First step, choosing the song. This is most important if this is your first Music Video. Putting your best foot forward and selecting what you feel is your best work. This will give you the greatest chances for wide market success and this is one of the most important and overlooked step of the production! Read More
Scheduling a date for your music video production.
Next, you’ll have to set the date that works with your schedule as well as your production team. The Global Filmz team works 7 days a week, so if we have a date that we are not currently scheduled to shoot than that date is available for your production. Once you have your production date set, it is time to have a meeting with your creative team / music video production company to go over concept, theme, lighting, color palette and production logistics.
Choosing your film crew for the video production.
Our video productions start with a 3-person crew (that’s our minimum) and that would be your film crew foundation consisting of: one DP (Director of Photography), one 1st AC (Assistant Camera Op) and one PA (Production Assistant). Due to the amount of heavy gear, we film with we have found this is the least amount of crew members we can have onset as a production team to accommodate lower budget projects (even for the smallest film productions). Anything less, would dramatically slow down production, in turn cost the client more money hourly and “burn-out” the crew members faster.
The 3-person crew is just a foundation, now you must figure out can you get the job done with the bare minimum or does your music video production require more film crew members. We employ over 30 crew members that are at the highest level of their craft from:
- Music Video Directors
- Assistant Directors
- Directors of Photography
- Production Coordinators
- 1st & 2nd Assistant Camera Ops
- Gaffers | Electric
- Art Directors | Set Designers
- Key Grips | Best Boy
- DITs
- Video Technicians | Audio Technicians
- Hair Stylist | MUAs | Wardrobe Stylists
- Production Assistants | Runners
- Dance Choreographers | Fight & Action Choreographers
Now, we just need to figure out what your production needs are and cater to them accordingly. Although our film crew can and will “wear many hats” and have been taught to work various roles/positions onset from grip, electric, lighting and audio. It’s always best to assign a specialist in that specific field to handle the job. If the production budget allows, consider adding a few more key players to the 3-person crew minimum such as a Gaffer that’s assigned to lighting, a Key Grip assigned to riggings for camera and lighting setups and a Director to oversee the overall production. This will not only move the production along faster & smoother (which in-turn saves the client money) but will enhance the overall quality of the finished product.
Do I need a Director for a music video production?
Although, our Director of Photography can play the role as a Director onset for smaller projects it’s always helps to have a Director involved in the process. Our DPs do not develop the treatment plans in the pre-production stages of our projects. Although, they will assist the Director with the shot list, lighting color palettes and composition portion of the treatment plan. If you have a medium to large scale production with various moving parts a Director is key to have involved in the production, to develop a solid treatment plan, lead the artist and production team through the pre-production, onsite production and post production stages of the music video production. For example: You can’t play American football without a Quarterback, the Director is the production’s Quarterback.
Do I need a treatment Plan for a music video?
The short answer to this question is: Yes, its always good to be prepared! At the same time, if you have a smaller production that you are planning on producing with not a lot of moving parts such as just a few performance scenes with some b-roll then it’s not absolutely necessary. Although, either way our film crew will always come prepared to shoot with their own shot-list to make sure there is a guideline to the shots that need to be captured.
What is a video production Treatment Plan?
A treatment is made up of a few elements such as a Storyboard, shot list, synopsis, and a schedule. A treatment plan is your production’s guideline, blueprint, framework to your upcoming production.
The Synopsis
The synopsis allows for everyone to be on the same page as far as the story concept and vision for the project.
Scheduling
Scheduling is one of the most important parts of a treatment plan. The schedule/call sheet provides the call-times, which determines who needs to meet, where they need to meet, and when they need to meet. This is important for the camera dept, G&E, on-camera talent, stylist, make-up, choreographers, dancers, set design, wardrobe, prop-masters, art directors, etc to all have this information prior to the production to get everyone to the right place at the right time!
The Shot list
The shot list is made up of various sequences of compositions (framing), from wide-shots to establish the surroundings of a person/place or thing in a story, to medium shots and ultra-close-up shots. The shot-list also allows the team to establish the mood of the scene from lighting and color palettes. A shot list can be made up of technical text information from framing, camera settings, camera rigs and shot fluidity as well as imagery to give the team a visual reference of the looks/shots we are going for.
Now that the Treatment Plan is complete, you can utilize the plan to finally begin shooting!
