Posts Tagged "tips"

Ask The Muse! Video Q&A Segment 2: Tips for Aspiring Songwriters

Posted by Aoede Muse on Mar 27, 2011 in News | 0 comments

Ask The Muse is a weekly video Q&A segment where Aoede responds to YOUR pressing questions.

In this 2nd segment, Aoede takes us on location to give tips to aspiring singer-songwriters

Want to ASK THE MUSE? Please leave YOUR question below in comments! It just might make the next video segment!

Aoede’s 7 Tips to Save Your Next Music Video

Posted by Aoede Muse on Mar 16, 2011 in Musings | 0 comments

Aoede’s 7 Tips to Save Your Next Music Video

Considering making an original music video?

You may want to check out the 7 tips below to save you time, money and added stress. I just completed my first music video, “I Lost, You Win,” after more than three years of investment where I learned these lessons directly… the hard way. I’m now working on my second video and vowed to avoid the same pitfalls by following these lessons. Perhaps you can learn from my mistakes!

1. Always have signed contracts no matter what.
2. Do a lot of research on those you hire.
3. Be realistic- about the money, time, skill, manpower, equipment, location, direction, leadership it will take to realize a vision.
4. Assume that things can always can go wrong and have a Plan B, C, D.
5. Go in person to scout locations.
6. Don’t spend 90% of your budget on equipment and crew.
7. Know how to let go. Be willing to simply admit something didn’t work and move on.

1 . Always have signed contracts no matter what
In the beginning, it is usually such a love fest between you and the the very people you want to hire to help realize your vision. They get it! They throw scripts at you that you fall in love with! They talk about the great locations they have in mind for the perfect 2-day shoot; the stellar crew that could execute it within your budget; the perfect girl to star opposite you; all the festivals and opportunities just waiting for you to submit the video; all the great exposure you’ll get; and they are EXCITED about putting your music to moving pictures. It’s like the romance stage of a relationship when everything is beautiful: his annoying quirks are still charming, and he doesn’t even smell or comment on your morning breath yet. That’s exactly the time to do the contract…before the romance stage turns into the domestic stage or worse… If it is low budget ($2,000 or under) like mine, having a written agreement that spells each provision out is essential. There are even templates for contracts you can find online that you can modify to meet your needs as appropriate. The key is for both parties to agree on acceptable language, and sign the contract, before any work has been done on the project. At least you are both protected in the event unforeseen circumstances occur (see my blog posts on “I Lost, You Win-the video that just wasn’t meant to be” for more on that!). (Note: I am not an attorney; please don’t construe any of this as legal advice!)