Music video directors walk a fine line between expressing their artistic vision and
satisfying clients, which requires a nuanced blend of conviction and adaptability. As
leaders they must be at ease with confidently giving directions to all kinds of
people including stars and must possess the discipline and time management skills to
shepherd a project to completion, even while working under a tight deadline.
Knowledge of and passion for music are essential not only for directing videos but for
connecting with artists and finding work.
Work life
Music video directors are freelancers who spend a good amount
of time hustling for gigs and likely work side jobs until
they get their big break. Planning a music video shoot and
hiring the production team can take anywhere from a couple of
days to a month. Shooting can take two or three days and
editing about two weeks. In between projects music directors
likely work on television and film shoots and spend a lot of
time networking at music, television and film industry
events. While music video directors can work anywhere in the
country, Los Angeles and New York City are hotbeds.
9. How to become a music
video director
1. Earn a degree in film, photography or a related field
Earning a degree isn't always required to start a music video director career
but earning a formal education may provide you with knowledge and skills that
can give you an advantage. Some film bachelor programs give
students practical experience using equipment, developing artistic skills and
creating their own video projects. A list of bachelor's degree in film that
may relate:
• History of film and photography
• Introduction to filmmaking
• Screenwriting
• Digital editing
• Cinematography and lighting
• Using music and soundtracks
• Sound production
• Business of film
• Film theory
• Capstone projects
10. How to become a music
video director
2. Get an internship
Getting an internship with a production company or a related
employer often helps students gain physical experience working in
the film music industries. Some internships lead to permanent job
positions. Interning with music and film companies may also
provide networking opportunities. These roles typically involve
assisting with the entire production process, including scheduling
shooting times or talent call times.
3. Gain experience in the field
Gaining experience in the music industry often helps aspiring
directors hone their sills and expand their clientele. This may
include working as a PA at various production companies, obtaining
assistant director positions and directing videos for new or
unknown artists. All of these opportunities typically help
directors gain more responsibilities. Directing videos for lesser-
known artists may also provide you with content to include in your
portfolio.
11. How to become a music
video director
4. Network with other professionals
Networking with other film and music professionals is one of the
most important ways to gain a music video director position because
these professionals may have knowledge of new or upcoming job
opportunities. You may find networking opportunities by attending
concerts for famous artists, local band and general entertainment
events. Other networking opportunities may appear on the internet
through online groups, forums or social media. These may help you
build reputation among music and film professionals.
5. Create a portfolio or demo reel of your best
work
Creating a music video portfolio or demo reel shows potential
employers practical examples of your work while highlighting its
quality and artistic value. Demo reels include short samples of
projects you’ve created or collaborated on. These tools can show
employers how you use your skills and the benefits of hiring you.
Consider creating a digital portfolio online by building a website
or private program of your work. Websites can help aspiring
directors to create a professional brand.
12. How to become a music
video director
6. Create an online presence
Creating an online presence while building a digital portfolio may
help some directors market themselves to potential clients on the
internet. Consider creating separate social media account across
different channels and diversifying the type of content you post.
This often keeps followers interested in your work. You may post
some pre-production pictures or videos of the actors rehearsing.
Some directors also create blogs that detail information about
current or future projects.
7. Enter film competitions
To build your reputation you could enter local, national and
global film competitions. These events involve challenging
competition between filmmakers, but they provide opportunities to
practice and improve your work. Earning recognition at film
competitions also provides you with more credentials for your
resume.
13. How to become a
music video director
8. continue training and honing
your skills
You may benefit from learning how to use new
techniques and equipment in film and production as
technology advances in this field. This may also help
you by knowing the different trends in the music and
film industry. You may also do your own research and
watch video tutorials or learn about other directors'
processes.
14. How much do music video
directors get paid?
Music video directors can make salaries from £22,750 to
over £91,000 depending on experience and location.
Directors in the video industry were paid an average of £26
an hour in 2008. Video directors can have part time or full
- time schedules depending on if they work for a film
company.
Salary positions
Effects to complement music and promote an artist that stars in the
video. Many major record companies such as Warner Music, Sony,
Universal and EMI have music video directors on staff or hire music
video production companies to make music videos that market
artists' songs. The music video directors storyboard, manage the
choreographer, producers, film editors, lighting directors and
photographers that also work on the video. The music video
director's salary will depend on how large the artist is and the
budget of the video, including special effects. Usually, the
director's salary will be around eight per cent of the budget for
the video.
15. How much do music video
directors get paid?
Independent labels
Many artists and record companies enjoy working with independent
label music producers who can do music videos under a certain
budget. Independent music directors can earn to over £650 per shoot
depending on the artist they are working with and the contract
arrangements.
Trade unions
Music video directors join trade unions to protect their wages and
jobs. The largest trade union for film and television directors in
the United States is "The directors guild of America" (DGA). For
films with a budget over £2.3 million directors should make around
£45,500. For smaller films under £1.7 million there's no salary
requirement. The minimum salary for a video director that produces
music video for a major commercial record company is about £798 per
day.
16. Jobs available
within the UK
• I have found these on
mandy.com film and TV
production. There is not a lot
of jobs for music video
directors, but I have found a
few. There is also not a lot
that are local.
