36 Tips For Making A Low Budget Music Video
Many filmmakers, myself included, started their careers working on low-budget music videos to gain experience, create a network, and build a solid portfolio to work on bigger-budget productions in the future.
Before I could get my hands on €25.000+ budget music videos, work for music labels like Sony & Universal, and create two worldwide cinema-screened music documentaries about the former number one DJ in the world, I crawled through the trenches of doing free and low budget music videos in true El Mariachi style! (I recommend reading this book by director Robert Rodriquez for real hustling inspiration!)
In this article, I wanted to share 36 tips & tricks I've learned while working on music videos with limited budgets. Hopefully, they will help you find creative solutions for the problems you might encounter when working with budget restrictions!
How To make a Low-Budget Music Video?
Making a music video can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. If you're on a tight budget, there are ways to make a great music video without spending much money. Here are 36 tips to get you started!
1. Choose Fast, Cheap, or Good
In my opinion, before you, the filmmaker, say yes to creating a low-budget music video, you and your potential client must understand the following three principles to avoid unnecessary discussions in the process:
You can make a music video fast and cheap, but it won’t be good.
You can make a music video good and fast, but it won’t be cheap.
You can make a music video good and cheap, but it won’t be fast.
So, if the artist or music label wants a good and cheap music video, they have to give you a realistic timeframe to create one.
If they don’t, please save yourself a lot of potential headaches and walk away. Don’t let their time restraining problem become yours!
2. Choose one music video format
The cool thing about creating music videos is that they don’t necessarily have to make sense.
You can use music videos as an opportunity to experiment with film gear or test new storytelling techniques.
Whatever your objective for making a low-budget music video might be, I believe there are three music video formats to choose from:
Narrative: a music video centered around a story. More or less a short film cut to the rhythm of the music.
Performance: a music video mainly focuses on the artist or cast performing the song and singing along with the lyrics.
Experimental: any crazy visual experiment.
When a big budget is involved, these different formats are usually mixed. But if you’re on a budget, try to limit yourself to one.
The more you try to combine them, the less emphasis you’ll be able to put on one of them, and in my experience, that only damages the quality of the final product.
3. Create a high-concept music video
I think the film and content creation industry, no matter which genre, has reached a point where everybody can access excellent quality cameras, lenses, and lighting.
The thing that can set yourself and your project apart is one robust and high-concept idea.
Something that contains a unique story, an interesting visual, or a cool choreography nobody has ever seen before.
One simple, unique wow factor that elevates the song, the narrative, or the song's symbolic meaning in the music video.
4. Under-promise, Over-perform
If you want to create high-concept music videos, think big but keep it realistic.
Aim for the stars, but shoot for something you know will work. Don’t include hard-to-get locations abroad or crazy technical stuff that costs much money in the music video.
Try to look at what tools, backdrops, props, or skills you can access, get as creative as possible, and build a music video concept around what you have.
We, the filmmakers, like to think big about generating music video ideas. But selling something to an artist or a music label you can’t bring to life is not a situation you want to be in.
Believe me, I've been there and done that! It’s better to under-promise and over-perform than promise something you can’t deliver.
5. Use one (free) location
Whether you have much money or not, I believe locations are the holy grail for creating good music videos. When resources are limited, I always like to find one location and create a concept based on that location.
Keeping it to one location means no travel time to another place, no additional travel costs, no logistical nightmares, one location rental fee, and one negotiation with a location owner.
Preferably, it’s a good idea to use a location where you can shoot as many different angles and backgrounds as possible because that will make the music video feel larger than it actually is.
Finding that one spot, keep parking, accessibility, toilet options, make-up location, and a production holding in the back of your mind!
Use your own house if you want to skip city permits, location fees, and extra production insurance.
6. Keep locations close to each other
If you’ve decided to film your music video at multiple locations, especially if you want to do that in one day, it’s a good idea to make sure your sites are close to each other.
Moving people and equipment around requires time, transportation, and money. So that’s something you want to limit as much as possible!
Besides that, there is some stuff that can go wrong that can delay the video shoot, like traffic jams, accidents, and all sorts of other unforeseen happenings.
