My Advice to Musicians Who Are Interested in Content Production
For the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with video in my content production strategy. I won’t lie, it’s tough.
To become a master at this craft, patience is definitely something you need. Nevertheless, here are some things I’ve learned with my experience in producing video:
1. You need to have self-awareness behind the lens
Being on camera is a different beast. You have to be aware of how you come off on camera. Many times people said I looked like I was nervous. 98% of that wasn’t true.
Regardless, my natural speech mannerisms really showed I’ve had to work hard to change them in front of the camera.
I’ve cut my stutter significantly and my speech flow has improved. Mastering this skill takes hard work.
2. I found a new passion video content creation–Learning wasn’t always easy.
Besides writing music, video has become my second love. In October of 2016, was when I began my journey as video producer.
What started out as my experiment in creating vlogs turned into me become a professional filmmaker.
However, I wouldn’t have learned the skill if I was complacent. Sometimes I wanted to give up. I loved the idea of making videos but at the process of learning in the beginning can take its toll.
Regardless, in every process you’ll make mistakes especially in the beginning. I may have had the creative talent but building the skill was a step by step process.
So like any content producer you’ll stumble. You’ll make lots of bad videos. However, don’t ever give up. One day you’ll become great but you have to be will to put in the work.
3. Content production & Storytelling Takes Time!
Video content production & editing by any means is not easy. I get to record lots of things, however, most of that footage will never be used in the final product.
Nonetheless, creative & storytelling sets apart the best video editors out there. It may take hours of work to shoot and edit a four-minute video.
An important thing I learned–there no short cuts. Spending time to add an extra sound effect or make a couple of jump cuts can change the appeal of a video.
Regardless, you have to be willing to spend that extra time in the editing room.
4. Anybody Can Do It, Just Put Your Mind to It
You don’t have to be the best editor or be the most creative person in the world to make a great video for your music brand. If you have a cellphone with a working camera, that is all you need.
As a matter of fact, many popular online brands have been built on a cell phone -just ask Instagram.
Don’t complicate things for yourself, use what you have. You can always rent or borrow equipment. Only purchase new equipment when you need absolutely need it.
