4 Secrets to Film Better Music Videos

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Today, we visit our friend Justin Jones's music video set and uncover his secrets to music video lighting.
Justin invites us onto a music video set, where we quickly realize the grand scope of the production. There were lots of Skypanels, an Alexa Mini, a 19-foot jib, a full dance crew, LED bicycles, and lots of Astera Pixel tubes. All of this for one day of shooting. We thought it was crazy, but Justin breaks down his lighting setups and shows us that music video lighting could be quick and visually stunning as well.
Check out Justin's fantastic cinematography on his website: justinjonesdp.com
You can find the music video by Daya Luz here: bit.ly/2ON1KKk
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#MusicVideo #Lighting #VFX

[@YCImaging]

I loved this video! Great one

[@ManinderjeetSinghKochar]

Any idea how's he setting up the overhead light, in the diy setup?

[@indymogul]

@@ManinderjeetSinghKochar we're just using a C-Stand on an Arm -- rigging a 120d + a Light Dome hanging from above.

[@formoftherapy]

Yes. Hands down music videos are the hardest productions to work on with such little budget.

[@WorldWideWong]

3:40 "Soft overhead lighting is KEY" So, is soft underhead lighting FILL?

[@cburkefilms]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin. So informative.

[@jaredgilbertsen7574]

I'm pretty sure I've seen like 10 different music videos filmed in that exact studio.

[@VanrionFalanae]

the studio is called Popsicle located in LA, used pretty often in Music Videos because of how convenient the location is. www.popsiclela.com/

[@dirtylevel]

am i the only one getting overlaping audio throughout the video?

[@WorldWideWong]

nope, I got it, too

[@flippinbass1664]

me too

[@indymogul]

eep -- sorry about that guys, we're work on the audio for the next one

[@98JamesNixon]

Thought he was going to break out into a rap lol

[@robertfeliciano5723]

I thought it was an artifact from playing at 1.5x.

[@StoryDrivenHobbies]

Great video. So glad that you guys started uploading again. Great content!

[@MadGravityStudios]

Videos like this are so helpful for people like me learning how to make music videos. Ever since this channel has comeback it has become one of my go to channels. Thanks and keep up the good work

[@indymogul]

thanks for tuning in!

[@ryangelder3240]

One of the most helpful videos about music videos I’ve seen in a minute. Well done.

[@indymogul]

thanks Ryan!

[@michael_viteritti]

Love all the content and information you put out in a fun, comprehensive way, big up :D

[@truecalidad]

One of the most valuable video you’ve dropped 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💪🏽📸

[@gr8danetrucki1]

Love the Russian dance at the end 12:00! Good video guys!

[@indymogul]

AYEEEEEE :)

[@mirkozohren1139]

Great video. Just had a Music Video Shoot last saturday. Mostly just me, my wife as an assistant and makeup artist. The crew consisted of band members I had to organize and brief on the hardware. My tip is to use a hazer / fog machine whereever possible and throw as much light as you can at your backgrounds if you have anything to spare. Create interest with colored lights if possible.

[@rehman24fps]

that lighting demonstration at the end of this video takes away all the stress of Justins real life MV shooting

[@felixsmittick9128]

Solid video, the basics never change.

[@simon_unofficial]

Wow thanks for covering such an obscure yet relevant topic

[@molutraper]

Perfect video. I have learned a lot. Thanks guys!

[@poppystils974]

Love those sky lights. Wish I had a studio like that near me.

[@Insane_Kane]

I was looking for advice on making digital music videos and surprisingly all the techniques discussed in the video hold up perfectly for that world as well. Great Video !

[@NateandNoahTryLife]

Loved the Back to The Future sequence !

[@MattyBeavs]

this was great! learned a lot! :) I feel like have seen those tubes in soooooo many music videos lol

[@butchrodgers9559]

Watching this when I just got hit up yesterday to film a music video that’s tomorrow for 3 artists in one song, all we have is tomorrow to film too and this is my first time doing a music video! :)

[@methodofkolishin]

Love it! Thanks!

[@rasmus9311]

That dance was insane, we need to know more!

[@bulentozdemir]

You had me at “complimentary colors” 😂 - I’ve definitely seen an increased use of those particular colors (red/cyan) in a lot of cinematography reels of late. Like you guys touched on, It does all start to look the same unless there’s some kind of narrative structure in place 👍

[@indymogul]

yup -- there's good looking, bad looking and good boring looking for sure.

