MUSIC VIDEO
I’m writing this because one thing happens to me very often. An artist sends me a reference from 50 Cent, Beyoncé or Travis Scott and says, “I have around £1,000, can we make something like this?”
I understand it. We all get inspired by big videos. But these references can have huge crews, several locations, set design, lighting teams, styling, VFX and many days of post-production. It is not just coming with a camera, filming for a few hours and the video is finished.
Nothing is wrong with a £1,000 budget. You can still make something strong. But the idea has to fit the budget. A simple idea done properly will always look better than a huge idea done badly.
This guide explains where the money goes, what changes between a £1,000 and £10,000 production, and how to get the best music video you can with the budget you have.
A music video starts before the shoot
For me, the biggest misunderstanding is that the work begins when we arrive on set. In reality, a good music video begins much earlier.
First we need to understand the song, the artist and the mood. Is the video mainly performance, is it a story, or a mix of both? What should the audience feel? Where will people watch it: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or all of them?
Then we build the treatment. This is the creative plan with references, colours, lighting, locations, wardrobe and the general direction. After this comes the shot list, schedule, crew, equipment, permissions and all the small details people do not normally see.
This music video pre-production is not wasted time. It is what saves time and money on the filming day.
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Why the shot list matters
A shot list is not only a list of camera angles. It helps us understand what we need to achieve in the hours we have.
Without a plan, it is easy to spend too long on one setup and then rush the best idea at the end of the day. With a clear shot list, the camera team, lighting team, artist, styling and production are working towards the same result.
We can still be creative and change things on set. I actually like leaving some space for unexpected moments. But we need a strong base first.
Lighting changes everything
People often focus on the camera, but lighting is one of the biggest things separating an average video from a cinematic one.
Lighting creates the mood, separates the artist from the background and gives shape to the location. It can make a simple room look expensive, dramatic or completely different. It also takes time. Lights need to be placed, controlled, powered and changed between setups.
If the budget is small, I would rather plan fewer setups and light them properly than try to film ten different scenes with no time to make any of them look good.
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The filming day is only one part
On the day, everything has to come together: performance, camera movement, focus, lighting, playback, styling, makeup, props and timing.
A small video may be me with a compact crew, one location and a few strong setups. A larger production may need a producer, assistant director, director of photography, camera assistants, gaffer, art department, stylist, makeup artist, runners and more.
More people does not automatically mean a better video. The crew should match the idea. But when the concept becomes more complex, every person has a job that keeps the production safe and moving.
Story, performance or both?
A performance video can be very effective, especially when the artist has strong energy and the visual style is clear. It can also be a smart choice for a smaller budget.
A narrative video needs more preparation. You may need actors, more locations, props, wardrobe, continuity and extra shooting time. A hybrid video mixes performance with a simple story and is often a good middle ground.
The right choice is not about copying what another artist did. It is about finding what works for your song, your personality and your budget.
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Post-production is where the video comes together
After filming, we still have a lot of work. The footage needs to be backed up, organised, synced and edited. Then we work on colour, cleanup, titles and sometimes visual effects.
The first cut is only the beginning. Music videos often need detailed timing because every cut and movement should work with the track. Colour grading is also important because it connects different scenes and gives the final mood.
If you want heavy VFX, beauty work, complicated transitions or many versions for social media, this needs to be planned in the budget. Post-production can take longer than the shoot itself.
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What can you make for around £1,000?
Around £1,000 is normally a small and focused production. This could be one location, a very small crew, limited lighting and a performance-led idea.
To make it work, keep the concept simple. Choose one visual world and do it well. A good location, strong styling, a clear colour palette and confident performance can create much more value than trying to copy five expensive scenes.
At this budget, everyone needs to be realistic about time, revisions and extras. It can still look professional, but it cannot include everything from a major-label video.
What changes around £3,000?
Around £3,000 gives more room for proper pre-production, a stronger crew, better lighting, location costs, art direction or extra shooting time.
We can usually create more setups and have more control. There may be space for a simple narrative element, dancers, styling or a more ambitious camera approach.
The most important difference is not only equipment. It is having enough people and time to execute the idea properly.
What changes around £5,000?
At around £5,000 we can develop a more complete production. This can include a larger crew, several looks, more detailed lighting, set dressing, professional styling and a stronger post-production finish.
It also gives us more protection when things change. Locations, transport, overtime and technical problems can affect a shoot, so a realistic production budget helps the day run without cutting the best ideas.
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What can £10,000+ make possible?
At £10,000 and above, the production can become much more ambitious. Depending on the concept, this may include custom sets, multiple locations, larger cast and crew, specialist camera equipment, complex lighting, choreography, VFX and more days for filming or post.
Even here, money should still serve the idea. A bigger budget does not fix a weak concept. The treatment, performance and planning still matter.
When you are thinking about how to plan a music video, the clearest place to start is the idea, then the available time and your music video budget UK. Good video production is about making those things work together, not adding things only because they looked expensive in another reference.
Where does the budget actually go?
A music video budget can include creative development, producing, crew fees, camera and lighting equipment, studio or location hire, permits, travel, transport, catering, styling, makeup, actors or dancers, props, set design, editing, colour grading, VFX, music video versions and insurance.
This is why a quote is not only a price for holding a camera. It covers the people, time and resources needed to turn the concept into a finished video.
How to get the best result from your budget
Be honest about your budget from the beginning. It saves time and helps us design the right idea for you.
Send the track, a short explanation of what the song means, your deadline, where you want to film, any references you like and what you like about them. Also tell us what is essential and what is only a nice extra.
Do not try to hide the budget hoping for a cheaper quote. If I know the real number, I can tell you what is possible and where the money will make the biggest difference.
Most importantly, be open to a different idea. Your reference can guide the mood without copying the scale. Sometimes the smaller and more personal concept is the one people remember.
Final thoughts
A music video is a collaboration. The artist brings the song, identity and performance. The production team turns this into a visual world.
You do not always need a huge budget, but you do need a clear plan. Pre-production, shot list, lighting, the filming day and post-production are all connected. If one part is ignored, the final video will feel it.
If you are planning a music video production in London, send me your track, your references and your honest budget. I will tell you what can be done and help build an idea that fits, instead of promising something unrealistic.
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Planning a music video?
Send Travel Ink Media your track, references, deadline and budget. Let’s create a video that fits the artist and the money available.