7. Scout locations with Google maps
Instead of hiring a location scout or traveling around town like a madman, wasting valuable time and money in your hunt for a fabulous outdoor location, do your location scouting yourself via Google maps.
After you’ve separated the wheat from the chaff and found a few possibilities, visit them in real life to see if they match your aesthetic vision for the music video.
In my experience, Google is your friend for finding the perfect location.
With an image search of the area, you can usually understand different light situations and the best camera angles in that particular location.
8. Storyboard the music video
When your resources are limited, time is usually not your best friend when it comes to filming.
Therefore, I believe preparation is key to making the most out of your time, and storyboarding your low-budget music video can be a great way to help you do that!
Thinking of creative solutions in advance and finding the best camera angles will help you save time and money in the long run.
If your drawing skills are not similar to those of a storyboard artist, don’t worry! My drawing skills are no better than those of a six-year-old.
To help you convey your vision for the music video with the quality you have in mind, I’ve written this article in the past about how to make a storyboard without drawing.
9. Minimize your music video shoot days
The most expensive part of creating music videos is the actual filming. On this day, all the tools and workforces come together to bring the idea to life, which costs a lot of money.
If you can minimize the number of days needed for filming, you can lower the costs involved!
10. Use the artist’s fanbase
With all the social media platforms in today’s world, you can get a long way by asking the artist’s fanbase on social media to contribute to your music video.
It can be in the form of casting people, asking them to record themselves doing something specifically for the project and sending in the footage, or helping you find locations or specific props.
Funny side story—in 2011, YouTube did the same thing by asking hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to film one day on Earth.
After receiving the footage, it was essentially a massive editing job, resulting in the feature documentary ‘Life In A Day.’
11. Work with a small film crew
People cost money, so the smaller you can keep your crew, the better.
The smaller your team will be, the faster you’ll be able to work and the less money you’ll have to spend on fees, food, and travel.
12. Get your friends and family involved
One of the easiest ways to assemble your cast and crew for your el-cheapo ambitious music videos is by asking friends and family to jump on board.
In the past, I’ve asked friends to take behind-the-scenes photos (read this previous post about why BTS content is a vital thing to have) and helped prepare food for the team.
No matter where you pull your people from, always make sure you have proper nutrition on set. It’s the film set’s ultimate secret to keeping everybody satisfied!
When your cast and crew are happy-fed, energy levels will be good, and they will be willing to go the extra mile for you and your project!
13. Cast via Instagram
When you're looking for a cast for a low-budget music video, don't cast via agencies if you're looking for models and actors.
Although these companies sometimes like to sponsor low-budget music videos if they like the concept, in my experience (for good reasons, of course), they usually don't support many music videos.
I've contacted casting agencies myself many times in the past. Although I mentioned it was a zero or low-budget music video, I still received an offer with hefty overhead fees that swallowed up the entire production budget.
Instead of getting agencies on board, another great way to cast your folks is via social media. More specifically, cast via Instagram.
In my experience, Instagram photos and videos usually give a far better perspective on how someone looks like and can look in front of the camera instead of the polished pictures on casting sheets.
14. Find everything via Facebook groups
There are tons of Facebook groups dedicated to specific niche markets. If you’re looking for answers, locations, items, cast, or crew members, try finding them on Facebook.
Type a particular subject in the Facebook search bar, join the group dedicated to your topic, and drop your questions. Depending on what you’re looking for, these social media groups usually have a pretty active community where they all love helping one another out!
I only have positive experiences finding cast, locations, and last-minute crew members via Facebook. Just be aware that there will also be many dickheads replying to questions to satisfy their egos.
Just ignore those and sift through the noise!
15. Ask film school students
If you’re looking for low-cost or free helping hands for your music video, try contacting film school students. Most of them are eager to learn and gain film set experience.
Again, Facebook and Instagram are great places to find film school students. You can usually find previous work on their profiles, making it easy to understand their experience and expertise better.
16. Use the cast’s wardrobe
If you don’t have money for a wardrobe and your concept doesn’t ask for specific fashion items, I advise asking your cast members to send you a few pictures of their wardrobe.
