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Making Our First Music Video
When The Price Is Too High
We know that reggae music videos are essential for promoting our songs, establishing our act and developing a following or fan base. Among its many purposes, it helps the listener to understand the song better, especially if the narrative fits the lyrics of the song.
Having this insight, it was time for us, Big Ship Alliance Reggae Band, to make our first music video. After making several inquiries about cost and what was involved, the reality seemed distant. As a matter fact, being a newly formed band with only a few gigs under our belt, operating on a shoestring budget, a quote for £900 for a four hours session to make our music video was beyond our reach.
However, that did not deter us. It dawned on us that even if we scraped to find the money for this project, we were limited in the number of music videos we could make regularly. Understanding the importance of this medium, we had to find a solution.
After several weeks of further inquiries and research, we came to a solution. The alternative option was to do it ourselves. Yes, make our music video on a shoestring budget. After all, we had nothing to lose. On the positive side, we would learn by our failings and become better in the long run. On making the decision, there was a buzz of excitement with a tinge of trepidation. So, we devised a plan of action.
First and foremost, is the question of equipment, props, camera crew and location. However, thanks to the advancement of technology, it has simplified many things and made more options possible. For example, making a budget music video.
Plan Of Action - D.I.Y
Our Equipment
So to embark on our first project, in the way of hardware equipment, we had in our possession three mobile phones and a tripod. However, there was a vital piece of apparatus missing; a gimbal which we were able to purchase at a very reasonable price.
Now we were all set, it was time for location, and videoing. By the way, about the three mobile phones, one was used to play our song and the others used for videoing.
When we got all the necessary footage, the next step was the storyboard and editing. Again, we were fortunate to have the video editing software already in our possession. So the total cost of making our first music video on a shoestring budget was, wait for it...£40 plus our time and of those who took part in it.
- The title of our first music video is "Thank You". View below.