Making Your Own Drum Video BY WES CRawFORD ever mind a featured role opposite Once you have decided upon a type of RESOURCES Angelina Jolie in her next film; how drum video, it is important to formalize an A professional video might cost from Nmany of you feel that the epitome of idea for subject and content. The idea must $10,000–50,000 or more. Anything you can an appearance on the big (or small) screen be original, or at least expand in some im- accomplish on your own will save money involves you starring in your own drum portant manner upon prior topics. It is also down the line if you have competence in video? If you believe the chances for either important to consider the characteristics of each task. For instance, if you rent several of the above scenarios are next to impos- your target market, as these may affect the video cameras and take care to set up com- sible, let me tell you how I succeeded in the feasibility of your idea. plementary shots, you may not need to hire second one. It may be instructive to explain my video a film crew. However, you may end up with The digital age has revolutionized the category, idea, and target market. I chose bad lighting, unmatched cameras, focus video industry, similarly to the audio re- the instructional/training video category problems, etc. if you are inexperienced. cording industry, to the point that less than since I have neither a national reputation Don’t borrow a couple of camcorders $10,000 worth of gear can often accomplish nor any exceptional expertise in music his- from friends and expect your results to look today what $100,000+ accomplished only a tory or drumming technique, but I do teach like one of your favorite movies, unless that few years ago. Without listing all of the cam- drumset along with my active performance film happens to be Blair Witch Project! You era and editing possibilities currently avail- schedule. My next challenge was finding may save money and work “off the clock” able (which are better covered by buying one of the high- by numerous trade maga- quality computer-editing zines), I would like to recount Don’t borrow a couple of camcorders packages now available to my adventure concocting, consumers, but expect a steep planning, scripting, gathering and expect your results to look like learning curve. resources for, filming, editing, So, how does one approach authoring, and marketing my one of your favorite movies, unless it professional quality while liv- own commercial DVD. ing on a musician’s budget? If happens to be Blair Witch Project. borrowing from a bank is not THE IDEA an option, then perhaps my When I looked at the drum video market my subject idea. As I contemplated my solution will work for you: Look for part- (hundreds of titles), I saw three categories: students’ needs, I recognized that many of ners. You will need a business plan detailing 1. historical/retrospective videos about them performed wonderfully in their les- the general drum video market, your idea, famous drummers or musical periods; 2. sons and with play-along audio recordings, your target market, your production needs “star” videos featuring drummers who but lacked confidence in their abilities when with estimated costs, your projected repro- tend to “Wow!” the viewer with awesome jamming with their friends. I realized that I duction costs, your marketing plans, and displays of technique; and 3. “training” or could create a virtual band on video for stu- your best- and worst-case sales scenarios. instructional videos by both popular and dents to perform with, thus combining the A business plan offers at least two ben- lesser-known drummers who explain and decades-old audio play-along concept with efits: 1. It will get you to really think and demonstrate drumming concepts. the power and realism of contemporary focus on every detail of your idea, and it Many videos contain elements of more video. will help you stay on course; 2. It spells out than one category, but most seem to belong The next step was to research my poten- in writing just what you are up to. This is primarily to one of those categories. Hence, tial target market. I learned that the largest most valuable in getting partners on board. the first question an aspiring drum video demographic of drumset players is kids and Loan officers won’t even talk to you without producer should ask is, “Which category is teenagers, and the fastest growing demo- seeing your business plan. There are a mul- best for me?” graphic of drumset buyers is adults desiring titude of good books available on writing If you are interested in documentaries, to begin or rekindle a drumming hobby. business plans. music history, biographies, and the like, These demographics, respectively, represent The good news is that there are lots of then the first category might be a good fit. drummers who may not be old enough to people with professional or semi-profes- If you are at least regionally known and be- perform in nightclubs and those who may sional video and editing gear out there look- lieve you have some drumming techniques not wish to perform late nights due to oc- ing for experience or with extra time. Ask that are unique or possibly of Olympic cupational and family demands. Since these around and network to find people with the quality, then the second category might be sizable groups could reasonably enjoy and requisite skills to fulfill your project needs. logical. Finally, if you have teaching experi- learn from an on-demand virtual band, I felt Then present your plan and see who might ence and believe you have a clear manner that my idea gelled with its target market. be interested in working within your bud- of explaining an interesting drum subject, get, through bartering services, and/or part- then consider the third category. nering with you on financial speculation. PERCUSSIVE NOTES 46 AUGUST 2007 Using this method, I found that I knew if your intent is to showcase your visual player together. I therefore included an the creative director at a video production content. Consider the feasibility of “live audio CD of the play-along songs in the facility who was willing to help “on spec,” switching” where an experienced Director package. Listen to negative comments and as was one of my favorite audio engineers, basically edits as the filming occurs, much act upon them if possible. and a fellow drummer/songwriter. I then like a live TV show. This may save a lot of bartered some musical services with a cam- money during the actual editing sessions, AUTHORING TO DVD eraman for some location filming. A writ- but you’re pretty much stuck with the edit Almost all new drum videos are in DVD ten agreement outlining responsibilities, you end up with. In “live switching,” a Di- format, and popular past titles are quickly expectations, and profit sharing was agreed rector who knows something about music being converted as well. Authoring to DVD upon. In this manner I feel that we created and drumming is invaluable! Watch out for refers to the process of mastering the edited the best possible quality video while stay- editors who are not very experienced with film to DVD format and setting up a menu ing within a reasonable personal budget. music videos, since they often do not sync system to navigate throughout the sections Still, expect cost over-runs! the music to the visuals as tightly as a musi- of the video. Depending upon the length cian would and should demand. of the edited film, the number of audio THE SCRIPT tracks, the extent of the graphic arts work, A script is absolutely necessary for FEEDBACK the number of video options, any Special smooth filming and editing. The script may After completing the editing, but before Features, and the number of “chapters” be little more than an outline with lots of authoring to DVD, it is a good idea to get necessary, this process may be quick and narrative and musical improvisation or it some honest feedback from members of cheap or time consuming and costly. may be finely detailed. Consider it to be a your target market, other drummers whom I was told that my DVD menu was work-in-progress up to the minute you fin- you respect, and video experts. You may the most complex the company had ever ish the video, as circumstances may force still have time to address issues concerning developed. It contains over 20 chapters changes and newer ideas may develop. clarity, audio mix, visual segues, titling, comprising musical and narrative sections Remember to entertain. My guiding prin- and the like. One criticism I took seriously for ten play-along songs. I also required ciple was to create a script that was serious is that some drummers may find it difficult three different audio options for each song: in instructional content but also lightheart- to bring their drumset, television, and DVD with drumset, without drumset for the ed and fun. FILMING Plan your shots with a storyboard in ad- vance. You do not need to be an artist; my stick figures worked well enough to show the camera operators the vision inside my head. Don’t assume others see your vision with merely your verbal explanation. Create a checklist of items and responsi- bilities ahead of time, consisting of every- thing necessary at the shoot. Don’t forget to discuss wardrobe and lighting (which may affect each other), makeup, and, most importantly, audio considerations with the appropriate experts involved.