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 Minneapolis, Minnesota
At Think Global Media, we know that creating a powerful music video is about more than visuals—it’s about crafting a story that elevates your sound. As one of the leading music video production companies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we offer a full-service process that blends creative vision with technical excellence, all tailored to your music, your brand, and your audience.
Whether you’re an independent artist dropping your first single or a label-backed performer aiming to push boundaries, we make sure every frame reflects your unique style and purpose.
🎧 Step 1: Creative Development & Concept Planning
We start by listening—to your track, your goals, and your vision. We dive into the mood, tempo, and message behind your song to design a concept that’s artistically aligned and emotionally impactful.
What this includes:
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Track breakdown & brainstorming session
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Visual treatment or storyline creation
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Mood boards, tone, and style references
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Outlining performance, narrative, or hybrid elements
We ensure the creative direction connects with your audience while staying true to your voice.
📍 Step 2: Location Scouting in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is rich with character—from historic landmarks to urban rooftops and scenic nature trails. Our team scouts and secures the most visually compelling locations to match your concept.
Top filming spots we love:
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Stone Arch Bridge – Breathtaking skyline shots and movement scenes
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North Loop District – Industrial textures, street art, and rooftop access
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Minnehaha Falls – Cinematic waterfalls and wooded trails
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Downtown Minneapolis – Neon, nightlife, and high-energy urban settings
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Lakeside Parks – Soft visuals for acoustic, indie, or country tones
We handle all permits and city regulations, so you can focus on performing.
🛠 Step 3: Pre-Production Setup
Once the vision and locations are locked in, we move into full-scale planning. This phase ensures our team, equipment, and schedule are aligned for a smooth production day.
Pre-production tasks we manage:
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Shot list and storyboard creation
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Casting support (if actors or dancers are needed)
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Wardrobe and prop coordination
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Crew scheduling and call sheets
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Equipment prep (cameras, gimbals, drones, lighting)
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Contingency planning for weather or lighting conditions
Our attention to detail ensures your shoot day is focused, efficient, and creatively energized.
🎥 Step 4: Production Day — Let’s Roll
When it’s time to shoot, we bring all the pieces together. Our experienced crew directs, films, and supports your performance to ensure every frame is visually and emotionally on point.
On set, we focus on:
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Multi-angle coverage and dynamic movement
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Proper lighting setups for mood and depth
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Drone aerials for high-impact visuals
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Artist coaching for on-camera presence (if needed)
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Capturing both performance and b-roll for editorial flexibility
We keep things running on time without rushing the creative process.
💻 Step 5: Post-Production Editing & Color Grading
Once the footage is captured, our editors begin sculpting your video. From pacing to transitions, every decision in the editing suite is made to bring your song to life on screen.
Post includes:
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Syncing footage to your track
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Advanced editing with narrative flow
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Color grading for style and tone consistency
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Motion graphics or VFX (if requested)
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Vertical and square versions for TikTok/IG
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Optional lyric overlays or promo teaser clips
We send preview drafts so you can give feedback and help fine-tune the final version.
📲 Step 6: Final Delivery & Content Support
We don’t stop at the final render. We help you prep for launch with content tailored to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify Canvas.
Deliverables include:
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High-res master file
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Social media cutdowns
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Thumbnail designs and captions (on request)
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Full-quality backups and export versions
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Strategy tips for rollout and engagement
We support your music release with visuals designed for impact, visibility, and shareability.
💡 Why Artists Choose Think Global Media in Minneapolis
We don’t just shoot—we collaborate, direct, and build. With a deep understanding of both music and visual culture, we bring high-end visuals and a creative partner mindset to every artist we work with.
You get:
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🎬 Full-service music video production
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📍 Local expertise across Minneapolis locations
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🎥 High-end camera, drone, and lighting gear
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🧠 Creative direction from experienced professionals
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💯 A visual that actually connects with your audience
Whether you’re local or flying into the Twin Cities, we make it easy to turn your song into a cinematic experience.
📩 Ready to Create Your Music Video in Minneapolis?
Let’s bring your music to the screen in a bold, unforgettable way. At Think Global Media, we make it easy to create music videos that feel like they belong on stage, in stories, and on every screen your fans scroll past.
Production offices in NYC, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Washington, DC, Salt Lake City and Virginia.
