Ok cool, so you want to book a Music Video! Some of the queries you may have might have been answered in the FAQs below so do check them out before you book.
MUSIC VIDEO FAQs
HOW DOES IT USUALLY WORK?
Generally to keep things simple I offer a flat fee service for the filming day and the editing. The client comes to me with a concept and organises everything we need to create the idea. I will be on hand to help and advise if needed but this is not something I usually get involved with. I make YOUR ideas and visions come to life. If you are looking for a more all inclusive experience this is something I can provide but it will increase the price as I will be charging for my time ahead of the shoot as well as on the day.
WHATS THE NORMAL RUN UP TO A VIDEO LIKE?
I usually get contacted by a client with an idea or very loose brief. We agree a price based on this, agree a date and confirm the booking. The client usually gets in touch a couple of weeks before with a loose storyboard (if we're shooting a narrative) that I'll then develop into a video storyboard with text over the track of choice. We'll agree the storyboard and the client will arrange any locations or actors that are needed - I can do these but I will need to charge extra for my time. I will be on hand to help point you to places or people if you need it, but if you need me to spend days searching for a location for you there is an extra charge for my time. The client arranges where we're going to be at what times with my help if needed and we shoot an awesome video!
DO YOU PROVIDE THE LOCATION?
No. I can point you in the direction of some places if you are stuck, but I usually leave this up to you. Feel free to send me ideas of places and talk to me; I'll be able to tell you if somewhere could work well or not.
DO YOU COME UP WITH THE CONCEPT / STORYLINE?
I can do, but most of the time no. My work is spread out over a lot of areas and sadly I don't usually have the time to plan a music video for you. I love creating music videos and once you have sent me a brief for the video I will create a video storyboard so we're on the same page for what you're getting - but coming up with the idea and planning it out is normally up to you. I will regularly suggest ideas and amendments that you can either use or disregard but the core idea is up to you.
CAN WE DO IT ALL IN A DAY?
Yes. Only a very small percentage of the videos I've created have been done over multiple days. If we're shooting narrative and performance driven it can be a good idea to split the two up if your budget can stretch because it'll create a better stress free environment where we focus on both parts of the video fully and promote a quality over quantity style of filming which will look better in the end.
HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL
I'm available to work worldwide. My travel and parking costs are always added in on top and are always calculated fairly. If we're working overseas I'd ask for you to pay for my flights and accommodation before the shoot takes place. If we feel an overnighter is needed to make it to a shoot then I'd request for that to be covered as well. This will be made clear and communicated at the time of booking if this is needed.
HOW LONG DOES THE AVERAGE SHOOT TAKE?
A music video usually takes all day. If we are just doing a performance shoot it can take up to 5 hours but if we are shooting narrative as well then I would expect to block out the whole day. Some more complex ideas may need to be split into two day shoots but the vast majority are done within a day. We will agree in advance if the shoot is a one or two day job.
DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE VIDEOS
Yes - if they are all booked at once. Contact me and we can talk about it and I can sort out a quote.
WHAT FACTORS INCREASE THE PRICE?
If we are shooting a video with performance and narrative elements in it then there is a slight extra price for the longer shoot day and extra editing. If we are working on a night shoot or if we have to capture a sunrise I will charge more. If we need to do a two day shoot then I do increase the price but I always try and keep my prices as affordable as possible so it won't be huge and if this is suggested it will be worth the extra money. Generally I offer a flat fee service for the filming day and editing so any additional costs such as locations, actors wages, if we need a generator etc for the shoot these costs are paid separately by the client.
I LOVE THE LIGHTS IN THE SHAKERMAKER VIDEO, DO YOU PROVIDE THOSE?
Very common question! Shakermaker sorted their own lights for that shoot. I have some stage lighting to add extra oomph to the videos but if you want something really big and imposing like that I can give you the details of the company they used. I bring enough lighting to light my shots and make it look cool. Make sure you tell me if you want to shoot at night, in a dark room or on a BIG stage because specialist equipment may be required.
WHEN DO I PAY?
I take a 20% deposit at the time of booking. If you need to rearrange then that's fine. If you want to cancel then I keep the deposit. I ask for full remaining payment via bank transfer once you have viewed the first edit of your film and before I send files or make any amendments.
TURNAROUND / EDIT REVISIONS
You should expect your first edit within two weeks. If it's going to be longer then I'll communicate that with you on the day of the shoot. Please tell me in advance if you are working to a tight deadline. My first edits are always what I deem to be almost complete. If you want any changes; send me a list with time-codes of the things you want changing so I can make all the changes in one sitting. Most of my videos are finalised after one round of tweaks.
WORD ON HEARING HEALTH
Ok so if you are doing a Rock/Pop showreel then expect them to be loud. I always wear hearing protection and you should too. If we need to make it look like the drummer is going for it then the drummer has to go for it. Deadened cymbals/heads are welcomed but it will still be very loud. Please take care of yourselves and bring some earplugs.
CAN WE EDIT IT?
Yeah if you want. However I would always recommend using me. I would offer you a slight discount but I am a very quick editor, so you'll probably be better off and have it done sooner just using me. If you choose to do your own edit please run it past me if you want to put my name on it.
CAN WE GET AN UNBRANDED VERSION?
My standard practice is to put my 'A Film By Joel' logo on the end of all films I make. Some clients feel that it adds to the film and it helps me get my name out there to get me more work. I understand sometimes people need unbranded versions for agencies and sometimes people just don't like it! If you need an unbranded version I'm happy to send over two copies. Please use the one with my name on where you can.
CAN I PUT A FILTER ON IT AND UPLOAD IT TO INSTAGRAM?
Instagram filters generally don't look very good and crush the quality out of your Hi-Res video. It's best not to. If you want the colour grade to look a certain way just ask but be prepared to send a couple of references.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
So we need a location with mains power. Aside from that it is whatever you usually bring for a gig. Spare power extensions are always handy. Ear plugs and ear phones if your drummer wants the track in his ears (I can provide a wireless option if requested). Any props/costumes. A PA for playback (I can provide if requested) and yourselves in good mood ready to work hard and have a lot of fun!
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT THE SHOOT / NEVER DONE ONE BEFORE
I make sure all my shoots are as fun as possible. I'm going to find your best angles, coach & direct you to perform so it comes across right on camera and get rid of any awkwardness so you feel you can really go for it. We'll try things out and if things don't look right we simply won't use them. I'm good at putting people at ease and your confidence will grow as the shoot goes on. I've filmed loads of people where they're being filmed for the first time and they've come out the other end buzzing with the results. There's lots of things we can try. Don't worry, you'll smash it and I guarantee it'll be great fun.
PHEW. WHAT AN ESSAY. GET IN TOUCH VIA THE FORM AT THE TOP
Awesome! I'll have a read and i'll be in touch ASAP with a quote