MAKING A MUSIC VIDEO: A WEEK AT NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY HANDS-ON MUSIC VIDEO SUMMER CAMP
Ever dreamt of directing music videos for MTV and VH1?
At New York Film Academy’s One-Week Music Video Camp students have the opportunity to direct, produce, film and edit a stylistic music video in one week using live artists.
Clips from “Feel Good” by Artist Official Hank. Produced by New York Film Academy Summer Teen Music Video Students, 2010. Editing by NYFA Student Ed Allerton.
In Summer 2010, students collaborated with New York City artists including pop breakout Official Hank. Official Hank had recently partnered with New York-based multi-platinum songwriter/arranger/producer Heather Holley, who is best known for launching Christina Aguilera’s career. Official Hanks credits included opening for music star Amber, performing on the Hammerstein Ballroom Stage with fashion guru Richie Rich, and providing runway music two years in row for New York Cities Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. He is also a regular talent at Bistro Chat Noir, New York’s Speakeasy on 66th Street. Weeks before Official Hank met with students, his music was selected for a Microsoft Launch flash mob commercial filmed at New York City’s Lincoln Center and Seattle Westlake Park. On working with NYFA students, Official Hank commented:
“The students at NYFA brought concepts, energy, and brilliant ideas to my music video set. I’m thankful for such a positive professional experience. From staff to students, I was treated like a star!”
Band Coordinator Mandy Menaker adds “We are excited that up and coming artists including Official Hank donate their time each summer to collaborate with students at New York Film Academy’s Music Video Summer Camp. Our diverse student body helps the artist gain international exposure, while our students benefit from working with dynamic and talented musical artists and make actual contacts in the entertainment industry.”
The pace of the music video course is feverish and exhilarating. Here is a week in the life of NYFA one-week music video students from summer 2010:
Day 1: Monday
9:00 am Orientation
9:30 am – 12:00 pm Hands on Camera #1
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm Lunch
12:45 pm – 3:30 pm Intro to Music Video
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Meet Artists
By the end of day one, students operated a camera, viewed examples of past student work, and meet the artist Official Hank to brainstorm ideas for the shoot.
Music Video Production Still: Official Hank with a room of backup dancers.
Day 2: Tuesday
9:30 am – 12:00 pm Hands on Camera #2
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm Lunch
12:45 pm – 2:45 pm Lighting for Digital Video
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Pitch Ideas for Music Video
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Pre-production: Plan the Shoot
Music Video Production Still: Official Hank in a stylistic shot.
Day 3: Wednesday
9:30 am – 11:00 am Pre-Production for Shoot
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Playback Instruction for Shoot
12:00 pm – 5:30 pm SHOOT MUSIC VIDEO (A Roll)
Music Video Production Still: Students take advantage of the checkered floor.
Day 3: Thursday
9:30 am – 2:00 pm SHOOT MUSIC VIDEO (B Roll)
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Edit Music Video
Music Video Production Still: A choreographed dance scene.
Day 4: Friday
9:30 am – 5:30 pm Edit Music Video
5:30 pm Screening of Music Video Projects on Big Screen
On the final day of classes, each student screens their own cut of the music video. In addition to parents and faculty who are welcome to attend the screening, artists will often join the event, bringing along collaborators from the entertainment industry.
The music video course is just one of several programs that students can select at the New York Film Academy Hands-On Summer Camps for Teens. For more choices, check out the website and contact an Admissions Rep today at 212-674-4300. Apply online!
