Music Video Directors and Producers

To see if you have what it takes to be a music video director or producer, the most obvious opportunity for exploration lies in your own imagination. Studying music videos, films, and other types of media and the process of how they are made is the beginning of the journey to work in these fields.

In high school and beyond, pay attention to music videos. Watch them at every opportunity. Study commercials, television shows, and films that incorporate musical elements to see what makes them interesting. Try to imitate their style using your own or borrowed equipment—no matter how basic it is. Learn how to use a camera and how to edit what you shoot using a computer.

One of the best ways to get experience is to volunteer for a student or low-budget film project; positions on such projects are often advertised in local trade publications. Community cable stations also hire volunteers and may even offer internships.

To learn more about the music industry in general, read Variety (https://variety.com). The Directors Guild of America's official publication DGA Monthly contains much information on the industry. If you are unable to find this magazine at a public library or bookstore, visit the DGA Web site (https://www.dga.org/News/DGAMonthly.aspx) for further information on how to access this members-only publication.

Many camps and workshops offer summer programs for high school students interested in film work. For example, the New York Film Academy offers a summer program for students aged 14–17. Classes include music video, filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, and 3D animation. For information, visit its Web site, https://www.nyfa.edu/youth-on-campus-and-online-workshops.

Other ways to learn more about music video directing and producing careers include taking part in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with directors and producers and participating in competitions that are offered by the National YoungArts Foundation, SkillsUSA, the Technology Student Association, and other organizations.