Making films and music videos is a great outlet for creative expression. Sure, a good music video can boost streams and bring you more fans, but today, we’re talking more about the art of it all rather than the business side of things.
This week, we were joined by Emmanuel Li, a man with many hats—writer, director, cinematographer, occasional actor—who has a lot of passion and a lot to say about making films. After making a couple of films with his friends as a teen, he went on to co-found a production company, Big Tent Films and took his passion for creativity to film festivals, music videos for various artists and more.
Always thought about becoming a filmmaker and working with music artists? Here’s everything you need to know.
Making films that say something
Before we start anything, here’s a good tip from Emmanuel: make sure your film/music video says more than just the lyrics. Having an artist singing about a blue sky and then visually showing a blue sky might be a little… redundant and uninteresting for your viewers.
Dig deeper into the meaning of the song to find the underlying story that plays throughout.
Inject your film with a distinctive narrative to create a new world for your viewers to explore. (Production design is key here, but we’ll get to that later.)
The process
Firstly, conceptualise the film you’re trying to make. Brainstorm ideas with the artist you're working with, and find themes and concepts that align with the song’s narrative or mood.
Next, you’ll want to find good people to help you bring this project to life. Collaborate with producers, cinematographers, production designers, and as many people as possible to start off on the best foot.
Once you have your idea, start planning the logistics. Scout for locations, find stores with the costumes and materials you have in mind and anything else you need before you start shooting. This doesn’t have to be the most official process by the way. Emmanuel and his mates just rode bikes around town to see what was about and then begged people to use their carwash or corner shop. Don’t overthink it!
Now you can start shooting! There isn’t one set process, so don’t worry if this isn’t exactly how you would approach it, but it’s a nice starting point.
You don’t need big budgets to make good art
We know big budgets can really elevate a project, but you can also find inspiration in the constraints of a tight budget or even no budget at all. Emmanuel has made a ton of films with zero pounds and zero pence, and he’s now working with artists like Declan McKenna, dodie and even Jedward.
Think creatively and make the most of what you have. By focusing on production value and using available resources, you can create some stunning visuals that will make people go “wow”.
How do I get people to see my cool films and music videos?
Once your music video or film is complete, the challenge now becomes getting it out into the world. Emmanuel says social media is a huge way to do this, of course, but don’t forget about press. Look for indie magazines and publications that can write and publish pieces about you, getting more eyes on your finished project. You can also look at submitting to film festivals, which sometimes also accept music videos, as well as film festivals specifically for music videos.
Tips for aspiring filmmakers
- Be inspired by what you have
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, find inspiration from the things you have access to right now. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask around. Who knows, maybe you know someone who knows someone who owns a church. Think of the aesthetics!
- Focus on production value
Production value is the key to world-building. While low-budget productions may have limitations, investing in production value can quickly make your film look like it’s on a completely different level. Prioritise aspects like production design to create visually interesting narratives.
- Get a dedicated team
Collaboration is key to a successful film project. Get yourself surrounded by a group of passionate individuals who share your vision and can bring a diverse skill set to the table. A team that works well together can turn even the simplest concept into a cinematic masterpiece.
- Plan x3!
Before you get down to the production side of things, take the time to plan every aspect of your film. From storyboarding to location scouting, thorough preparation can allow you to have a smooth and productive shoot.
- Social media is your friend
Build anticipation and excitement for your film or music video by using social media: post teasers, pre-teasers, story promotions, Spotify Canvas, the lot. Once your film is finished, plan a big social media push to get as many eyes as possible on your final piece.
- Learn from the rejections
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from the artists you work with (even if they’re mean, it’s worth it, we promise). Constructive criticism can help you refine your skills and grow as a filmmaker, ultimately making the quality of your future projects even better.
- Keep the passion
Filmmaking is a journey filled with ups and downs. Stay committed to your craft and creativity; see every setback as a learning opportunity. Your finished projects will be worth all the stress.
Music videos can do so much to elevate a song and your persona as an artist overall. Making them is even more fun!
Make sure to join us in person for another Music Industry Mondays to get your latest fix on the industry. Check out our events page here.
