Many music producers and video editors today use short music loops as the basis for their productions. Music loops can be of single instruments such as a piano at a specific tempo and in a specific key are often cut in 4 to 16 measure repeatable phrases. They can also be loops of multiple instruments such as a rock band or orchestra. Often loops are in 4 to 16 measure repeatable phrases. The tips below will guide you in creating loops that you can use in your own productions or that you can sell to other media artists as downloadable online products.

1. You will need to record your loop but first you must decide the type of loop you’d like to make. You will either make a melodic loop such as a flute phrase or a background loop such as harp strums.

2. Second, either record or program the loop material. Use a virtual instrument to record a performance in MIDI or record with a microphone.

3. Thirdly, you may have to use eq to get rid of any offending frequencies that ruin the beauty of the loop you’re creating. An awesome flute phrase, for example, could be ruined by a terrible sounding air conditioner hum. However, if you use eq to get rid of the low frequencies you can keep the flute minus the noise.

4. Fourthly, after using your chosen eq and reverb line bounce down a rough sample of the loop played three times in succession. Next, bounce down the middle part piece of the three part rough mix to create your final single loop which has the reverb throughout from start to finish and loops perfectly

5. Bounce down a finished stereo loop at a 48k sample rate at 24 bits. 48k is highly valued as its ready for use in video editing and 24bit will ensure a high quality thus making the loop more attractive to potential licensees.

The above steps provide a simple but effective outline on the process of creating high quality and sell-able loops from your audio samples for distribution in professional loop libraries.

I see most music video directors like to spend at least 60% of their production budget and I have even seen some even spend upwards to 85% of their production budget to try and impress their clients when they could have saved 60% to 80% of their budget and still got the same, if not better results from their final output.

Think about this. If you got a budget to do a music video for say $2000.00 and you spend 85% of your budget, you only pocket $300. Now I going to let you know right now that if this is OK with you, please stop reading and keep doing music videos for 7-11 pay. 3 days of hard work shooting, then another week to edit a music video is not worth that type of money. In fact, if you put in 40 hours in one week to complete a music video at that rate your getting paid under minimum wage. Not cool.

What you as a music video director should keep in mind is this, and it’s proven. Almost 90% of the time, spending a higher budget is not always the answer to making a hot music video. I’ve even had music videos where I have only spent 10% of the budget, put up against music videos that have spent 50% of their budget and have won in the categories of concept, editing and overall final product.

Here’s just one tip that will help you keep more of the production budget in your pocket.

Obtaining Free Locations

This is one area where I see the most money spent on music video productions. Directors like to drop 40 to 50% of the production budget to obtain a great location when the truth is you can get almost all of your locations for free. What’s even better is the only thing you have to do is ask.

I have shot music videos at High Schools, hotel resorts, hospitals, churches, clubs, and many other locations people would not dream of getting for free. It’s really as simple as asking. Here’s what you want to do.

I have never been told no or paid for any locations and I have shot well over 50 music videos and counting. Keep this production tip in mind and you will keep more money in your pocket as well as impress the client.

I have never been told no or paid for any locations and I have shot well over 50 music videos and counting. Keep this production tip in mind and you will keep more money in your pocket as well as impress the client.