Creating a Visual Style for a Music Video

We recently shot our first music video for St. Lundi - Heavy Words, from his debut EP Heavy words.
We reached out the right time, with a recent record with Kygo (Kygo - To Die For w/ St. Lundi), he was prepping the release of his EP and had no one in place for videos. Purely by chance, I reached out and landed the job. From there, it was all systems go.
I wanted to share with you a few of the things we learned from the experience. From how we landed the job, through to planning, and some tips for anyone looking to take the leap as well. In this episode we specifically run over creating a visual style for a music video.
PART ONE: • Lessons from our First...
WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE!
• St. Lundi - Heavy Words
ALL BTS FOOTAGE SHOT BY: / joshholgatephoto
Shot on Blackmagic Design Ursa Mini Pro G2 and Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K), with a DIY anamorphic and a Sigma 18-35.
WEBSITE (wip): www.2storyproductionhouse.co.uk/
INSTAGRAM: / officialmumbo
BUSINESS CONTACT: [e-mail]

[@artsyostrich8333]

0:46 i didn’t know mumbo could speak enchantment table😂😂 nope i just don’t know anything about cameraasssss

[@_Apollo.]

0:05 my dude just chilling in the background

[@knickss4266]

Petition for Mumbo to have a video full of kubo and him playing with kubo

[@unstablequark]

Oml yes

[@unstablequark]

Day in the life of Kubo

[@louisold3699]

yes.

[@carla05cw]

Where can I sign?

[@knickss4266]

Carla Castro-Wright the like button :))))

[@kashyap_-ls3js]

Who wants a new studio tour.... Mumbo please do a new studio tour.... Also his hair is so longer than before...

[@rocketcello5354]

Lockdown does that to hair.

[@fanimationsoldacc]

He still looks great, and he’s still the same Mumbo! ;)

[@rocketcello5354]

@@fanimationsoldacc I know.

[@fanimationsoldacc]

@Rocket Cello Oh, I was talking to the commenter :p

[@rocketcello5354]

@@fanimationsoldacc I know

[@Strqtum]

When i hear his camera has the word pro in it=well i cant afford that

[@masonryan6101]

Lol I’m the same way

[@jasonthesnow]

Jokes on you that camera is actually incredibly affordable. (at least by camera definition)

[@eniscc]

I don't think you'll ever need it though

[@Strqtum]

Enis Can Ceyhan true

[@dp_ion]

@@jasonthesnow yeah bmpcc 4k was a revolution in price-performance ratio

[@mracallback5546]

It haven’t watched Mumbo and mumbo jumbo in ages but he’s actually really good

[@DarkFire-co9ps]

U Are An Idiot Then

[@mracallback5546]

Dark Fire lol tru

[@DarkFire-co9ps]

@@mracallback5546 ikr

[@bluecando3442]

Congrats u are now part of the army of the golden solo

[@luxembros6791]

i just watch mumbo cuz i like seeing hermits in real life... does that sound weird?!

[@pelletonin7241]

Funny when people don’t watch the video and instead go straight to comments lol

[@hannahm3366]

And comment first when they are tenth

[@lys6430]

((how did u know))

[@markburningcandlehamilton1245]

Hey Mumbo! I've got a few questions. 1) who chose the set pieces? 2) how long did you spend in post for the music video? 3) would you consider doing a video on using your fog machine/getting different effects from it in different spaces, lighting, etc.? Thanks for uploading great videos like this! Love seeing your process

[@eugenehong9668]

Me: likes filmography, photography, cars, MC and watches Oli: I’ll cater for your entertainment needs this quarantine 100%

[@chasecortez343]

As someone learning camera work I actually find this super helpful

[@carla05cw]

I read this as learning that cameras work and I was like so you thought cameras didn’t work? Then I realized I’m just an idiot XD

[@chasecortez343]

Carla Castro-Wright I do stuff like that all of the time, I understand completely

[@Grace-kh4bt]

I had no idea what the heck you were talking about the entire time but somehow I still found this entertaining

[@n8glo]

Clicked on this before youtube gave me the notification

[@joshholgate9425]

Really cool breakdown - I love how you found a way to include some of the most random BTS bits we shot, you really scrubbed through it ALL haha! Fun shooting and helping out as always!

[@HermitFanimations]

@Josh Holgate I love your works! They are truly unique and artistic, the colours are vivid and beautiful!