The Director will be the most important part of this. They are essentially, the manager of this shoot. They “shoot to edit,” which makes sure that the shots are achieved for editing and oversee the flow of the production. Continuity plays a huge part is this process and its very important that the Director makes sure there are no continuity-errors with the storyboard portion of the production. To prevent this from happening (if there is not a Script Supervisor onset), we normally setup the director with a large wireless video monitoring unit in a area that the director can focus on every composition being shot and request a playback if there is every a shot in question.
Post-Production.
After you’ve filmed all the scenes, you can begin the editing process. This is all the final necessary edits and touches that go into the video before it is ready for distribution. The editing process can be extremely intricate, which is why there are Video Editors whose primary function is to know how to use editing software and align that knowledge with their creative mind-set, while staying true to the initial vision of the production.
Making a music video is a challenging, but yet exciting and when it’s all said and done it’s a very rewarding experience! We will see you onset! Look forward to working with you!
Steps to Creating a Music Video Production in Rochester, New York
At Think Global Media, we believe a music video isn’t just a video — it’s your story, your vibe, and your brand, all wrapped into one stunning visual. As one of the top music video production companies serving Rochester, New York, we’ve fine-tuned a process that makes creating your video smooth, creative, and truly professional.
Whether you’re a hip-hop artist looking for gritty street visuals, a pop singer wanting vibrant cityscapes, or an indie band after a raw, emotional story, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how we make it happen.
📝 1. Creative Consultation & Concept Development
The first step is all about you. We’ll set up a consultation to dig into:
🎤 Your music & style: What makes your sound unique?
🎯 Your goals: Are you pushing a single, building your brand, or wanting viral social content?
🎨 Your inspiration: We’ll look at references, moods, and ideas you love.
Then we develop a custom concept — from performance-driven videos in Rochester’s vibrant streets to narrative stories that keep viewers hooked.
📍 2. Location Scouting in Rochester
Rochester is packed with incredible filming locations. We scout the best spots based on your style and storyline, like:
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High Falls & the Genesee River gorge for powerful natural visuals
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Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) for colorful, mural-lined streets
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Historic downtown architecture to give your video a cinematic edge
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Highland Park & Ontario Beach Park for lush outdoor scenes or romantic sunset shots
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Raw industrial backdrops for edgy, urban feels
We’ll also handle any needed permits and local logistics, so you don’t have to worry.
🎬 3. Pre-Production & Detailed Planning
Once we’ve locked in your concept and locations, we’ll build a full production plan that includes:
✅ Shot lists & storyboards: So you know exactly what we’re filming.
✅ Scheduling: We plan around the best light (like golden hour) and your availability.
✅ Props, wardrobe, or extras: If your concept calls for it, we handle casting or styling.
✅ Gear & crew prep: From cinema cameras to drones, stabilizers, and lighting.
🎥 4. Filming Day in Rochester
This is where it all comes together. Our experienced directors and crew guide you through every shot to make sure you look confident and authentic on camera.
We’ll use a mix of dynamic handheld shots, drone footage over Rochester landmarks, cinematic slow-motion, and close-ups that draw fans into your world. You just focus on your performance — we’ll handle the technical magic.
🎞️ 5. Editing & Post-Production
After filming, we get to work in our editing suite. Here’s how we bring your video to life:
🎼 Rhythmic cuts synced to your song
🎨 Professional color grading that gives it a polished, cinematic look
✨ Graphics, titles, or lyrics overlays if your concept calls for it
🎬 Revisions: We send you drafts, get your input, and refine until it’s exactly right.
🚀 6. Final Delivery & Promo Content
Once approved, we deliver:
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✅ A high-resolution master file for YouTube or VEVO
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✅ Social media teasers for Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook
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✅ Short behind-the-scenes cuts if you want extra content to hype the release
We can also help strategize your drop — from premiere scheduling to how to leverage your video to grow your fanbase.
🌟 Why Artists Choose Think Global Media in Rochester
🎥 Local expertise: We know Rochester’s streets, parks, and hidden gems — and how to capture them beautifully.
🎯 High production value: The same professional gear and techniques used by major labels.
🎨 Collaborative approach: We’re your creative partners, not just your videographers.
🚀 Marketing-minded: We build videos that boost streams, shares, and your brand.
📩 Ready to Create Your Music Video in Rochester?
At Think Global Media, we take your song and turn it into a compelling visual experience that fans can’t ignore. If you’re ready to film your next music video in Rochester, New York, we’d love to be part of your journey.
Production offices in NYC, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Washington, DC, Salt Lake City and Virginia.
