In my last semester at Georgia Tech, I took a class on the intricacies of music videos and their processes. While the teacher played an advisory role, 11 classmates and myself were assigned to make four music videos with real clients and realistic deadlines. After putting an advertisement on social media, we gathered clients from the Atlanta area who produced their own professional-grade music. For free, we made music videos and a demo reel for our annual showcase. If they clients enjoyed their final product, they featured it on their websites. 

​

Instead of treating it like an assignment, we formed a company: Kinemacolor Productions. With only 12 staff members and 4 months to complete all four videos, we had to have the highest level of efficiency. While one unit was filming a video, another was already polishing up storyboards and scouting locations. Everyone had multiple roles with the expectation to perform satisfactorily. 

​

My primary role was an editor. My classmate Kade and I edited one music video each, and then collaborated on the other two. We had to learn each other's work flow, style, and availability depending on our other classes. We'd worked together before, so I really enjoyed this process. Together we created the rough, and then we trusted each other to fine tune details and add effects while the other was absent. We color graded together because it was a new challenge, and we constantly traded ideas and advice. 

​

This was also the first time we had a detailed story board to follow for our music videos. In my documentary work in the past, I had free reign to craft the story as I saw fit. This time, we had a producer and director create strict scripts to follow, with specific shot angles, locations, and context to each part of the song. We also created a mood board to visualize what kind of color theme we wanted for each video. 

​

Alongside editing, I had minor roles as a camera operator and assistant producer. Because of the storyboards and strict shooting schedule, I learned how to be efficient with my time and shoot quickly before moving on with the next shot. While I wasn't personally in charge of any music videos, I helped organize our shooting schedule, personnel schedules, budget, and communicated with our clients throughout the entire process.