Give them some guidelines if you’re looking for a specific style or item, or let them send in photos of whatever they’ve got and let them wear those items during the music video shoot.
17. Return as much as possible
I know shops and environmental freaks will hate you for doing this, but if your music video requires specific clothing or props, buy them.
Make sure they don't get damaged during the music video shoot, and try to return them to the shop when you're finished.
Ensure the packaging is intact, and keep your receipts safe (away from the filmmaker's fuel—coffee).
18. Let the cast do their own make-up
For make-up and hair artists, we have to spend money, something we like to keep to a minimum while working on a low-budget music video! I’d say only hire them if your concept needs high-end make-up styling.
Otherwise, if you need a few make-up accents or an essential layer of powder to prevent shiny skins on camera, ask a girl in the crew or cast to bring their make-up set. Use the bathroom mirror or the mirror of a car to apply the essentials.
19. Buy Music video props on AliExpress
This tip isn’t necessarily working in your favor if time is against you, but if you’re looking for cool movie props (objects the characters on screen interact with), look in uncle Ali's webshop from China.
The Chinese folks at AliExpress have everything you don’t need but still want to have in your low-budget music video! Just be aware that shipping might take a little longer than forecasted.
As long as you use the ‘AliExpress Standard Shipping’ option instead of all the other lousy options, you can be assured that the products will actually arrive!
20. Explore thrift shops
Getting a superb location is the first step, but dressing that location with fabulous furniture, objects, and decorations can help give your low-budget music video its own next-level identity!
When you get your hands on big-budget productions, you’ll be able to get an art director involved who can create entire film sets from scratch.
Until then, I suggest focussing more on getting one good (free) location for the music video shoot and exploring thrift shops, second-hand stores, and markets to fill them up.
These second-hand product areas are actual gold mines for filmmakers.
You’ll be able to find vintage stuff you won’t even be able to find online! And the best part of it all, it’s so damn cheap!
21. Rent everything from one company
If you want to rent some camera, light, or grip gear, try to get everything from one rental company.
The chances of making a good deal with one company for all the equipment combined are much higher than getting all the tools from different sources.
It can happen that the rental companies don’t have all the equipment you’re looking for.
In that case, I’d suggest only getting those specific items somewhere else or trying to create the project without them.
22. Collaborate with a cinematographer with gear
If you have to work with a small budget, try collaborating on the project with a cinematographer who owns a proper camera (and lighting) gear set.
Their fee might be slightly higher, but you won’t have to negotiate with rental companies.
As a bonus, the cinematographer will be responsible for the gear from start to finish, saving you logistical headaches!
23. Film with your phone
Zero money to spend? No problem! The quality of smartphones is becoming insane these days with higher resolution cameras, more lens options, and insane low-light and slow-motion features!
Apple likes to show off what you can do with its products. On their YouTube channel, you can find tons of other cool content that shows the endless possibilities of the iPhone!
24. Take a ‘found-footage’ approach
A great approach to turning your limitation into a benefit is by taking a 'found-footage' or 'home-video' approach whereby you film something with a low-quality camera (or phone) and mold it into a concept in which this approach makes perfect sense.
The movies 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'Paranormal Activity' are perfect examples of how to do this and show that you don't need high-end camera gear and all sorts of expensive lighting to create a cool project!
25. Keep camera work simple
Setting up complex camera movements with a staged choreography based on timing and specific queues takes much time.
If you want to simplify this, speed up the process, and save a lot of money, simplify your camera movements.
It would work so much faster if the people in front of the lens had to move back to their starting position instead of moving lights, cameras, and characters combined to get that particular shot.
26. Film during an event
If you're aiming for a music video with an epic-sized feel to it, try filming during an event like a riot, a protest, a free open-air concert, or a demonstration.
Just make sure to keep it low profile with a guerrilla-style approach so you can shoot without drawing too much attention to yourself and act quickly when shit starts hitting the fan.