[@Visualsthatgohard]

I think the signature lights or/and colors in music industry hangs somewhere within RGB and it is why most of the music videos especially those themed to give a party feeling. Also if you look at the set design in music festivals, night clubs or any other live music event set design and decor it all goes down to RGB colors and lighting.

[@bulentozdemir]

@@Visualsthatgohard Yeah, totally agree. Almost feels like the “teal & orange” phase of filmmaking. Not a dig. Really like those RGB Vibes 🙌

[@Writtenmirror]

Super handy! Now all I need is a studio and dope light changing panels lol. Just playing great video as usual.

[@matticulousmedia]

Starting out, I was putting in 100's of hours learning, creating even ONE music video.. Seeing how their upset about 18 hours.... LOL And they probably only shoot the footage, someone else edits, or helps edit... Look at these SETUPS and ALL the money that goes into these videos!!!??? I WOULDNT BE COMPLAINING FOR A SECOND!!? LITERALLY A BLESSING TO EVEN STEP FOOT IN FRONT OF PRODUCTION SETS LIKE THAT!! A DREAM JOB TO EVEN BE IN THE SAME ROOM AS THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THAT MUCH ENERGY!!! DREAM JOB IS RIGHT!!!

[@papipepito7412]

hey! i just discovered your channel I loove your content, is so addictive. i am just starting to make a bussiness as videographer and .. man you are really opening my eyes. Great job!

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for not just being another know-it-all channel and bringing the real 🤘

[@Firetracks]

VERY informative! Thanks man!

[@rayanafif]

yo.. just know that you guys are back!! what an awesome change!

[@eshackproductions]

Dude kept it 100! Respect

[@Luvtravels]

What a beautiful video 😍😍

[@racketaproduction]

Loved the video! Hey Ted what about a list of your favorite unique music videos?

[@SwitchMultiMedia]

This video be like "BOOM"..... Thanks very cool, learned a lot in just a few minutes!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

as always, fun and informative. i am a satisfied subscriber. thumbs up.

[@indymogul]

thanks for tuning in!

[@EssyYT]

really helped me thanks, awaiting record deal soon

[@alwaysbenicesmileoften8492]

Awesome!

[@Shebshady763]

I love this video. He is right about going back to creating concepts videos.. We as filmmakers need to go back to our 90's and early 00's roots when it comes to video making

[@Kyle_Evers]

I have been trying to do this a lot lately. I enjoy it much more than just making things look good. The only issue is I don't think as many people appreciate the substance over style anymore when it comes to music videos. I could be wrong but that's the impression I've been given over the past few years.

[@TommyCallaway]

Word, great vid. Loved the russian dance!

[@AdrianAye]

That fact that you put the sponsor ad in at the end just shows how clutch you are.

[@OldshoeFilmsProductions]

Great share, thanks Ted.

[@indymogul]

thanks for tuning in man

[@Malidoss]

10:00 ooo that looks sick😎

[@JohnLuna]

nice episode! now i gotta listen to the podcast

[@indymogul]

thanks for tuning in John!

[@KidAstronaut]

MAJOR GEMS!!!

[@essvisuals6882]

ace, loved this :)

[@bmbfilmshd]

love it!

[@RavinderSingh-ft5dw]

Superb

[@ghostlyvisuals4784]

great video

[@MaleekLoyd97]

wow im shooting a music video next week this episode came out exactly at the right time

[@indymogul]

glad to hear it, hope it goes well man!

[@35themalk]

Justin Jones is a genius!

[@indymogul]

couldn't agree more!

[@SolarMoth]

very interesting crash course!

[@shimonmaharik]

2:27 that was genius man.

[@Ranger7Studios]

Well... The music producers aren't paying for the video, the artist is. Signing with a label is like getting a big loan that they expect back with interest. It is really up to the artist and their management most of the time. But yea... money and stuff. :)

[@DodaGarcia]

