Music Videos - How the Process Works

During class, we discussed how the process of creating a music video works for a director. We decided to look at the process in order to gain an insight into the industry, and to help us follow the correct steps, which will allow us to create a professional looking music video. Below is a simplified version of events.

• A 'commissioner' from a record label sends a track to 5-10 directors.
• The directors each submit a treatment to the label. The directors may choose how much effort they put into this treatment, with some directors choosing to write a short paragraph, and others creating a detailed storyboard.
• At this point, the directors are not paid.
• The director who has submitted the 'best' treatment is then commissioned to make the video.
• Only then is the director paid.

As can be seen for many directors in the business, it is a precarious existence where their livelihood is dependant on each commission.