I've never done this before, but I guess it's wise to prepare well beforehand and decide what you want to get before you start filming because it's easy to get distracted by all the noise that's happening around you. It won't be easy to communicate and give your cast and crew clear directions once you're in the middle of the storm.
Taking this approach might sound difficult, but it's exactly what the creators of the low-budget film 'Paris is Us' did! This art-house movie eventually even ended up in the Netflix streaming library!
27. Use a DIY dolly for filming
If you want to incorporate one of those smooth dolly shots without paying for rails and a grip department, try using skateboards, shopping carts, or an office chair on wheels instead!
Combine them with a cheap stabilizer for the camera you’re using (they even have great phone options nowadays), and I assure you that they can be an excellent alternative for creating smooth dolly shots!
28. Embrace natural light
Great lighting is what separates an amateur video from a professional video.
But, renting light equipment is expensive, setting up lights takes a lot of time, and hiring people to set up the lights for you is expensive.
So, if you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to try shooting with the only free light source we all have access to… the sun!
When shooting inside, try to shoot next to a window. Windows give the sunlight some direction, and it’s easier to control light volume with curtains.
Try to position your characters always with the source of light, the window in this case, on their left or right. This creates a shadow on the other half of their face, making it look much better!
To know where the sun will be at what time, you can use an app called Lumus.
29. Use hardware store lights
Do you want to rent some lights but don’t you have the money to get them from a good rental company? No problem! Just buy some lamps at a construction market (and return them afterward).
You can also buy a dimmer in the construction market to control the light intensity or use cheap baking paper to diffuse the light to create that soft cinematic look!
30. Light it on fire at night
Fire is a cheap alternative light source if you want to shoot something when it’s dark. Candles, for example, can give a setting a nice and warm glow.
Next to candles, fireplaces are another great alternative and visually appealing light source for shooting at night!
31. Edit the Music Video yourself
In most cases, creating a low-budget music video requires you, the creator, to wear many different hats. You can be the producer, the music video director, the cameraman, and the editor all in one.
The advantage of editing the project is that you can take your time stitching the shots together instead of relying on someone’s agenda to edit for you.
Doing it yourself might take a little longer because you probably have an emotional relationship with the footage. In other words, you know how many hours, money, and headaches went into getting that particular shot while you know, in the back of your mind, it doesn’t make sense on your timeline. But it allows you to try out endless possibilities you may never have found otherwise.
If you don’t know how to edit yourself, I suggest getting your hands dirty with the software.
One of today’s most-used film editing software packages, Davinci Resolve, is free!
32. Utilize stock footage
Sometimes, getting that particular money shot or traveling to a location can be too hard or expensive. If that's the case, I advise implementing stock footage into your project.
Stock footage is footage shot by other filmmakers that you can buy individually or via subscription plans. Compared to filming the shot yourself, it's usually a lot cheaper and saves you a lot of time.
Some say stock footage is uninspired, but I don't see it this way. As a filmmaker, I believe you should use all the necessary tools to create a compelling story.
When the bucket of raw footage for your project is missing something, stock footage can help you fill the narrative gap.
Believe it or not, even the most prominent film studios on the planet, like Netflix, Warner Brothers, Amazon, Hulu, and 20th Century Fox, use stock footage to complement their projects.
Nowadays, there are so many different online stock footage platforms where you can buy all kinds of stock footage.
The use and license for the footage on every platform differ, so before you download and start editing the footage, you have to double-check the stock's usability.
I have had a great experience with Artgrid because of its unique licensing. You pay one annual fee and can download and use as many shots as you want on any project you wish.
No hidden costs and no creator credits have to be included. Just brilliant!
33. Make your music video bigger with SFX
I know this might sound strange for a low-budget music video, but when you use it properly at the right moments, sound effects (SFX) can make your film set feel so much bigger than it actually was!
For example, if the concept of your project is centered on violence, you can use sound effects of distant gunshots and explosions to suggest approaching danger.
When you shoot something in a small room, you can use sound effects to create an entire world outside of that room without showing it!
You can access many sound effects on a platform called Soundly, which even has a free subscription plan! Artlist also has a colossal SFX library!
