MUSIC VIDEO TO FEATURE FILM, HOW TO MAKE THE MOVE

 To make the leap from one part of production to another might sound or look all easy a decision to make. In the real sense It is not. There are filmmakers who have carved a niche for themselves in a particular production form, there are film makers who only shoot music videos, some shoot features, some just documentary. But the nirvana of every filmmaker is feature film. It is an unstated truth that every filmmaker knows. This post will talk about how to make that bold transition from a music video director/producer to that with a feature film to her name.

You will need lots of handshakes and smiles. Trust me, moving from music video to feature films will mean lots of casts, crew and help. If you make that switch, you will need to call in lots of favour. You might not have a full understanding of that part of production, so you will need help from people and companies vast and operational in that field. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help if you think you are deficient in any part. If you are waiting for when you will translate just your knowledge of music video to feature film, you will wait for a long time.

You will need your crew. Yes, your music video crew. If you want to shoot your first feature you will need people you understand, who understand you. Understanding you in this context involves understanding deferred payment, small honorarium and volunteering. If you can get your music video crew to understand and reason along with you to work with you, it will save a lot of unavailable cash and time.

The switch must be made in consensus. Before you switch or shoot feature make sure you intimate your music video crew. Let them understand why they should join you to shoot film. Honestly state what they will be paid when money flows. Make them make that switch with you. Bring in people with experience in feature films to man few other areas especially that of assistant director, camera operator and continuity.

Before you shoot your feature film let the script be within your budget. The script must be unique, interesting but it must be within budget and favour reach. The script should not be too bogus and out of budget reach. Weave the script around things you can get, things you know how to easily get, things you have gotten before. Make sure your script gives you breathing space to shoot, if not looking like that, edit, edit, edit.

Time is of essence. In Music Video, there is a lot of time wasting on not needed shots. If you are making a feature film, you don’t have the luxury of uncountable needless shots. Your shots must be precise. You don’t have all the time in the world. So if you will shoot on schedule you need to shoot what you need.

If there is a part of production, music video company don’t tread - that is distributing. This end of music videos is done by artiste or their record company. If you have to shoot a feature, you must know about how you will distribute your work. You must have an understanding/agreement with a distribution company before you set out to shoot if you don’t want your work sitting on you shelf or living in your hard drive.

If you want to shoot your first feature film as a music video director (and you should) you will find this insightful.