Behind The Scenes: My Music Video Editing Workflow

[AlberTaRoNoV]

there is a window 7 program version ?

[AlberTaRoNoV]

what kind of edit program you are using ?

[dillonp23]

@AlberTaRoNoV It's mentioned multiple times in the description.

[MichaelKhanTV]

does your final cut or adobe premiere preview window lag or is that just a sony vegas flaw?

[dillonp23]

@MichaelKhanTV Mine does not but it may not be a flaw, your computer may not be powerful enough to render it in realtime.

[LaLigueParis]

Thanks for your video Dilon you a great guy i learned essential stuff there , i'm beginning in the "music video" game , check my channel , peace

( Any 2012 Version of your music workflow in the making ? lol )

[MrMatzo1]

Hi there.. Im thabo, i just wanna know, on 3:17, hw do you do that, multiclip sequences????

[dillonp23]

@MrMatzo1 I can't remember exactly since I haven't used Final Cut in a while, I use premiere now but I think it was selecting all the clips then right click>make multiclip sequence.

[MrMatzo1]

@dillonp23 Thank you very much..., ill try that

[SGTOfficialMusic]

big question to convert clips to pro res what do you use

[dillonp23]

@SGTOfficialMusic I used Final Cut to do that. You go to File>Log and Transfer and you can go from there.

[123livingforchrist]

@dillonp23 um ok i have a few questions first how many camaras did u use? did you film everything all at onc or did u film it idvidually focusing on one person each time? the multiclip thing that u did how did u gt a multiclip for EACH individual clip that u had? if u did shoot it individually how did u sync it?sorry for so many qustions but im larning to do this stuff to do my own music video thanks

[dillonp23]

@123livingforchrist I just used the one camera filming each person seperately. I used multiclip for each of the people in the video so they have their own multiclip. I think you select the clips > make multiclip sequence. I haven't used Final Cut in a while. I sync it by looking at the waveform and moving them frame by frame.

If you have any other questions feel free to post to my facebook page link is in the description.

[drakecool2k]

@dillonp23 hey bro stop looking at the waveform and look for something called plural eyes it makes this job 500% faster and easier and faster.

[dillonp23]

@drakecool2k Yeah I use PluralEyes too. Come to think of it I may have for this project. If theres only a few tracks though it is faster to do it by hand because theres too much messing around making new sequences etc for pluraleyes.

[drakecool2k]

@dillonp23 thanks for the reply.

nice workflow but i have three questions.

1. I guess you edit first then render it out then take it to after effects and add effects. Is that how you do it.

2. Is about the filming. how do you capture your b roll. you just tell them to sing it out and then capture b roll because i think you used one camera. 3. when do you do your color correction and grading/tonality . before effects or after. and if it is after doesnt that after the look of the effects.

[dillonp23]

@drakecool2k

1. Which video are you talking about? Generally I don't even need to use After Effects. The green screen one I did but I did the After Effects work first then rendered and brought into Final Cut. The others I just use Final Cut or Premiere Pro and thats it.

2. B-Roll is when they are not singing, so no I don't tell them to 'sing it out'. I just shoot extra footage in 60fps.

3. I color correct last but there is always tweaking back and forward to make it look right with effects.

[dillonp23]

@drakecool2k And if you have any other questions feel free to post them on my facebook page facebook.com /dillonpearcemedia

[CelosTV]

i wanted to ask you. i try to edit a large clip in after effects of a performance in green screen but when i get it my computer slows down. do i have to chop it up first and then do the effects in after effects?

[dillonp23]

@CelosTV If it is a large sequence it need to render a lot which takes a high amount of your CPUs power. There is not too much you can do about this but I would recommend turning the green screen layer off and doing any other effects then turning it back on at the very end.

[CelosTV]

@dillonp23 do you suggest me editing the footage in premier pro first and then sending it to after effects or is that time consuming too. or you think i should edit each click that im a use in after effects first and then start editing. thanks for the reply. this green screen stuff is killing me.

[dillonp23]

@CelosTV When I used green screen for a music video once I did the green screen keying and effects first then rendered them out and edit in premiere. It depends on your situation though.

[CelosTV]

@dillonp23 ok i understand most of what you said. i understand you edit the screen screen footage in AE. but u dont record much green screen footage huh? I got like 11 performences shoots of just green screen do you suggest I just shorten it and use maybe 3 or 5? and when you render it out how to you render it out. i lose the audio when i render it out or do you have to import from the beining to begin with?