[@leodaleo2064]

I really REALLY love these types of videos. it’s really interesting to see how everything works behind the camera, please make more on this channel

[@felixfelicis7401]

I thought you used your villager trader head camera xD

[@Panda-pe5mf]

I'm watching you over year now and I still can't accustom to non moustache Mumbo 🤣💙

[@hanswurst8986]

@Grace Crumpler my problem is that it has to be a dark boxy moustache and it will not fit in his face😂😂

[@davidbakke9293]

Mumbo: I’m not musical at all Also mumbo:

[@abbie8962]

I'm actually a film student going into uni this year and this genuinely helps me thank you so much Mumbo

[@Graffitzi]

Kubo is going to get his squeaky toy.

[@Zhuk-zc8es]

The one dislike is from jellie, because he isn't in the video.

[@reansolomon5492]

Burn

[@fanimationsoldacc]

*she Do you mean Kubo that wasn’t in the video?

[@ravendangernavy3575]

jellie is scar's cat....

[@Alex-jv5dh]

5 now, she probably made more accounts to dislike

[@Sehtareh]

Gellie

[@byeillcommentlater1627]

I couldn't care less about cameras and learning about how to shoot a movie or a music video. But it's been SO much fun being able to sit here and watch you grow Mumbo. I'm glad you're making your dreams come true.

[@mbtw]

Mumbo you inspire me. I love having a free masterclass by someone who is also learning and sharing the information you have learned. Great factual and informative video. 👍

[@billnyetherussianspy3857]

Yes, part 1

[@ehmrcooper]

Don’t worry Mumbo I already Followed you.

[@griselcarrero5716]

Mumbo starts recording Kubo gotta go

[@Akash-gn5zn]

😂😂😂😂

[@fanimationsoldacc]

Beautiful and insightful video, Mumbo! I was wondering, does the genre or overall feel of the song contribute to how you do colour grading on a project? Oh, and I could see some quite interesting uses of contrast and depth, I love how you did the lighting :)

[@ramonmartinezcabada6762]

I love this channel, is so inspiring in a real sense, not like other youtube channels about filmmaking and cinematography that only talk about gear and stuff like that..I also love the haze look of the promist, i always have a 1/4 on my contax zeiss, yes, also fan of old and not clinic look for video. Keep the amazing job Oli.

[@Sammy-iv8rz]

Every time you get bored by Mumbo's mumbling Kubo will paw in and amuse you

[@3PigletsInaCoat]

Don’t worry mr. moustache-less man, I’ll gladly be your friend😂

[@chetanmcgrath8408]

Off to watch part 1!

[@purpurls]

as someone who doesn't know a thing about cameras or filming, i found this super interesting! its always useful to learn different things from different fields of the arts!

[@joshuabennett9786]

What a perfecc duo

[@engelsalejandrovicioso2547]

Kubo grew soooo much. He's so cute

[@lilabenford7159]

I have been waiting for this for so long!

[@space_in_ace]

I understood almost bone of what was said in this video, but I just love hearing people talk about what they love, it is honestly the most enjoyable content for me to watch

[@b.o.bachter5055]

Hey Mumbo, can you make more films with Kris and Jack?

[@ecamiran4004]

Sadly, they aren't even making videos right now :/ Jack was out in Canada for a while and only came back because of COVID. And they still couldn't really make videos then. Just... Carry on with some less extensive stuff

[@zacharyhaupert4348]

Mumbo, you should actually do more of this, you can get a big following and maybe get into film making, full time

[@gzo_6269]

dang. These realistic mods and shaders are getting outa hand.

[@counterscam6547]

now we just need a mumbo jumbo afk music video

[@darshasher]

And tango just uploads straight now

[@cmassarini3308]

Awwwwww ur dog is so cute

[@rmdcade1717]

Gotta say again that this was such a solid video. It definitely didn't feel like a first music video. Even directors, DPs, etc. with years of experience in traditional cinema often don't do half as well for their first forays into music videos. You obviously did a ton of homework, and it paid off big.

[@RBeesMusings]

You should do a documentary on scar!He has a great story and I know I'm out of date on this kind of thing,but I still think it would be great

[@buhzs9663]

nice. just nice.

[@lol4life278]

Hi, yay

[@theonewhonose208]

OMG I didn't watch an ad when I clicked on this video thanks!

[@StarIgop]

Ooh music video

[@icebardago7173]

I cant believe he installed a mod so that he could sit and some ultra-realistic texture pack. The skin is wrong tho. :< Ps. I really love your filming skills and I'm tryin to learn thru ur vids.💖

[@Benthehuman]

I have a question: During the filming process, was running out of daylight a concern or was the shooting quick enough for it to not be worrisome?

[@kkrocks1891]

Everyone : lots of words in the comment Me : Nice

[@smoopydoopy7745]

YOU WORKED WITH KYGO?! Whoa congratulations mate!

