What to Ask Your Music Video Director Before the Shoot (Lighting, Location, Props)

With years of experience in directing music videos, I guide music video shoots in pre-production decisions, including lighting, location, and props. I'm sharing a simple guide on what to ask your music video director before the shoot (lighting, location, props) to avoid costly reshoots, mismatched aesthetics, and videos that miss their artistic mark.

What to Ask Your Music Video Director Before the Shoot (Lighting, Location, Props)

Before your music video shoot, discuss lighting, conceptualization, and technical logistics with your director to keep visual tone aligned with your artistic vision. Address location scouting, narrative atmosphere, and on-site considerations that will shape the story's backdrop. Clarify how props will function both symbolically and practically in your storytelling, including sourcing logistics and contingency plans.

Creating a standout music video requires a meticulous approach to its visual elements. These questions can serve as your starting point when discussing pre-production planning of your videos.

Category	Concerns	Key Focus
Lighting	Conceptualization; technical and logistical concerns	Visual mood, color temperature, lighting style, creative direction Equipment needs, power requirements, setup time, crew coordination
Location	Narrative; scouting; on-site considerations	Story alignment, emotional tone, visual coherence, brand consistency Permits, accessibility, backup options, practical limitations
Props	Function; sourcing; contingency	Narrative purpose, visual metaphors, character development, thematic elements Procurement, budget, backup plans, transportation logistics

1. Lighting: Shaping the Scene

Your discussion with the director about lighting concepts and technical setup will determine how your video looks and feels.

Conceptualizing the Look

The emotion and mood of your music video depend heavily on how your director plans to use light. Different lighting techniques can transform scenes and create a specific atmosphere that matches your song's message. Here are questions to ask about lighting's conceptualization:

• "What's the vibe and emotional tone you're going for with the lighting?"

• "Are there any specific films, videos, or photos that we can use as a reference for the lighting style?"

• "How will the lighting change throughout the video to reflect the song's energy or narrative arc?"

Logistics and Technical Considerations

Music videos may need different kinds of external lighting, including key lights, fill lights, and backlights. The technical side of lighting affects your budget, schedule, and location requirements. To avoid surprises, discuss these questions:

• "What lighting equipment will you need, and how much does it cost to rent?"

• "How will you handle lighting for both wide shots and close-ups to maintain consistency?"

• "What's our backup plan for lighting if a piece of equipment fails or if we encounter unexpected weather changes?"

2. Location: Defining the Backdrop

The location is the stage for your performance, providing the backdrop that sets the mood and context for your video's story.

Narrative and Atmosphere

Your location choice influences a video's feel and quality in ways that extend far beyond simple aesthetics. The backdrop becomes part of a music video's visual storytelling language. These questions help you and your director communicate the right feelings and support the song's narrative.

• "What specific feelings or emotions should the location evoke in the viewer?"

• "How does the location tie into the song's lyrics or central theme?"

• "How can we use different areas or rooms within the location to represent different parts of the song?"

Scouting and On-Site Details

Scouting a site allows me to identify potential weather-related challenges early on, such as a lack of natural shade or exposure to wind. By pinpointing these issues, I can propose alternative shooting dates that have a higher probability of favorable weather conditions. This reduces the risk of last-minute cancellations.

• "What permits or permissions do we need for filming at this location?"

• "What are the aural characteristics of the location — is it loud, quiet, or does it have an echo we need to be aware of?"

• "What are the power source options, bathroom availability, and easy access for crew and gear?"

3. Props: Storytelling Elements

When chosen with purpose, props can add scenery, reveal character, move the plot forward, and bring an intriguing layer to the video's aesthetic.

Function and Symbolism

Props help establish the mood and communicate deeper meanings in your video. They can show a character's personality, represent themes in your song, or create visual connections between different scenes. Ask these questions to make sure props can work together with other visual elements in a music video.

• "How does each prop contribute to the story we are telling in the video?"

• "Are there any props that can be used to symbolize the song's central message or a specific emotion?"

• "How can we use props to make the performance more dynamic and visually interesting?"

Sourcing and Contingency

The final step is to make sure your props are ready to go on the big day, so they don’t cause any production headaches. These logistical questions keep everything in place, from finding the items to having a solid backup plan if things don't go as expected.

• "Who is responsible for sourcing and managing the props — the director, me, or a dedicated prop master?"

• "What are our options if a specific, hard-to-find prop can't be found or is not available for the shoot date?"

• "How will we handle props that need to be broken, wet, or otherwise damaged for the video?"

Related Questions

What Makes a Good Music Video Director?

A good music video director possesses a unique blend of creative vision and organizational expertise, translating an artist's song into a compelling visual narrative. They are also adept at managing the entire production process from start to finish, keeping the final video both stunning and true to the song's message.

How Do You Coordinate Location, Props, and Lighting Needs for Music Videos?

As a music video director, I coordinate these elements by outlining how each component contributes to the video's story and mood. This is why I work closely with my production team, including cinematographers and art directors, to scout locations, source props, and plan lighting setups that align with the creative vision and production schedule.

Why Are Directors Involved in Managing Props, Lighting, and Location Aspects of Music Videos?

Directors are involved in managing these aspects because they are the primary storytellers of the visual medium. By overseeing these key elements, I keep every frame carefully composed to convey the intended emotion and narrative. This prevents disjointed visuals that could weaken the video's impact.

Conclusion

The time you spend discussing these questions upfront with your director can save hours during filming. A streamlined production can contribute to making a cohesive and impactful video. When you're ready to create a music video that perfectly aligns with your artistic vision, let's plan your pre-production and make your vision come to life.