[jattsoorma718]

@dillonp23 hey what sequence presets do you use on premiere and what are your settings when you save. Thanks

[dillonp23]

@jattsoorma718 I pick the relevent preset for what I am using which is DSLR 24p 1920x1080. I export as a Quicktime .mov H.264.

[Puttjattande22]

@dillonp23 thanks so much for thehelp! not a lot people share their insights and help others so i def appreciate it! love your channel and videos

[Puttjattande22]

@dillonp23 sorry if i am asking too much but i had one more questions. do you have any tips on lighting outside? I'm completely new to this as I just bought a t3i and its getting colder (not a lot of sunlight) so if i'm shooting outside how would you do the lighting? or do u just use w.e nature is giving u lol

[dillonp23]

@Puttjattande22 No prob, and if you have anymore questions feel free to post them on my Facebook page instead (link in description).

If it is sunny definately use reflectors but if not sometimes it can be fine just with the clouds or whatever because it acts as a diffuser for the light so it's even, which you can then fully open the aperture and maybe bring up the ISO to make it brighter. If it's still not bright enoiugh you will have to go for powered lighting, I once used an LED battery one.

[Puttjattande22]

@dillonp23 awesome! thanks for the quick reply! gonna start learning both programs now as I just bought the cs5 bundle! I assume that once you edit the whole video in premiere you can import it into after effects right from there and edit indivual parts of the video? or do you just save the video as full and open in after effects and then cut parts and edit them like tht?

[dillonp23]

@Puttjattande22 I just send individual clips or sections into After Effects by selecting them and going to file>send to>after effects composition.

[Puttjattande22]

@dillonp23 quick question. would it be better to edit in adobe preimere and then do effects in after effects or you can do the whole thing in after effects?

[dillonp23]

@Puttjattande22 Definately edit in premiere first. After Effects isn't made for video editing so it will be much slower since the tracks are different and it is not in realtime. Just do the visual FX etc in After Effects at the end, as it's name state 'after' effect :)

[Only1IPTV]

Hey Dillon, how many cameras did you use for the I Love You I hate You video??

[dillonp23]

@Only1IPTV I just used one Canon EOS 550D.

[Only1IPTV]

@Only1IPTV Thanks!!! I have one more question, I understand how you used the three beeps to sync the different angles of the verses for auditioning, but how did you line the align the shots with the actual song after you chose which one you liked? Did you just adjust each clips position in the timeline and play it by ear, or what method did you use?

[SaintwaySession]

Hello, I have a problem with Final Cut Pro X, Please help me!

I recently started to use Final Cut Pro X, and I have just finished shooting a music video, such as yours. Now I wonder how to find that window/workspace where you have all your video tracks so one can sync them, and the start editing just like you have done? I can only find the "timeline" where you only can add one video track?

Thank you very much!

[dillonp23]

@SaintwaySession Are you talking about multicam editing? Final Cut Pro X does not have that feature, at least yet.

[SaintwaySession]

@dillonp23 allright thanks! do you know which of final cut that has "multicam editing"?

[dillonp23]

@SaintwaySession The same as I used in the video, Final Cut Pro 7.

[SaintwaySession]

@dillonp23 awesome! thanks a lot!

[scottstevensonfilms]

Nice I like how you put each band member on a new track in your timeline!

[jeremiah69100]

Nice tutorial i was searching this tutorial forever at last i got but will you record Audio instead of writing please!

[dillonp23]

@jeremiah69100 Next time I will for sure then. I originally did for this but it didn't record for some reason.

[dillonp23]

@Synicade I think I know the reason you deleted your comment... I use After Effects for Motion Graphics & Special Effects which was the green screen and 3d room in this video.

[binhetranfilms]

what did you use to crush the blacks?

[thomasmovesinc]

mac all the way 

[legazymuzik]

great vid but text time....get a mic and record ur audio please...reading almost bored me to deatth

[dillonp23]

@brandonlamarmusic What makes you think that? Take a look at the music video's on my channel... all of the one's in this video are from my channel. Idiot.

[dillonp23]

@brandonlamarmusic hahaha you are ridiculous... who made the video then? I filmed and directed all the videos you really have NO clue what you're talking about.

