Music Career Talk Twenty 2

We're going to talk about videos. Not so much how to make one, but what role a video might play in your music career. I have been involved with making videos for many years in several capacities; as producer which entails putting all the parts together.Finding a director, location, budget, actors (if needed) in short "making it happen". I've worked as a director which is very similar to producing music. Though not technically trained in cinematography I have been a photographer my whole life so the concept is there. I have always had a great D.P. (director of photography)and someone who can really light a set. With all the years of directing musicians in the studio, preparing bands for major shows and showcasing directing for video was a very natural progression for me. I have also been titled with executive producer which in short means I paid for the video. Back in my days at T.N.T. records we shot all of our videos on film. This is very expensive, but looks great. Now you can shoot on any number of video cameras which can give you a film look. I believe in time your cell phone video camera will have the quality to make a video, mine is close right now. Having a great video can really propel your career by making you assessable to the masses without leaving your house. When I'm shopping for a record deal (truly a vanishing art)having great music is the key, but no one buys anything sight unseen. A video gives a company (record label, management) a chance to see as well as hear what they might be investing in. I can tell you as someone who has run two record companies seeing a bands video really helps me make that yes or no decision. In most cases a label will still want to see the artist live, but with a good recording and video you're improving the odds. With the internet and social networking available there are very creative ways of self promotion making a video a very necessary tool in your (imagine trumpets playing and a lot of reverb on your voice)"Quest for Fame".
Keep in mine that using a weak and or bad video will sink your ship fast. Remember unless you have a friend who knows what there doing, "you get what you pay for". It's hard to make a first impression on a second try. Now go out there and make a great video!!!