I know this is a film school site, but this is the closest thing to what im trying to get information for.

Id like to be a music video editor one day, or maybe edit for a television show, an advertising agency (commercials), or maybe even edit for film. I just dont know yet; the point is that I'm not in LOVE with film and don't feel like I absolutely HAVE to be a part of that industry one day. But, I do want to be involved with video proudction. I want to learn about production design, storytelling, and all the technical aspects that goes into creative media, but I dont want to get ripped off at some school I simply shouldnt be going to. I love working with programs like FCP/Avid/Sony Vegas, After Effects, and Photoshop, and would like to incorporate those into my career some day.

Should I be looking into higher up film schools like USC and NYU? Vocational-like schools like full sail or brooks? Workshop certification like at NYFA? Or is there a whole other path I should be on...I feel like I cant go wrong going to the best film school possible and that what's gonna help me most is getting a reputable degree. Any help would be appreciated

I always recommend VFS, its only one year but surely intense. Do you have any work uploaded to share with us?

I cut a bunch of music videos between 2002 and 2003 or 2004. I've since moved on to mostly longform such as features.

I went to film school at BU. When I moved out to LA I didn't necessarily want to edit music videos, but where I got my first assistant editing jobs they were at music video editorial houses.

Budgets have gone down a ton though. I stopped doing them when I did the calc on the flat rate I got for a big artist and realized that I could've been better working at McDo's.

That being said - editing music videos is FUN! It's one of the few editing gigs where the editor has a ton of creative control (docs are like this too - but not as fast paced). Good music videos are like little short films.

If you have any more questions let me know.

Here are a couple of my favorite videos that I cut "back in the day". :)



Five for Fighting-The Devil in the Wishing Well" (Youtube won't allow me embed this one for some reason) But it's one of my favorites so you should check it out.

And yes this one's cheesy but it was my "big break" so I have to include it.

haha, thats awesome chris!

I'd love to be doing some of the stuff youve done, and I totally agree about what you said abou how music videos are like little short films. I've never gotten the opportunity to work on a music video myself.

I've been taking the transfer path and I'm currently wrapping up my GE at community college while working as an editor/graphic designer/assistant director for the local fox affiliate news station here, just because thats all thats really available. I've made my fair share of 'shorts' with friends and the closseessst thing to a music video Ive really done is this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knY0tGZ5lCE

Id compare that to a music video just because of how much emphasis is on synching/setting a 'mood' with the music. Itd be cool to somehow get a hybrid degree involving film/motion graphics/digital design, but that doesnt really seem available. Im just really attracted to a more fast-paced, intensely visual kind of media and am having a hard time figuring out what to do with that.

The Music Video world is evolving daily. I'd say most of the videos are shot on RED now. Film is still used a ton for features and commercials but HD and RED are on the rise for sure.

As far as what to study - I'd say focus on your storytelling skills as a filmmaker.

The tricks and tools of the trade you'll learn on the job and as you go - they change too fast.

Learning how to tell a good story is a skill that will last forever.

That's pretty good advice, and I trust your insight considering you've actually done professional music video editing work before. Thankfully, I've already applied to a lot of schools film programs, which would seem to have been the right move Thanks for all the feedback guys, it helped!

I do vocals for the band '5 String'... Our latest song 'Doe Eyed Dominatrix' would make a great music video. I currently have a still image video on You Tube that is getting about 120 hits a day and picking up steam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzbSmKL3wpM I think with a proper music video it could really go viral. I would not want or need to be in the video. I am hoping to find a film maker or film student that wants to do the project for exposure. All I can offer is shared rights to the video, exposure, and credit. I would also include a link to any site you wished where ever I posted the video.... So if you have a site I would help promote it. I would ask that you provide a link to my band page any time you post the video. If it sounds like something you may be up for you can drop me a line here... on You Tube... or my band page http://www.reverbnation.com/#/5string and we can work out details...

Thanks,
Dal