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 Detroit, Michigan
At Think Global Media, we believe that every great track deserves an equally powerful visual. Creating a music video is more than just filming a performance—it’s about capturing your energy, your story, and your identity on screen. That’s why we offer a full-service approach to music video production in Detroit, Michigan, tailored to artists of every genre.
From concept to completion, we guide you through every step of the process with creativity, professionalism, and Detroit grit.
🎧 Step 1: Creative Discovery & Concept Development
Every music video starts with a vision. We begin by getting to know your sound, style, and story. During our initial consultation, we dive into your goals, inspirations, and how you want your audience to feel when they watch the final product.
We discuss:
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The message behind your song
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Visual themes or inspirations
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Target platforms (YouTube, Vevo, TikTok, etc.)
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Preferred style: cinematic, raw, high-energy, narrative, or performance-driven
Once we understand your vision, we build a creative direction and treatment that reflects your brand and sets the stage for filming.
📍 Step 2: Scouting Music Video Locations in Detroit
Detroit is a city full of contrast and character. From industrial zones to urban murals, waterfront parks to historic landmarks—this city offers diverse visuals that elevate any production.
We scout iconic and hidden locations such as:
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Eastern Market – Street art, vibrant murals, and authentic urban feel
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Downtown Detroit – Rooftops, skyscrapers, and cinematic city vibes
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Belle Isle Park – Scenic nature shots, skyline views, and reflective moments
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Abandoned factories – Raw textures for high-impact visuals
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Detroit Riverwalk – Smooth tracking shots with modern appeal
We handle all location permits, site logistics, and safety protocols so you can focus on your performance.
🗂️ Step 3: Pre-Production Planning
Once the concept and locations are approved, we move into pre-production. This is where we plan every detail to ensure a smooth and efficient shoot. From gear selection to crew assignments, we build a strategy that works with your schedule and budget.
Pre-production includes:
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Script or storyboard (if applicable)
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Casting (if needed) and styling consultation
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Gear setup (cameras, drones, lighting, rigs)
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Shot list and schedule creation
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Backup planning in case of weather changes
We’re all about being prepared—so when the cameras roll, everything clicks into place.
🎥 Step 4: Production Day in Detroit
This is where the vision becomes reality. On shoot day, we bring a full production crew, state-of-the-art equipment, and hands-on direction to help you feel confident and in control. Whether it’s a performance scene or cinematic narrative, we make sure the energy is right and the footage is powerful.
What we bring on set:
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4K+ resolution cameras and stabilization tools
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Professional lighting setups
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Drone capabilities for aerial shots
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Monitor playback for real-time review
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Direction and performance guidance
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Audio sync and safety takes
From sunrise scenes to gritty night shoots, we know how to capture Detroit at its best.
🎞️ Step 5: Post-Production Editing & Final Cut
After the shoot, we bring your footage to life in the edit bay. Our editors work closely with you to ensure the final video matches your vision and enhances the message of your song.
Our post-production services include:
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Multi-cam editing & syncing
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Visual effects & motion graphics
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Professional color correction and grading
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Slow motion, speed ramps, and stylized transitions
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Custom formats for social media & streaming platforms
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Two rounds of revisions included
Your music video isn’t just a product—it’s a statement. We make sure it lands with impact.
📲 Step 6: Delivery & Launch Support
We deliver your final video in a variety of formats optimized for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Vevo, and TikTok. We can also provide promo teasers, short-form vertical edits, and eye-catching thumbnails to support your release campaign.
Included with delivery:
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High-res MP4 or ProRes video file
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Social media teaser clips (15s–60s)
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Vertical and square formats
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Thumbnail design (if needed)
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Upload guidance or hands-on assistance
We help you go beyond the edit—so your music video reaches the right audience, at the right time, on the right screen.
🎶 Why Choose Think Global Media in Detroit?
We’re not just camera operators—we’re creators who understand the rhythm of visual storytelling. With a deep understanding of Detroit’s creative scene and years of experience in music video production, we deliver visuals that feel real, hit hard, and stay memorable.
What sets us apart:
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🎬 All-inclusive production packages
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🎥 Professional-grade equipment and crew
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📍 Local knowledge of Detroit’s filming locations
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📲 Built-in support for digital and social releases
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🧠 Creative partnership, not just a service provider
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💡 Quick turnarounds and transparent pricing
No matter your budget or background, we help you bring your vision to life—with style and purpose.
📩 Ready to Shoot Your Music Video in Detroit?
If you’re ready to create a music video that hits as hard as your music, let’s collaborate. At Think Global Media, we don’t just film—we tell stories, build brands, and help artists stand out in a visual world.
Production offices in NYC, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Washington, DC, Salt Lake City and Virginia.