[@rcoder-dev]

He didn't, but with a featured artist in one of Kygo's tracks: St. Lundi

[@smoopydoopy7745]

Ryle Capul ohh, nice to know thnxx 😅👍

[@redoosia4360]

I love how you explain the things because I love do thing’s whit camera’s

[@themelodicpurple]

When you have a naturally born Music video director

[@3PigletsInaCoat]

I absolutely loved the music video, and would love to see more in the future! These informative videos are really helpful for us fellow nerds out there, so thank you for this!!

[@Respectable_Username]

Great stuff! Please do continue to explain the concepts you think are basic and everywhere. Many of us this is the only cinematography content we watch and so it's all fascinating and new!

[@txmchis]

This is great

[@shaunacall4685]

I stayed…for your voice. Love your tone and accent. And Kubo.

[@shaddjimenez4524]

very informative video, loved the style you went with.

[@SharpBadger]

This is actually really helpful for a wannabe photographer (me)

[@lemonaden3461]

“Simple” “thats pretty much it” lol

[@sfgkate]

mumbo is so talented wtf

[@alecmuellervisuals61]

Thanks for sharing your process Mumbo! I was super curious as to what anamorphics you were using. Pretty awesome that you’re running with a DIY projector setup 💪🏼 Great work

[@a_lego4970]

I have no idea what he is talking about but, i like his voice, its calming

[@Ivan0001]

I am 79. So not First. Wow. Great video by the way!

[@Daniel-gc1yr]

So hard getting use of seeing mumbo jumbos face reveal talking instead of a pixelated face talking oml lol!

[@helird9236]

Thumbs up!!

[@georgestreet9114]

Mumbo is soo great

[@mud4656]

Mumbo with out a mustache can’t hurt you Mumbo with out a mustache:

[@tomatofish9890]

I love this channel!

[@samdick3419]

Sick

[@tobyaustin899]

You have inspired me to get used to gimbals

[@awesomewithacapitala9927]

0:04 free playbacks of kubo!!!

[@girliestmammy]

💖

[@ruizperezjorgejesus3128]

Kubo went straight to watch part 1 of the video as you should if you havent seen it

[@jdhn]

Nice

[@the_glad9382]

I don’t have notifications on and I’m early what

[@cairozephyr]

Negative Phil is back and at it again!

[@seanod4109]

It was a great video

[@sam1898]

Woof

[@julianac1551]

I guess the question here is how dense was your diffusion on the 300D? Probably you could have gotten away with a bit less diffusion and a bit more distance, since haze compounds the diffusion and obviously the more haze between the light and the subject, the greater the effect, and it's also less noticeable on wides. OTOH, haze by itself also raises your blacks and generally reduces contrast. What I've seen and heard is that BlackMagic cameras actually work really well in low light. If you play with it you might find a way to get more information from your low areas. On a different note, how do you DIY an anamorphic lens? Those are very intricate and complex lenses.

[@watercolourstudios9753]

Kubo!!! 😁

[@floriankochvisuals7413]

Hey there. Just watched the video, and I really like the look you got. Especially the Anamorphic shots look lovely! Would you mind breaking down how you built the lens, and how much it cost to put it together? :)

[@juinidepu]

Bruh Nice texture pack

[@lievoanjapmoores1711]

nice

[@ktwowo]

Love the video!

[@nils.klinger]

Please make a video about your "Helios 44-2 Schneider 2x Anamorphic DIY Frankenstein Anamorphic Setup" :D

[@aldinosmanagic294]

3:54 DOGO!

[@CineZoneYT]

Would you recommend the pocket cinema camera for outdoor cinematic shooting?

[@aero5194]

Early gang!!!!

[@regularben]

My 1 question KZbin says this was made an hour ago yet there are 21 hour old comments how dose that work it say uploaded BTW

[@kennplayz661]

O my the first time seeing mumbos face

[@dreamsdog9645]

What texture pack is this?

[@artsyostrich8333]

hey mumbo, quick question! if you had to rate how hard it was to film a music video, what would you rate it out of ten?? i’m just curious because you make it seem like it was easy when i’m reality i know it isn’t.

[@ChurrBlurr]

Poggers

[@bjarneb8966]

2 minutes ago?! Damn, the last time I was this early, Covid19 was unheard of

[@Pain-yu6lk]

Whole video:speaks about creating a music video Me:Mumbo please speak English 😜😜

[@Violent.Vr-dw314]

Hi everyone

[@boschter3555]

Yeet

[@RomaNickel]

Just a question: do you still have benji?🐈

[@MrMaclane01]

How long did it take you to film and edit the music video?