Ranger 7 Studios Yep, and sadly most small artists aren’t really versed in the technicals of filmmaking, so it’s so easy for them to get taken for a ride. When I looked for a production company for my latest music video I got a bunch of proposals that either didn’t include any of the logistics (basically charging me 2k for someone to come in with a camera and tripod and someone to slap an edit together), or were filled with meaningless but impressive-sounding jargon, e.g. “Vídeo will be filmed in 4K”. Like what does that even tell me? My iPhone does 4K. Is the camera any good? Is the lens a high quality prime or a kit lens that comes with a Happy Meal? What kind of lighting can I expect? It became glaringly obvious that a lot of those companies that make videos for small artists survive on the fact that artists don’t know much about what it takes to shoot a video and can’t make an informed decision. It’s outrageous. So in the end I produced the video myself, hired a friend to direct, and we edited it together. The video cost half the price and came out looking like it cost 3x as much as what those companies wanted to charge me. And that’s all because I’m lucky enough to have a design background, so what I try to do too is help other independent artists in my network by pointing them to resources such as this channel and telling them what to watch out for when hiring someone to make their video. There’s nothing worse than spending your whole salary on a music video only for it to come out subpar, and then have to release it anyway in embarrassment.

[@jordandowler2344]

woah! cyan and red quasars!! never before seen stuff here man

[@hightech_lowlife]

...must not have made it to the end

[@TopVillainTv]

Dude was half alive -still feel video shot there damn I love that video

[@ReepaMedia]

interesting that you say its the hardest to do and it is how i've made my name so far, looks like ill be set when i start dabbling into other forms of filmmaking

[@HansDtv]

Thanks TED!! #cool

[@Nivenization]

Thank you.

[@9primeofficial]

you guys are literally giving us so much game. I have been pushed right into the big leagues with the Atlanta entertainment scene and your tips are so solid. I am very thankful for this channel. Yall are helping me better my craft and enhance my family's quality of living.

[@NEILLEEXXI]

LMAO hahaha nice bonus tip. Great content btw! Thank you for making this :D

[@RenaldMusic]

This red and cyan combo is overused tbh

[@thejiggy]

agreed

[@stocxt]

that room with the ceiling of light panels is used in a shit ton of music videos, that Adam Scott Superbowl commercial, and dark Knight lol

[@jakflasdick]

Made me think of still feel by half alive

[@niamscookery3442]

Thanks for sharig.

[@jessea.3883]

I love this plot twist

[@REMRODFILMS]

GREAT

[@jeremiahthornton7938]

These tips could really help me out. However,as you said before,I should make my music videos unique. That's why I should come up with my own techniques. For instance,the red and green stripes on Freddy Krueger's sweater contrast and are unsettling. This is perfect for making your music video scary or suspenseful.

[@ItsMeTheBo]

amaziing content

[@HackingHollywood]

Thor is a beast! I AD’d with him on a few Indy projects. He put down the rig maybe twice all day.

[@coryupton669]

thank you for your videos' like commented and subscribed with the bell notification

[@Hanonclothingplus]

Justin has ear disc like The Hammer Tribe in Ethiopia! cool! Learn more about the beautiful, adventurous and extraordinary people of Hammer. Please visit and make a short documentary abt these tribe am sure the world will love it so much! cheers

[@rapbisnar]

continue to add bloopers at the end pls ty.

[@thebolivianguy64]

An asian guy dancing a russian dance, that was fun... Awesome video btw!

[@DrMade]

This is my dream

[@thegoodsmaster]

man that last part hit me right at home. As a local start-up video producer its hard for me to get people behind the idea of multiple take shoots. color coordination, blocking, set changes..etc. it sucks when they expect to shoot a video in 3hrs with little planning cause the other producers do it. and that can pump out 3 videos week and they all look the exact same. because of it clients show up late to a shoot or straight goof off during the duration of the shoot. leaving me with almost nothing to work with if i dont use a million cheap effect to mask out the horrible quality of the shoot. im not trying to rag on the other producers but just because you have clout and tag a million people who also tag a million people doesnt make your product good. it just means you popular. and people just want to try to catch a wave but dont want to be the ocean that move it. why make not make something people will come back to watch. side note nothing irks me more than a client telling me i should get a $2K+ camera (insert local producer) uses it. but said producer doesn't know the basics of cinematography cause during a collab as me running DP i have to explain hotspots in light, blocking, framing....etc. why by a 2mil lambo if you cant drive stick

[@TheStealthWall]

Ah such a great video. Thanks yall. Hey what happened to your audio track 5:31 & 5:46 & 8:10 & 10:02 ?

[@moshpitsonly2778]

But aren’t all his videos gonna look the same just a bunch of lights in all the same room

[@lenoxxlens]

PRETTY MUCH

[@waflletoast11]

yes, but that's his style, which means people will contact him for that look.

[@chekyourhed]

100% so he's not even thinking about indy guys with no money!

