Music Videos allow musicians to showcase their creativity, tell stories, and connect with their audience in a unique way. But before the music video magic can happen, there’s one essential step that shouldn’t get overlooked -Developing the concept and treatment.
So what exactly are a music video concept and treatment? Simply put, a concept is the overarching idea or theme of the music video, while the treatment is a written proposal that outlines how the concept will be visually executed. These two elements are critical to the success of any music video, as they serve as a blueprint to communicate the intention for the video to everyone else you have enlisted to help in it’s realization.
In this article, we will explore the importance of having a well-planned music video concept and treatment, and provide tips and tricks for creating your own. Whether this is your first try at a DIY video or your an old hat, this guide will help you take your music videos to the next level.
We’ll cover everything from understanding the basics of music video treatments and concepts, to developing a strong concept that will captivate your audience. We’ll also dive into the process of writing a treatment, breaking down each section and providing examples along the way.
This article is aimed at musicians who want to learn more about the importance of a well-planned music video concept and treatment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your music video game, this guide is for you. So grab your popcorn and let’s get started!
Understanding Music Video Treatments
Ah, music videos! They’re the perfect combination of music and visuals that can take a song from just being great to being a full-blown work of art. But, if you’re looking to create a music video that’s truly going to stand out, you’re going to need to put in some work. That’s where music video treatments come in.
In case you’re not familiar, a music video treatment is a written document that outlines the creative vision for a music video. It’s the roadmap that everyone on the team can follow to ensure that the final product is in line with the original vision. Think of it like a script, but for a music video.
Why
Now, you might be thinking, “Why bother with a music video treatment? Can’t we just wing it and see what happens?” Well, you could, but that’s a risky move. Without a clear plan, your music video might end up feeling disjointed and directionless. And, if you’re trying to use your music video to promote your music career, that’s not a good look.
But don’t worry, creating a music video treatment doesn’t have to be cumbersome In fact, it can be a fun and exciting part of the music video creation process. It’s a chance for you to get creative and really flesh out your ideas for the video.
To Get Started
You’ll want to begin by thinking about the overall concept for your video.
- What story are you trying to tell?
- What mood are you trying to evoke?
- What message do you want to convey?
These are all important questions to consider as you start to brainstorm your music video treatment.
Here is a guide to all of the gear that you’ll need to get started shooting your own videos. Read it here!
Time to Start
Once you’ve got a solid concept in mind, it’s time to start breaking it down into more specific ideas. This is where you’ll want to start thinking about the visuals that will be used in the video.
- What locations will you shoot in?
- What props will you use?
- What kind of lighting will you need?
All of these details will help bring your concept to life.
And don’t forget about the production elements, either.
- Who will be in the video?
- What kind of wardrobe will they wear?
- Will you need any special effects or post-production work?
These are all important questions to consider as you start to put together your music video treatment.
By the time you’ve finished your music video treatment, you should have a clear vision for what your music video will look like. And, just as importantly, you’ll have a document that you can share with everyone you’ve wrangled into helping you to ensure they’re all on the same page.
So, if you’re serious about creating a music video that’s going to make an impact, take the time to create a music video treatment. It’s a small investment of time that can pay off big in the long run.
If you’re still having difficulty settling in on a concept you may want to take a moment to acquaint yourself with the different video types there are. This is a link to a guide about the different types of videos that you can make. It includes examples. It should be very useful. Check it out!
Developing a Strong Music Video Concept
So, you’ve got your treatment down pat. Now, it’s time to move on to the real meat of your music video – the concept! Think of the concept as the glue that holds your entire production together. It’s the unique idea or storyline that will make your video stand out from the rest. But how do you come up with a strong concept that captures the essence of your song and resonates with your audience? Fear not, We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you out.
First
Think about your song’s lyrics and mood. What do they evoke in your mind? What story do they tell? Your concept should be a visual representation of the emotions and ideas expressed in your music. It should complement the song, rather than detract from it.
Next
Brainstorm some visual ideas that could tie into your song’s theme. Think outside of the box! You don’t need to stick to literal interpretations of the lyrics or mood. Perhaps there’s a metaphor or symbol that you could use to convey your message. Or maybe there’s a unique location or character that could add depth to your video.
Now
Once you’ve got a few solid ideas, start thinking about how you can incorporate them into a cohesive storyline. Your concept should be a complete narrative that flows smoothly from beginning to end. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each scene building upon the last.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your storytelling techniques! Use visual effects, symbolism, and metaphors to add layers of meaning to your video. Your concept should be thought-provoking and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
Remember
Your music video concept should be a true reflection of you and your music. It’s a chance to show off your unique style and vision. So don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Who knows, you may just stumble into a happy accident!
Writing a Music Video Treatment
So you have your concept and you’re ready to turn it into a full-fledged music video. The next step is to write your treatment. A music video treatment is a detailed outline that describes the visual and narrative aspects of your video. It’s essentially a blueprint that outlines what you plan to do, scene by scene.
The Structure
The treatment should be structured in a way that allows the reader to easily imagine what they will see on screen. This means that the visual aspect of the treatment is just as important as the narrative aspect. Start by creating a clear opening scene that will grab the viewer’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the video. Think about how you can introduce your concept in an interesting and engaging way.
