Music Video Director

The production of a music video is primarily led by the music video director, who utilizes their skills to help artists visually present their music to audiences. After listening to a music track from an artist, the director will produce a creative script or visual narrative that they submit to the artist or label to consider. If chosen, the director will continue to develop their creative vision for the music video and source all of the necessary production crew and equipment for the shoot. 

In coordination with cinematographers, set designers, choreographers, actors, and the song’s artist, the director ensures that everything is prepared in advance for the actual filming dates. This can range from a single day to multiple days of shoots. Depending on the music, the artist’s ideas, and the director’s vision, a music video might be a live performance at a single location or an entire narrative spanning multiple sets. Logistical skills like scheduling, planning, and budgeting are just as necessary for making music videos as the creative skills to conceptualize them.

Experience in any area of film production is valuable for a career in this profession, especially directing, which requires a strong understanding of all the parts that make up a production. Bachelor degrees in film or performance and experience on production crews can provide the knowledge required for this line of work. Musicians who pursue music video production have the advantage of a nuanced understanding of performance and music, allowing them to better understand what artists will want from a video and dig deeper into the music creatively with their production. 

Making videos for your own music or local artists you know can be a great way to jump into getting hands-on experience directing.