34. Color grade with LUTs
With color grading, you can save the crappiest shots from the crappiest camera and make it look decent.
Ideally, you want to work with a professional color grader, but as these people can be very expensive, you'll probably have to do that yourself as well.
All the major editing software packages today have some essential color correction tools built in, making it very easy to put some basic color correction on your shots.
Professional color grading and color correcting are not something I fancy doing. I don't understand the technical aspect, nor do I have the skills to do it by hand, nor the patience.
If you, like me, don't fancy doing the color grading yourself, you can use so-called LUTs. These are pre-designed presets to emulate authentic, beautiful visual aesthetics.
In most cases, they are simple drag-and-drop effects that you can easily apply to your footage. These LUTs work very much the same as an Instagram filter, and by selecting one, you can use a distinct look to your shots.
35. Embrace the rule of one
Almost coming to an end, I wanted to let you know that to make a low-budget music video successfully, there is one general rule you have to keep in the back of your mind at all times: The Rule Of One.
This rule means trying to limit all your resources needed to ‘one’ as much as possible: one location, one cast member, one shooting day, one camera, one outfit, etc. If you go up in numbers, you’ll notice that you’ll encounter more logistical issues.
Use whatever you have at your disposal, get as creative as possible with just that, and you’ll discover that the limitation of one can be an absolute blessing!
36. Do it for the right reason
Most of us don't fancy working and investing many hours in a music video for free or with a low pay check. If you commit to a low-budget music video, ensure you do it for the right reason.
Whether you want to learn something, gain experience, try out new tools or techniques, or collaborate with a particular artist, brand, or filmmaker, define your desired project outcome.
If you can define that and evaluate if that’s a realistic and achievable result, you can decide whether or not making a music video is worth investing your time in.
Once you reach that level in the music video industry of working with big budgets, you’ll experience that bigger budgets, come with bigger problems…
Wrapping up
I hope these pearls of wisdom have given you some thoughtful new insights and will help you reach the bigger budgets on your music video journey.
If you want to get your hands on big-budget music videos eventually, I advise you to start mastering the art of creating pitch-winning music video treatments.
Music video treatments are marketing documents that help you sell your vision for music videos. To help you improve in creating these documents, this document might be helpful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Budget Music Videos (FAQs)
What is a low-budget music video?
A low-budget music video is a creative project produced with limited financial resources. It often involves independent artists and bands, such as indie artists or groups like Arctic Monkeys and Black Keys, aiming to make visually compelling content without a big budget.
This type of music video leverages inexpensive equipment, free locations, and volunteer cast and crew, embracing a DIY ethic and guerrilla filming style.
How can I produce a low-budget music video?
To produce a low-budget music video, consider these strategies:
DIY Production: Use your own camera or smartphone, like an iPhone, and basic video editing software such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut to create the video.
Independent Filmmakers: Collaborate with emerging filmmakers who are open to working within small budgets.
Crowdfunding: Utilize platforms like Kickstarter to fund your project.
Free Resources: Incorporate stock footage, natural lighting, and public or private locations that offer visual interest without the cost.
What are some ways to save money on low-budget music video production?
To cut costs effectively:
Minimal Crew and Cast: Work with a small, dedicated team and consider roles that can multitask.
Creative Resources: Use free stock footage and shoot in locations that don't require permits.
Equipment Choices: Opt for less expensive alternatives like DSLRs or phones, and use natural light or a simple lighting kit.
Flexible Scheduling: Shoot during times when natural light is optimal to avoid the cost of lighting equipment.
Are there any disadvantages to producing a low-budget music video?
Some disadvantages of producing a low-budget music video include the following:
Resource Limitations: Restricted access to high-quality gear and skilled personnel.
Quality Concerns: May result in lower production values that could impact the overall aesthetic.
Promotional Limitations: Less budget for marketing and distribution could reduce the video’s reach.
Can a low-budget music video still look professional and high-quality?
Absolutely! By focusing on strong creative concepts, effective use of lighting (good lighting and natural lighting), and skilled use of post-production facilities like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut, even low-budget videos can look professional.