[AllThingsKen]

why are ur clips spread apart with ur multiclip? when I use it the clip is completely together and if u move them they become unsync

[dillonp23]

@AllThingsKen They are spread about because they cut between each angle. They have not been moved at all, instead they have just been cut so they are still in there original positions and in sync.

[AllThingsKen]

@dillonp23 oh ok, lastly, u did move the clips up and down tho... just not out of sync to the left and right? sorry if im an idiot

[dillonp23]

@AllThingsKen I didn't move them up and down, I could have though and it would have been fine. The ones on seperate tracks below it are different multiclip sequences.

[SenorCajones]

Fat girl. White lettering on white background...smart? Do you actually not want people to be able to read? Make folder structure, but don't make instructions readable. Good work flow.

[dillonp23]

@SenorCajones Are you being serious? Would you like me to also edit your video too since reading is such a problem for you... The majority of text is using annotations anyway which is very easy to read. So you're saying my workflow isn't good because of the text in the explanation of my workflow? Maybe I should have a workflow for the overview of my workflow? Or a workflow on deleting terrible comments as your own.

[SenorCajones]

Sick...as in not good.

[HolidayVacationParcs]

nice 

[muanpuiaable]

should every angle shoot cover the entire song?

[dillonp23]

@muanpuiaable Depends on your situation. I wanted it to go throughout the entire song, you might only want it for once verse then change locations.

[superstar1399]

@dillonp23 whats the name of this pro ??

[TheMugfaker]

This is a really great insight. Thanks!

[lawnchair03]

Where can i get the 3 beeps at?

[mileschizi]

hey bro i have one problem whenever i open my program adobe after efx and imports some video it plays very slowly what might be the prob.

[dillonp23]

@mileschizi Adobe After Effects does't have realtime playback so you need to render everything by pressing '0' from the number pad.

[BenHughesStudios]

wow you do a lot more extra stuff for your music videos than I do lol. How does that whole beeping system work? do you edit the song and add the beeps into it or something?

[dillonp23]

@BenHughesStudios Hey man! Nah well it depends on each video, for that one I filmed the entire song for each angle/take so all I needed was to sync the beginning of the video. So in the actual song, I edited the 3 beeps in so it records to the camera, then on the computer I have a large 'spike' in the audio waveform to sync all the angles too. It's just faster than manually doing it. For my 'Time Bomb' music video, it was different since I didn't always have the entire song recorded (read on)

[dillonp23]

@BenHughesStudios

I had just let's say a chorus recorded so I used timecode. I used an iPad app called 'MovieSlate' which shows the timecode of the actual song (and frame) so in editing, all I needed to do was drag it to that exact spot. It worked pretty goo but wasn't 100% accurate, but it at least put the shot in the right spot a few frames give or take.

[MMO23Films]

Hey Dillon! I need a new computer for editing 720p footages from 550d, what do you propose?

[djthedadi]

Coming from someone learning FCP and AE but not familiar with workflow or real world gigs this was VERY VERY helpful. Very concise look into the workflow. Please feel free to make more!! Might be doing my first music video soon!

[SavagerecordZ]

it takes me so long to render in final cut i just want to throw this macbook pro in the fireplace the way i do my videos i sync the entire clip and cut what i dont need. then i layer the next. all my files are .mov h.264

[JRFILMWORKS]

Hey Dillon I'm having trouble making a multiclip sequences like you demonstrated in your video I was wondering if you can make a tutorial please. Thank you for everything

[panneednp]

Very Nice Man

[JRFILMWORKS]

Hey Dillon how did you make the multiclip sequences

[dillonp23]

@JRFILMWORKS You select the files from the media browser at the top left then right click and choose create multiclip.

[DirectTalk]

Great work bro! It's been a while since we've talked, but keep doing your thing bro.

[JRFILMWORKS]

Hey Dillon your work is amazing how can I improve my editing skills. I recently purchase a canon T2i and four QL1000 lights with barn doors, party gels and a green screen to make better music videos. Thanks for the tip on the workflow please help

[dillonp23]

@JRFILMWORKS That's some good equipment, you have more stuff than me :) Don't forget it's not just the equipement, it's how you use it. The best tip I could say is practise with the stuff and do your research before shooting. Like that was the first time I used a green screen also but I watched tutorials to make sure I won't stumble into any problems. Good Luck!

