Music Video Production for Beginners: From Script to Screen
A course by David J EastDirector and Photographer
A course by David J East, Director and Photographer
Discover how to create a high-end music video on a budget and learn the basics of editing on Adobe Premiere for professional-looking results
Making a music video is about creating the visual language of a song that communicates a band or artist’s identity. They are an opportunity to tell a story while connecting emotionally with the audience. In this course, director and photographer David J East teaches you how to create visually striking music videos from scratch with little to no budget.
Delve into the world of music video production by learning how to develop, film, and edit quality video clips. Discover all there is to know about scriptwriting, location scouting, directing, and the post-production process.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 11 downloads
Materials
3 minutes, 19 seconds
Approaching a Project
7 minutes, 42 seconds
Creative Ideas and Concepts
4 minutes, 30 seconds
The Basics of Simple Storytelling
3 minutes, 55 seconds
Creating a Treatment and Writing the Script 1
15 minutes, 55 seconds
Creating a Treatment and Writing the Script 2
11 minutes, 33 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet David J East, film director, photographer, and your teacher for this course. David shares his creative journey from film school in South Africa to making music videos for artists like Melanie C and Foals. Hear about the film and photography icons that have inspired his work.
Start the pre-production phase by going through the materials needed for this course. Learn how to approach a film project by understanding what the client wants and how to best apply your ideas to the music video. Discover how to create a storytelling concept featuring a protagonist, a storyline, a message and the feeling you want to convey.
Learn how to write a script (known as a treatment) for your video that communicates the different elements of the story. Then, see how to build a strong team to manage each aspect of the filming process. Explore the importance of location scouting and how to choose the right set. David shows you how to make a shot list and how to get the most out of your film shoot by working with natural light and directing your actors.
Lights, camera, action! After filming your music video, dive into the post-production phase. David walks you through the editing process using Adobe Premiere. Learn how to use the software’s digital tools to import, edit, and correct the color of your footage. Discover how to make a trailer and select the best stills to promote and share your music video with the world.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a professional-looking music video and edit it on Adobe Premiere.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is great for aspiring filmmakers who want to learn the basics of creating a music video, or musicians who want to learn how to make one of their own.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is necessary.
To take this course, you need a notepad for ideas, a camera for filming (it can be a smartphone with good resolution), access to PowerPoint and Excel (or similar software), and Adobe Premiere Pro or similar video editing software (iMovie works, too).
Reviews
- 3 months ago
That's Amazing Course!
- 2 years ago
It is very interesting and educational, the teaching is very practical, I have learned a lot, in a very simple way.
- 2 years ago
Kurs wydaje się bardzo przydatny dla początkujących
- 2 years ago
Un curso bastante amplio para ser algo básico. Recomendable y buen profesorado.
- 2 years ago
Muy claro y entretenido!
Throughout his career, he has filmed commercials for Mercedes, Jaguar, Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 Denim clothing line, Bose, and Guinness. David directed music videos for Foals, Melanie C, Charlotte OC, Gengahr, The Japanese House, Jelani Blackman, Sam Sure, and Thor Rixon. He has also directed his own short films like Down Days and Exert.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
The Essentials of Preparation
- Materials
- Approaching a Project
- Creative Ideas and Concepts
- The Basics of Simple Storytelling
- U3
The Aspects of Production
- Creating a Treatment and Writing the Script 1
- Creating a Treatment and Writing the Script 2
- Finding a Good Team
- Location Scouting and Recce
- Shot Listing
- Filming
- U4
Video Post-production
- Editing Your Footage 1
- Editing Your Footage 2
- Sharing Your Work
- FP
Final project
- Music Video Production for Beginners: From Script to Screen
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers fundamental filmmaking concepts, planning, shooting, and editing music videos from scratch.
You can start with basic gear such as a DSLR or even your phone, plus free or affordable editing software like Windows Movie Maker or Premiere Pro. The course also discusses options for cameras and software to match your budget.
You’ll learn the full process: brainstorming ideas, writing treatments, shot listing, location scouting, filming with natural light, directing, editing, color grading, and sharing your videos professionally.
No prior experience is required. The course starts with the basics and guides you step-by-step through each stage of music video creation.
Yes, you’ll learn practical techniques for creating high-quality music videos with minimal equipment and resources, focusing on authenticity and creativity over costly gear.
Yes, the course includes editing basics using both Premiere Pro and Windows Movie Maker, showing how to cut, arrange, color grade, and export your finished music videos.
You’ll learn to develop concepts, write treatments, build mood boards, storyboard, create shot lists, and plan locations, ensuring organized and effective shoots.