Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Sound · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Music Video

This high-energy course sits at the intersection of music, fashion, and experimental film. Students will learn the specific workflow of music video production, which differs significantly from narrative film. Key skills include lyric analysis, rhythm-based editing, lip-sync playback management, and the creation of hyper-stylized visual worlds that define an artist’s brand.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Conceptualize visual narratives based on song lyrics, tempo, and artist branding
  2. Master the "Playback" technique for accurate lip-sync recording
  3. Direct musical performance and choreography for the camera
  4. Edit to the beat using rhythmic cutting and speed ramping techniques
  5. Apply experimental post-production effects (VFX, Glitch, Color Grading)
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of the Music Video (MTV to YouTube)
  2. 02Song Analysis: Beat, Lyrics, and Mood
  3. 03Developing the Treatment & Pitch
  4. 04Pre-Production: Locations, Props, & Casting
  5. 05The Playback System: Technical Setup
  6. 06Directing Performance: Lip-Syncing
  7. 07Directing Choreography & Movement
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Shooting B-Roll & Narrative Cutaways
  10. 10Lighting for Mood & Genre (Pop vs. Rock)
  11. 11Post-Production I: Syncing & Multi-Cam
  12. 12Post-Production II: Rhythmic Editing
  13. 13Visual Effects & Green Screen
  14. 14Color Grading for Style
  15. 15Distribution & Copyright
  16. 16Final Project: Full Music Video Production

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: Full Music Video Production

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Music Video and the Politics of Representation by Diane Railton
  2. How to Shoot a Music Video by Steve Stockman
  3. Editing Techniques with Final Cut Pro (Focus on Music)
  4. Medium Cool: Music Videos from Soundies to Cellphones by Roger Beebe
  5. Kinetosis (Industry Magazine/Online Resources for MV Directors)
More in Sound
Animated Music VideosThis high-energy course explores the symbiotic relationship between sound and image. Students will learn the unique workflow of producing animated music videos, from lyric visualization to full narrative productions.
Audio Production and Sound DesignSound is the emotional heartbeat of media. This course combines technical engineering with artistic design. Students will learn to capture pristine audio in the studio, but also to manipulate sound waves to create new worlds.
Music Production with AIThis course introduces musicians and producers to the rapidly evolving world of AI Audio. Students will learn to use AI not to replace the musician, but to augment the studio workflow.
Music ProductionThis course introduces the fundamentals of sound, audio behavior, recording principles, software tools, and studio workflow.
Musical Theatre PerformanceThis intense studio course is designed for the "Triple Threat"—the performer who acts, sings, and dances. Students will learn to seamlessly integrate these three disciplines to tell a story.
Podcasting and Audio Storytelling"The theatre of the mind." This course explores the explosion of on-demand audio. Moving beyond simple "two people talking" formats, students will learn the craft of narrative audio.