HOW TO MAKE A MUSIC VIDEO

The Step by Step Formula

INTRODUCTION

Hi, what’s going on? My name is Michael Allen, founder of 2023 Vision, and I would simply
like to use this intro to introduce myself and the content of this guide.

First off, I would like to say DO NOT WORRY! I’ve been in your shoes before. I was a
beginner at one point just like anyone else, so I totally understand what you may be going
through at the moment. When I first got into Music Video Production, there weren’t many
“YouTube Tutorials” or guides such as this one. I had to hustle and study extremely hard just to
figure out how I was going to progress as a Director. Now that I’ve figured A LOT of things out, I
simply want to pass my knowledge on to YOU.

Why?

Simply put….it’s because I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE! Trust me, I completely understand
the struggles your going through to find clients, improve your shooting technique, light scenes
better, or whatever else your struggle may be. With that said, let’s get to the good stuff!
The information laid out in this guide is just that…..”A GUIDE!” You do not HAVE to follow
these instructions, but if you do I promise you will not regret it.

Included in the Guide is something I like to call: THE BOOMTOWN FORMULA

I picked up this formula while studying the legendary Music Video Director, Mr. Boomtown.
The formula is basically a layout for filming a music video. With the exception of any shots that
follow a concept that you may have for your video, you will be able to follow this formula and
come out with a complete music video. ONLY follow the formula for a maximum of 2 to 3
months! Learn from it, but I still want you to develop your own style(unless you love it so much
that you can’t help yourself lol). LET’S GET STARTED!
 THE BOOMTOWN FORMULA

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

● A camera and a subject (obviously)

●Minimum of 3 Locations (or 3 setups within the same location)
● A Wide Lens (somewhere from 18mm to 35mm)
● A Close-Up Lens (somewhere from 50mm to 85mm)
● A Steadicam, a Gimbal, OR a Dolly Track (It’s fine if you do not have access to either)

HERE IS WHAT I USE: ​https://kit.com/2023Vision/music-video-kit

STEP 1:
Plan the Video!

Before you actually get into the formulaic portion, YOU MUST STILL PLAN YOUR VIDEO.
The formula does not include plans for a concept, storyline, or special effects. The formula is
only a basic outline for filming the necessary performance takes and B-roll shots. I recommend
that you write a Music Video Treatment and include any special details for your video concept or
storyline in the treatment ( You will film your concept or storyline WITHOUT the formula. Your
performances and most B-roll will be filmed WITH the formula ).

Also be sure to include locations, props, needed equipment, etc….in the video treatment. You
can find templates for Music Video Treatments linked down below ( There is a free template and
an enhanced paid version ).

FREE Music Video Treatment Template: ​https://vision2023.lpages.co/free-treatment-template/

ENHANCED Music Video Treatment Template: ​https://www.2023vision.net/store1/treatment

STEP 2:
Location(or setup) #1

- Film a wide performance shot of the artist using your steadicam, gimbal, or dolly. Move
“BACK & FORTH” for this shot (That means go “In & Out” to the proper tempo of the
song). ​If you do not have a steadicam or gimbal, mimic a small back and forth motion while handheld.
- Film a close up, handheld performance shot of the artist performing the exact same way
and in the exact same spot. Move to the appropriate tempo of the song.
- Film B-Roll of the artist in the same spot using either lens(GET CREATIVE). Have the
artist do random actions such as:
■ Point to the camera
 ■ Rub their hands together
■ Bounce/Nod their head to the music without rapping or singing
■ Jump around
■ Show off their jewelry
■ Look into the distance, away from the camera
■ Dance
■ Fold their arms and Mean mug the camera
■ Count Money
■ Rub their face
■ Other options include:
- Close up shots of clothing logos, jewelry, shoes, etc…

STEP 3:
Location (or setup) #2

- Film a wide, handheld performance take of the artist(s) in a new location or setup.
- Film a Medium, handheld performance take in the new location or setup.
- Film a close up, handheld performance take in the new location or setup.
- Film new B-Roll while in location or setup #2

STEP 4:
Location (or setup) #3

(Here is your opportunity to have free range while filming)

- Choose only 2 of the 3 angles to film(Wide, Medium, or Closeup).

- Film performance takes of the 2 chosen angles in location or setup #3.
- Film new B-Roll while in Location or setup #3

THAT’S IT! You’re done! ​(Please read the info below for further advice)
 WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS MORE THAN 1 ARTIST:

● If there is more than 1 artists on a song, you can still follow the formula! Simply use
the rules above for GROUP SHOTS of all artists together ​(that means all artist on the song
perform together in the same location or setup)​.

Group Shot Examples:

● After that portion is complete, Film a solo(Individual) performance take for each artist
on the song.

Solo Shot Examples:

● Film “at least” a wide AND a close up shot for each individual.
● Film new B-Roll for each artist in their individual solo setups
DO NOT BE AFRAID to film EXTRA angles. BE CREATIVE!

KEY TIPS FOR THE BOOMTOWN FORMULA

● Keep the angles slightly below the artist’s eye level (unless you’re purposely choosing to
do otherwise).
● Keep your wide shots tight(example below)
● Film Performances in 24fps
● Film B-Roll in 60fps or higher
● Keep Camera Movement “in control”
● If you’re outside, USE A REFLECTOR
 ● If your inside, make sure to set up proper lighting
● DO NOT BE AFRAID to film EXTRA angles. BE CREATIVE!

HERE ARE A FEW TUTORIALS FOR YOUR BENEFIT:

Camera Settings: ​https://youtu.be/X-c0eXuSITY

Lighting: ​https://youtu.be/-TgAidVTtro

Camera Movement: ​https://youtu.be/CEhISCEaDXI

Handheld Camera Movement: ​https://youtu.be/h_Nti1O27fE

Filming B-Roll: ​https://youtu.be/n_-VbtfXeaY

Filming Performances: ​https://youtu.be/M6him1KvS5I

Editing a Music Video: ​https://youtu.be/J3R_MFRiHnU

NEXT STEPS

Congratulations! You now have a complete formula to follow when filming your next music
video(s). Be sure to practice what you’ve learned from this formula!
If you’re ready to continue learning how to make professional music videos, then be on the
lookout for the newest version of my full “How to Make a Music Video” online video course. The
course is a full, step by step guide to making professional music videos(except it’s in video form
instead of a workbook).
Thanks for taking the time to read or watch my content and I’ll definitely talk to you soon!

Happy Learning,

Michael A.