Employing techniques like green screen effects, creative camera angles, and thoughtful editing can elevate the production value significantly.
What are the benefits of producing a low-budget music video?
Cost Efficiency: It's an economical way to produce content, particularly for songs that might not have major label backing.
Creative Freedom: Less financial pressure allows for more experimental and innovative approaches.
Audience Engagement: These videos can resonate well on social media and video sharing platforms like YouTube, helping to build a fanbase organically.
What Are Some Additional Tips for Low-Budget Music Video Success?
Focus on Visuals: To add depth to your video, use simple but effective visual effects, interesting visual elements, and multiple camera angles.
Leverage Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram and YouTube for promotion; use hashtags, engage with followers, and upload content consistently.
Post-Production: Enhance visual quality in post with color correction and creative editing techniques. Learning to edit effectively yourself can save a lot of money.
Collaboration and Networking: Work with other creatives, including graphic designers and visual artists, to add unique elements to your video at a lower cost.
How can unique visual and thematic elements be incorporated into a low-budget music video?
Storytelling and Themes: Craft a unique story or thematic concept that can be executed simply but with a strong impact. Use narrative, lyric interpretation, and symbolic imagery to engage the audience.
Visual Hooks and Aesthetic: Develop a strong visual hook or aesthetic that can be carried through with simple production techniques. This could include the use of choreography, unique locations, or minimalist design.
What tools and techniques are essential for creating a low-budget music video?
Essential Tools: Good quality camera (can be a low-budget camera or smartphone), basic lighting equipment, and accessible editing software.
Techniques: Experiment with stop motion, lip sync, creative storyboard planning, and rehearsal to prepare for a one-take shoot to minimize shooting time and editing complexity.
How does the concept of a "guerrilla style" shoot contribute to the creativity of low-budget music videos?
Guerrilla style, which involves shooting quickly in uncontrolled environments, often brings an organic and spontaneous quality to videos. It's perfect for indie artists like Arctic Monkeys or Black Keys, who value authenticity and raw energy.
Can you achieve professional results with a low-budget camera for music videos?
Absolutely! With the right creative process and video editing software like Final Cut, even a low-budget camera can produce stunning visuals. It's more about the skill behind the camera than the gear itself.
What role does natural lighting play in enhancing the visual aesthetics of music videos?
Natural light not only cuts costs by eliminating the need for expensive lighting kits but also offers a beautiful and soft look that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the footage, giving even low-budget videos a professional glow.
How can multiple camera angles elevate a low-budget music video shoot?
Utilizing multiple camera angles allows for a more dynamic and visually engaging video. It's a great way to create interest and pace in the edit, helping to keep the audience engaged without spending extra money.
What are some cost-effective ways to incorporate visual effects in music videos?
Leveraging editing software to add simple effects like color grading or light leaks can make a significant impact. Techniques like stop motion or syncing effects to the beat can add flair without a big budget.
How can unique storylines or themes differentiate a music video on a shoestring budget?
Crafting a unique story or theme can captivate your audience regardless of budget constraints. For example, turning a simple performance into a narrative that reflects the song's lyrics can transform your video from basic to memorable.
What advantages do filmmakers have when they create their own music videos?
Filmmakers who shoot their own music videos, like Fatboy Slim or Kanye West, have complete control over the creative vision. They can experiment more freely and ensure the video perfectly matches their artistic intent.
How can independent artists like Alex Turner or Chris Martin use music videos as a strategic tool in their music career?
Music videos are a powerful medium for storytelling and can be a critical part of an artist's branding. Artists can use them to visually express their music, connect with fans, and even drive video marketing strategies on platforms like YouTube.
What are some creative uses of graphic design in low-budget music videos?
Graphic design can be used to create interesting visual elements such as title sequences, lyric overlays, or animated illustrations, which can add a layer of polish and creativity to the final video without breaking the bank.
How important is post-production in ensuring the professional quality of low-budget music videos?
Post-production is crucial; it’s where the magic happens. Spending time on editing, color correction, and sound design can dramatically improve the quality of low-budget music videos, helping them stand out.
