CONTEMPORARY MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION:
THEORY AND PRACTICE
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Unit Value: 4.5 units
Course Description:
This course provides advanced practical experience in professional music video production through an industry-focused learning model. Students will develop, produce, and deliver high-quality music videos while working directly with local musicians. The course emphasizes creative direction, professional production practices, and achieving industry-standard deliverables suitable for various distribution platforms.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Apply advanced production techniques specific to music video creation.
Develop creative concepts in compelling response to musical works.
Manage professional relationships effectively with artists and stakeholders.
Execute complex production schedules within industry-simulated parameters.
Deliver high-quality content meeting technical specifications for professional distribution.
Create comprehensive professional documentation for production and industry contexts.
Develop strategies for networking within the music video and broader media production industry.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of Level 2 media production courses.
Basic proficiency with camera equipment and editing software.
Understanding of fundamental production processes.
Assumed Knowledge:
Basic cinematography principles.
Fundamental editing techniques.
Project management basics.
Basic understanding of music and rhythm.
Course Teaching Pattern:
1 x 1-hour lecture (covering theory, industry context, aesthetic analysis, and case studies).
1 x 2-hour workshop (focused on practical skills, technique development, and project progression).
Additional production hours as scheduled (for music video shoots).
Consultation hours by appointment with course staff.
Professional Recognition & Work Integrated Learning:
This course includes direct engagement with practicing musicians, simulating real-world production scenarios. These experiences provide opportunities for:
Professional portfolio development (a completed, high-quality music video).
Industry networking with musicians and potentially other media professionals.
Creation of a work suitable for submission to festivals or online showcases.
Experience in industry-standard workflows and client collaboration.
Potential for mentorship from course staff with industry experience.
The final music video may be screened at a public event or online showcase, offering exposure for student work.
Materials and Equipment:
Students will have access to (provided by the institution):
Professional camera equipment.
Lighting kits.
Audio recording equipment.
Post-production facilities.
Industry-standard software.
Students are expected to provide:
Portable hard drive (minimum 1TB, USB 3.0 or faster recommended).
Professional-quality headphones.
Basic production tools (e.g., gaffer tape, camera slate app – a specific list to be provided in Week 1).
Risk Management:
All production activities must comply with institutional risk assessment procedures. Students must complete safety inductions for equipment and locations as required. Comprehensive risk assessments are a mandatory component of the pre-production deliverables.
Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1: Foundations and Industry Context
Course introduction, structure, learning objectives, and assessment overview.
History and evolution of music video production: key movements and innovators.
Analysis of diverse music video styles, genres, and contemporary theoretical approaches.
Guest lecture/Case Study: Insights from an experienced music video director or analysis of a successful production.
Technical overview of available equipment, software, and post-production facilities.
Introduction to the course project structure and professional expectations.
Week 2: Artist Collaboration & Song Interpretation
Introduction to participating local musicians/bands (or process for selecting/being assigned artists).
Musician presentations of songs or brief development process.
Song selection process and student/artist pairing (if applicable).
Initial artist-director discussions: understanding artist vision, brand identity, and lyrical/musical themes.
Establishing professional communication protocols, roles, and expectations.
Assignment: Initial written response (approx. 500 words) to the selected song, outlining preliminary conceptual ideas and interpretations. (Due start of Week 3)
Week 3: Conceptual Development & Treatment Writing
Workshop: Developing unique and feasible creative concepts based on selected songs.
Fundamentals of writing compelling treatments for music videos.
Visual research strategies: Compiling visual references, creating mood boards, and defining aesthetic direction.
Guest lecture/Workshop: The role of the Art Director/Production Designer in visual storytelling for music videos.
Deliverable: First draft treatment submitted for instructor and peer feedback.
Week 4: Technical Foundations & Pre-Production I
Workshop: Advanced camera techniques specific to music video production (e.g., dynamic camera movement, lip-syncing strategies, performance coverage, stylistic choices).
Workshop: Lighting design for music videos (conveying mood, enhancing style, practical and creative setups).
Location scouting: Methodology, aesthetic considerations, logistical planning, and permissions.
Risk assessment and production planning: Identifying potential hazards, mitigation strategies, and safety protocols.
Practical exercises: Hands-on camera and lighting setups and experiments.
Week 5: Pre-Production II – Planning & Logistics
Storyboard development: Visualizing the narrative flow, key shots, and transitions.
Creating detailed shot lists and production breakdowns.
Location confirmations, technical surveys, and logistical arrangements.
Budget planning and resource management for independent music video production.
Production schedule development: Detailed timelines, call sheets, and crewing strategies.
Guest lecture/Workshop: Insights from a Production Manager on efficient music video logistics and problem-solving.
Week 6: Final Pre-Production & Artist Presentation
Presentation of final treatment and storyboard to artists for collaborative feedback and final approval.
Technical reconnaissance (recce) of locations with key crew members.
Equipment testing, trials, final confirmations, and contingency planning.
Comprehensive final production meetings.
Deliverable & Assessment: Complete Pre-Production Package due (see Assessment 1 details).
Week 7: Production Week 1 – Principal Photography
Principal photography begins according to schedule.
On-set direction, crew management, and creative problem-solving.
Daily rushes review, quality control, and feedback sessions.
Technical support and troubleshooting as needed.
Maintaining progress documentation and production reports.
Week 8: Production Week 2 & Data Management
Completion of principal photography.
Backup shoot days (if required and scheduled).
Initial footage review, logging, and metadata organization.
Workshop: Professional data management practices and post-production workflow establishment.
Production progress review and wrap-up.
Deliverable & Assessment: Production Management Package due (see Assessment 2 details).
Week 9: Post-Production I – Editing Foundations & Rough Cut
Establishing an efficient editing workflow for the music video.
Rough cut development: Assembling footage, focusing on rhythm, pacing, synchronization with music, and narrative/conceptual coherence.
Guest lecture/Analysis: The art and technique of music video editing from a professional editor or through case studies.
Individual consultation sessions with instructor on rough cuts and editing strategies.
Week 10: Post-Production II – Refining, Polishing & Feedback
Fine cut development based on instructor and peer feedback.
Introduction to color correction and grading principles for music videos.
Introduction to visual effects (VFX) planning and implementation (if applicable).
Artist/client feedback sessions on the fine cut; managing revisions professionally.
Final adjustments and picture lock.
Week 11: Delivery & Finalization
Final color grading and visual treatment application.
Sound mix review and mastering considerations (liaising with musicians or audio post if applicable).
Workshop: Export specifications for various platforms (online, festival, potential broadcast).
Preparation of final delivery package, including all required documentation.
Deliverable & Assessment: Final Music Video and accompanying documentation due (see Assessment 3 details).
Week 12: Public Screening/Showcase & Course Conclusion
Public screening of completed music videos at a suitable venue or curated online showcase.
Potential for an industry networking event with artists and local media professionals.
Artist performances (optional, depending on event structure and artist availability).
Course review, reflection on learning, final Q&A, and discussion of future pathways in media production.
Assessment Components & Due Dates:
Pre-Production Package (30%) - Due: End of Week 6
Production Management (20%) - Due: End of Week 8
Final Music Video & Deliverables (50%) - Due: End of Week 11