1. Better Practical work at A2
Making Music Videos
Guidance by Pete Fraser

2. Top Tips
Focus your research
Look at previous students’ work
Set yourself an early deadline
Keep it simple
Don’t try to be funny

3. Plan
Storyboard
Visit locations/check permissions
Be prepared for mishaps and absences
Have everyone’s mobile phone number
Check props, costumes, times
Shoot more than you need, for cutaways
Shoot the whole song as a performance - 3 times

4. Check
There’s a tape in the camera
You’re not recording over someone else’s tape
Your batteries are charged
You know how to use the camera and tripod
Date and time display are off
You have the CD and player with you

5. Avoid
Well-known songs
Overdone flashy effects
Driving around in cars
Drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, fights
Walking aimlessly
Speeded up traffic

6. You cannot polish poor footage
Rehearse shots and action before recording
Keep the camera steady
Avoid using the zoom
Don’t use ‘found’ footage
Backwards footage and speed changes must be
motivated by content
Cut… and cut again!

7. Evaluative writing
Should not be full of excuses
Should feature audience feedback
Should use technical language accurately
Should place your video in relation to
industry
Should relate your video to ‘real’ examples

8. Better Practical work at A2
Making Music Videos