Filming a Music Video at Home: A DIY Guide

Creating a music video is a powerful way to visually communicate the story, emotion, and message of your song. Especially creating the vibe at home, it might sound limiting, but with a dash of creativity, it can result in a unique touch. I remember filming my video ‘Blue Light’s during the pandemic in our living room and bathroom it was all we had and for that my video turned out amazing.

Here’s a guide to help you craft a compelling music video without leaving your home:

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1. Concept and Theme:

• • Storyline: Think about the emotions and story you want to convey. Can a room be a symbolic space? Can household objects become props in your story?

• • Visual Aesthetics: Consider the mood and feel. Do you want it bright and upbeat, or moody and intimate? Adjust lighting and props accordingly.

2. Preparation:

• • Clean and Declutter: Remove distracting elements from the filming area.

• • Props & Costumes: Use what you have! Everyday items can be transformed with a creative spin.

• • Lighting: Natural light from windows is beautiful. Alternatively, lamps, fairy lights, or even LED strips can create a specific mood. For my bathroom we use LED Video Light Stick with Touch Bar & App Control and the colours I use was blue and pink lights which looks so nice on camera

3. Setting Up:

• • Camera: You don’t need a professional camera; smartphones today offer impressive video quality. Use tripods or stable surfaces to avoid shaky footage. The camera we use is my Husbands camera when we filmed the video which is the Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR they were times were we filmed on my mobile phone when we didn’t have the camera on hand.

• • Sound: If you’re not lip-syncing to a pre-recorded track, ensure your recording environment is quiet. Use external mics for better audio quality. For my video we already pre-recorded an then I sung over my tracks with the beat playing over it. It is best to sing loud when your filming so when it comes to to editing your video can align correctly with your sound and voice at the right timing.

• • Background: Use plain walls, curtains, or set up a makeshift backdrop. Ensure it aligns with your video’s theme. For our background our living room was already a white wall where it was easy for us to film anything.

Filming techniques are the backbone of visual storytelling. When I filmed the bathroom scene we ended up put the LED Video Light Stick with Touch Bar & App Control into the bathroom sink which created a beautiful effect during my performance.

4. Filming Techniques:

• • Angles: Experiment with different angles – bird’s-eye view, worm’s-eye view, close-ups, and wide shots.

• • Movement: Walk around, dance, or even just subtle gestures can convey emotion. I made sure I was going in the right timing more of slow motion.

• • Effects: Use slow motion, time-lapses, or play with shadows for an artistic touch.

5. Post-production:

• • Editing Software: There are numerous free and paid editing software options, like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. My software is Final Cut where it makes it easy to edit alot of videos.

• • Cutting and Sequencing: Arrange clips in a way that matches the flow of your song.

• • Effects & Filters: Add color correction or filters to match the desired mood.

• • Text & Graphics: Consider adding lyrics, titles, or any other relevant text.

6. Promotion:

The Best part of it all when you finish all your hard work is sharing to your fans, family and friends. When launching a video, ensure its timing and placement are optimal. Television was once the gold standard. Now the focus has shifted to online. Treat the video like you would an album. Create a buzz. Start teasing and talking about it on social media.

• • Release Platforms: Share your video on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.

• • Social Media: Engage with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes clips or pictures.

• • Teasers: Generate anticipation with sneak peeks

7. Tips and Tricks:

• • Repurpose Spaces: A single room can be showcased in multiple ways. Change angles, move furniture, or adjust lighting for varied looks.

• • Collaborate: Involve household members. They can be extras, or even help with filming.

• • Storyboard: This doesn’t have to be professional. Just sketch or write down your ideas to stay organised.

During my recording session I had a visual on how I wanted my video to look and I always knew what type of concept I would like. I hope this helps you create the best Filming a Music Video at Home as this can be a rewarding experience, especially when you leverage the intimacy and authenticity of your personal space.

Let your space tell a story and complement your music, making it a genuine reflection of who you are as an artist and the most important is to remember is to enjoy the process.