[Hrehorowful]

hey this video is great. Just about to shoot my first music video on a bunch of DSLRs. I'm also editing it. what file format or codec of audio should i get from the studio/artist for the editing side of it? should i go for a wav 48k 16bit ot 24. what would you recommend yourself. thanks

[dillonp23]

@Hrehorowful Hey I'm not 100% sure, I think 16bit is regular CD quality but I might be mistaken. I guess it doesn't hurt going the highest quality.

[Sotorious]

How many different cameras were you using at the same time to record. Also how did you get those multi shots in final cut pro like that?

[darkrashan]

hey bro, i think your audio's messed up, i can't hear sh*t :(

[IronMonkeyUnlimited]

sorry man i posted my vid in ur comments but i used alot of wat u told me in my vid

[TheGregMitchell90]

What are your computer specs?? Annnnd... I am trying to film really high quality youtube drum cover videos, I get noise.. Most recently have been learning lighting is everything. Lighting on a budget means I wana get 3 500w flood lights, good enough? I use the T2i with stock 18-55mm lens. Hope you can help :) Good stuff man!! :)

[dillonp23]

@TheGregMitchell90 It's a 2.66Ghz Core 2 Quad, 8GB DDR2 RAM, 2x 1tb HDD, GeForce 9800GTX Graphics Card. Yeah 3x500w should be fine just make sure diffuse the lights. That's lens is great if you want to make the most of the light have it at the widest focal length so 18mm so the aperture is as open as it goes.

[TheGregMitchell90]

@dillonp23 Thanks for the tips! So then you're using an iMac? I am reconsidering my lighting options after reading and watching toooons of videos. I am think 3 80w cfl lamps. They are said to each output the amount of a 400w incandescent bulb. Not to mention no heat and easier storage. Thanks for the help, again!

[csrohena]

Nice! You got talent bro... Can you organize your files the same way in After Effects?..Thanks.

[dillonp23]

@csrohena Yeah you could do the same with folders in after effects. Exactly the same concept :)

[tvend2]

Awesome! Real helpful. Especially how you organize makes a lot of sense. The way you separate each band member into their own track. Two questions 1. Do you make a muticlip of each member and their different angles? 2. Are all the different angles shot with one camera? BTW love to see more of this type tutorial. Good Stuff

[dillonp23]

@tvend2 Hey thanks mate.

1. Yes I have a multiclip for each person in the band and inside each multiclip was 4 different angles of them filmed seperately.

2. Yeah one camera just filmed over and over. 4 Times of each person so we just had the song on repeat and we did it four times.

[MMO23Films]

What memory card do you use for your Canon 550D?

[dillonp23]

@MMO23Films I have a 16gb Sandisk Class 6 Video HD card and 3 16gb Transcend Class 6 Cards from eBay and they work fine. If your going for transcend I'd recommend getting the Class 10 16gb since I only recently discovered they are almost the same price.

[MMO23Films]

Who would you like to become?

[dillonp23]

@MMO23Films Do you mean what career?

[MMO23Films]

@dillonp23

yes

[dillonp23]

@MMO23Films Not sure, obviously something in media. I'll finish my film course (3 year course) which I'll be starting next year then see how I end up.

[IronMonkeyUnlimited]

ok n how much preparation time did it take u to figure out the shots, locations, n ideas for the music video? N how long did it take u to shoot it, n finish it in post?

[dillonp23]

@IronMonkeyUnlimited Well we didn't do much pre-production work. We just caugh up and wrote down notes like a week before the shoot. Most of it was made up when we got to the location, so a lot of improvisation. THe latest band one we filmed at the 'shed' from 6pm until 3am so about 9 hours there, then the B-roll shots took another day but we weren't exactly fiming constantly like the shed. Post took roughly 15 hours.

[IronMonkeyUnlimited]

ok. N how did u find these artist?

N thanks

[dillonp23]

@IronMonkeyUnlimited The first two videos my mate showed me the rapper, the 3rd was a mate of mine and this one I found I think it was over Youtube.

[IronMonkeyUnlimited]

hey man another question, cuz im not sure, do u approach the artist n ask them if u can make there music video or do they approach u?