Next, break down the treatment into clear and concise sections, with each section describing a different aspect of the video. For example, you may have a section that describes the choreography, another section that describes the set design, and another section that describes the camera angles and lighting.
It’s important to remember that a music video treatment is not a script. While the treatment should outline the basic narrative of the video, it doesn’t need to include every single detail of the dialogue or action. Instead, focus on describing the overall mood and atmosphere of the video, and how the visual elements will work together to create that mood.
Be Practical
When writing your treatment, consider the practical aspects of making a music video. Think about the budget, the location, and the resources you have available. While it’s great to have big, ambitious ideas, it’s also important to be realistic about what you can achieve with the resources you have.
Finally, make sure to get feedback from others. Show your treatment to friends, family, and other musicians to get their input. This can help you identify any potential issues or areas that need improvement, and can also help you refine your ideas and make them even stronger.
By taking the time to write a detailed and well-thought-out treatment, you’ll be better equipped to make a music video that truly reflects your vision and connects with your audience.
Applying Professional Techniques to a DIY Production
So, you’ve decided to take on the challenge of creating your own music video, but you don’t have a huge team of professionals to help you out. But! With a bit of creativity and a willingness to learn, you can still apply some of the same techniques used by the pros to make your video stand out.
We recently posted an article about making a music video that is good. It should be a big help. Read Here!
First up, let’s talk about storyboarding. Just like a big-budget production, you’ll want to create a visual plan for your video. Even if it’s just a simple sketch, having a storyboard can help you visualize your shots and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
Next, consider the visual style of your video. This is where you can really get creative and experiment with different looks and feels. Do you want a dark and moody vibe? Or maybe something bright and colorful? Whatever you choose, make sure it fits the mood and tone of your music.
When it comes to production elements, you might not have access to all the fancy gear and equipment used in big productions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your video look professional. Focus on getting clean, stable shots with good lighting, and don’t be afraid to get creative with angles and framing. Please use this link to find our Music Video Checklist. Bookmark and save it as a resource for your next DIY video shoot. Good Luck!
Finally, don’t forget about post-production. Editing is where you can really bring everything together and make your video shine. Take the time to experiment with different cuts and transitions, and make sure the pacing of your video matches the music.
Overall, the key to applying professional techniques to a DIY production is to stay focused on the fundamentals: storytelling, visual style, and production elements. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make a music video that looks and feels just as polished as the big-budget productions.
A Generic Treatment Example
Title
“Song Title” by Artist Name
Director
[Director’s Name] Producer: [Producer’s Name] Artist Manager: [Manager’s Name]
Synopsis
The music video for “Song Title” will be a visually stunning and emotionally captivating journey that follows the story of the song’s lyrics. The video will be shot entirely on location in [Location], using a mix of natural and artificial lighting to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The overall aesthetic will be a mix of surrealism and hyper-realism, with carefully curated costumes and set design to complement the story.
Concept
The music video will be divided into three distinct acts, each representing a different emotional state.
- Act I will be a nostalgic and dreamy sequence that captures the feeling of a fading memory.
- Act II will be darker and more intense, reflecting the chaos and turmoil of the song’s lyrics.
- Act III will be a cathartic release, as the protagonist finds closure and moves on.
Characters
The music video will feature [Artist Name] as the protagonist, with supporting roles played by [Actor/Actress Names]. The supporting characters will be carefully selected to complement the story and convey the emotions of the song’s lyrics.
Locations
The music video will be shot entirely on location in [Location], taking advantage of the area’s natural beauty and unique character. The specific locations will be carefully chosen to complement the story and convey the emotions of the song’s lyrics.
Visual Style
The music video will feature a mix of natural and artificial lighting, with careful attention paid to color grading and post-production effects. The overall visual style will be a mix of surrealism and hyper-realism, with carefully curated costumes and set design to complement the story.
Mood
The music video will be an emotional journey that captures the essence of the song’s lyrics. The overall mood will be nostalgic, intense, and cathartic, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster of the song.
Conclusion
The music video for “Song Title” will be a visually stunning and emotionally captivating journey that follows the story of the song’s lyrics. The overall aesthetic will be a mix of surrealism and hyper-realism, with carefully curated costumes and set design to complement the story. With the talented team of professionals behind this project, we are confident that the end result will be a true masterpiece.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found the information useful and informative. By now, you should have a good understanding of what a treatment and concept are, why they are important, and how to write them.
Remember, the key to creating a successful music video is to plan ahead and put in the time and effort to develop a strong concept and treatment. This will help ensure that everyone helping has a clearly understanding of your vision, Doing so optimizes your chances of realizing a video that stands out from the crowd and effectively communicates your message to your audience.
After you’ve finished making your video you’ll have strategically plan the video release strategy. Here is a link to a guide to inform you on the ins and outs of an effective music video release. Check it out!
The principles outlined in this article apply to all levels of music video production. With a little bit of practice and dedication, you can create music videos that are engaging, visually stunning, and true to your artistic vision.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your notebook, start brainstorming, and get to work on your next music video project. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. After all, the best music videos are the ones that break the mold and stand out from the rest.
Remember, there’s no magic formula for creating the perfect music video. It’s all about finding what works for you and your unique style. So keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun!
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide. We wish you all the best in your musical endeavors. If you decide you need some help developing your treatment we linked the search for that skillset help on Fiverr. Good Luck!