[@MichaelTaylorFilms]

What are the LED pole/strip lights used as practical props in the background of the scene? What are they called, so I can look them up for more info. Thanks!

[@perfectshotpro]

How are they powering the lights? Or can you suggest some affordable lights that use batteries?

[@MilesDouglasGarrett]

So I love the end of the video where you basically said that what you do has to be unique to your style and story and song. But also, can someone please start talking about the health risks you take when using haze? Like for one, if you see something in the air, you shouldn't be breathing it in. Also, typically, they don't tell you what is even in that stuff that you are shooting into the singer and dancers' faces. Now over a short period, you may be fine, but you have to keep in mind that you really shouldn't be breathing in anything you can visibly see in the air for an extended period of time

[@Jestunes]

Wow! That was intense. I'm making my first video and guess what. Yep! It's a music video. Ok I've been working on it for over 2 months now, and yes you guessed it "I have NO BUDGET!" But hey I don't have a time schedule for this because I'm doing it by myself for myself. I'm the entire crew, the music creator, and the best part is I'm using puppets. And yes I'm the puppeteer as well. Yee Haw! (I think I've lost my mind, but I think it's helping) Your video had some great tips for lighting and some of them I am using. Except for the beautiful women, the cars, the guy on motorcycle, the overhead entire ceiling lighting with remote, well just about everything haha. But it's starting to shape up and production time with video editing is going to last for a few months. I'm taking your advice and not doing it. No I'm kidding. Hoping to have it done by Xmas...

[@bigface310]

Hi i love this tips but how do i plan,direct and find a concept to a music video.. And anything i didn't here.. Thanks

[@llamaland9591]

Good video! I make big hollywood music videos this give me good tips! I will try this for big music video

[@indymogul]

good luck!

[@hunterboen6410]

What fixtures did you use for the colored lights?

[@CliffyMedia]

what are those light bars he used?

[@BrownGuyMadeIT]

I'm dreading the day I have to film 10+ hour music video days... Thank god I whip out a shoot in 4-5 hours.

[@ChimeraVisuals]

This is the sad truth of my job and YES most artist want cheesy effects in there videos and no creativity when it comes to story.... all at a cost of 200-800 bucks. Crazy but one day hopefully I can transition in to film.

[@Ladraz]

honestly i would say film is harder, because music video set is busy busy busy done, film is busy busy busy, come back the next day.... and unless u are the producer/director, don't matter if you are doing film or music video you really have no creative choice...

[@pawanchauhan8780]

Hii...I am from India, and I am making a movie so do u want to work with me as a cinematographer....???

[@thirstygreek]

Chimera Visuals $800??? Geez raise those rates!

[@JackkBurtonn]

Im learning things like this now, A practical cut, a glitch and a smooth transition will win with music videos especially trap videos

[@HELLASOLID]

What are those LED sticks called/?

[@m.corentin7298]

HELLASOLID. Quasarscience Led tube

[@florian-sngr]

Looks like you were using some Tiffen Black Promist Filters right? Or just some Vintage Lenses? :D

[@DiokOfficial-wb5xh]

Wow

[@Fursadcom]

nice video

[@pwhilby]

11:20 is the most important message

[@gZoAdventures]

On one hand it’s good that all became more accessible, on the other hand it’s sad, for film makers... Everyone dreams of a production with a big budget, but I think that will disappear more and more. With the budget my clients are willing to pay for Mv‘s , I’m barely able to afford lights, and an assistant I don’t even have to mention. I can get decent results in one day, but I could get better results with a bigger budget and a better work flow with a lighting assistant...

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

Respect for Justin calling out mumble rappers🤟🏻😂😂😂... I will be glad when that trend goes away.. cheesy effects will never replace great cinematography 🎥💪🏻

[@ManinderjeetSinghKochar]

How do you do the the overhead light setup? Are you using c stands or what?

[@justinjonesdesign]

you can use whatever works for you. depending on the location you can rig lights to beams or use menace arms to hang them

[@jensole100]

Where is this studio? I see it everywhere.

[@indymogul]

Popsicle Studio LA -- it's definitely one of the most popular studios around.

[@ngzonghee]

anyone knows the music at 8:42?

[@exinexi]

Price, speed, quality. If you're lucky you get two out of three. That's why so many videos are shit today. The good ones can't be cheap and done in a hurry.

[@badhonebrahim7707]

Can u make more of these video..

[@jelte6831]

batmancave! Wow