Also do they pay u based on there budget or ur experience or how?

n much appreciated homie

[dillonp23]

@IronMonkeyUnlimited Hey mate. Yes so far I have been approaching local artists and they have all been interested in making a music video for them. But now I am getting a little more exposure and have had a few bands come to me, so they will be done later this year.

We try to find a mutual price, the first 3 music videos I did were free to build up a demo. Alexandra's one was for about $200-300 and the next will be around $150 per person in the band.

[IronMonkeyUnlimited]

ey man so one last thing, how did u get the sound or where did u get or did u extract it straight from film riot?

[dillonp23]

@IronMonkeyUnlimited I had to download the episode from youtube then used quicktime to set in/out points where the beeps were then converted to .mp3.

[IronMonkeyUnlimited]

HEy homes, do u connect ur camera to ur CPU?

Amd wat did use to create the sounds of the beeps?

[dillonp23]

@IronMonkeyUnlimited ey mate I don't connect the camera to transfer, I just use the SD card reader in my computer. I got the sounds off a FIlm Riot episode for their behind the scenes of their first music video.

[sportsfan1100]

I love you for making a tutorial>)

[doublee10]

oganized you mean?

[dillonp23]

@doublee10 Australian English spells it with an 's'.

[tylerfrankling]

@dillonp23 Americans will one day get English right...

[doublee10]

@dillonp23 thank you for the correction. Sorry for the ignorance. I have literally never seen/heard about that spelling.

[CelosTV]

Nice. i also do music video. check my channel. you inspired me to do better stuff. oh by the way i also use the same cam. i love my t2i. i know its hard to show how you do things its a craft but i'll subscribe now. i try no to show how i do mine, but i love your vids man. the multi angle stuff i dont know. but hopefully in a tut you'll show it

[dillonp23]

@CelosTV I might evertually I'll see how I go but if you search 'multiclip tutorial in final cut pro' that's how I learned it.

[CelosTV]

@dillonp23 thanks im a do that sson. i need to learn that if thats a good way to edit a music video.

[CelosTV]

@CelosTV i checked multiclip tutorials. do u feel thats a better way to edit music videos?

[dillonp23]

@CelosTV It depends on what kind of music video. With mutliple angles of the same person/location then it's great :)

[CelosTV]

@dillonp23 oh ok. im a learn it. today i have off so im a do it

[croydonvideo]

Great video. Thanks for it. With the multiview there are 4 shots in each. Are these reshoots or do you have 4 cameras setup?

[dillonp23]

@croydonvideo No problem :) I only have one camera so they were all reshoots. I filmed 4 angles of each person and then 4 of the entire band. They were synced using in points from the first beep :)

[walkaboutarts]

stupid band - doesnt even have a bass player!

[dillonp23]

@walkaboutarts It's not her band since the studio she goes to records the band then she just adds the vocals. These were just my mates posing as the band and we couldn't get a bass player in time.

[azzaman678]

cool man, make these so the tutz fuckers dont cry

[dillonp23]

@azzaman678 Yeah I will be having behind the scenes for my music videos for now on.

[mathwiz20]

Really well organized! I think I'll try this the next time I make a video

And I see that you have limewire :o

[mariomanlite]

Nice work Dillon! Your work is an inspiration to me. Keep it up mate.

[percast]

Pretty cool man, keep it up !

[AceMaceAM]

what computer do you edit on? and what do you shoot on?

[dillonp23]

@AceMaceAM My computer is slowly become outdated but it works fine for me. I have a custom build PC with Hackintosh installed (Mac OS X Snow Leopard). Core 2 Quad overclocked to 3GHz (from 2.4), 8gb DDR2 RAM, 1tb HDD and 2x500gb HDD, 512mb GeForce 9800 GTX Graphics Card with a 22" Viewsonic Display.

By what do I shoot on do you mean the camera? Check the description but basically it is a Canon EOS 550D.

[krissjean]

watch me after this!

[floysie21]

Hey, very informitive workflow video. What is your process for getting the 2:35 ratio?

[dillonp23]

@floysie21 I just used the 'widescreen' filter inside Final Cut Pro. I also just installed Magic Lantern on my T2i and can add a reference on the screen to where the 2:35 ratio would be to help framing it easier.

[iRockAPS44]

Pretty neat!

[martenzq8]

FIRST !!!.....oh wait 2 hrs late shit :@

[2pac057]

lol

[garryentropy]

EXCELLENT!!