Discussing music video treatments is similar to discussing a secret hand signal in filmmaking. You know what you know. But let’s break this code if you find yourself stuck gazing at an empty Word doc afraid of the blinking cursor. Although not magic potion, a music video treatment template is the framework for fat ideas to develop muscle. A varied, adaptable, sometimes slightly mad it has the job of pinning down wild ideas without bamboozling clients into a whirl. Start by assigning your paper a title.
Needn’t be Shakespeare; might just be “Song Name Treatment.” Unless you’re familiar with the tune, things will likely go wrong in a hurry. Listen. Write down again. Lyrics, melody, feel—let these become second nature to you. If you’re dealing with a band or solo artist, edit their style. understated grunge Day-glo pop? Unusual Viking Fusion Try to sense their artistic temperature. Now comes summary time. It’s not a term paper. Two or one meaty paragraph will do. We start with an alley of rain. Neon lights change in flash. The singer walks head down while shadows dance. Visual thinking, I suggest. forbid learned speech without dryness. Use your thinking palette, paint. Show, don’t tell. Concept section—things get wild now.
You bring the soul in here.
Is it a one-time stroller through a crowded marketplace? Retro VHS overlays and jaring jump cuts? Dream wild surrealistically in a forest? The thing is let thoughts flow and see what sticks. Storyboards can be helpful sometimes; mood boards sometimes work better. Don’t worry; some clients require bullet points with visual inspiration others require a three-act pitch. Images now. Use reference images. No names and film inspirations (“Think “Blade Runner’s” meets Beyonce’s “Formation”).
Colors palettes! Worst thing is a director obsessing over “blue mood” when the producer is having bright yellows. Say it, see it, write it out. Paste film, fashion, screen captures from photography if available. Camera movements: handheld or silky smooth? Static shots? wild zoos
Logistics now. Plans even for fantasy worlds. Break these into locations, cast, wardrobe, and any special pyrotechnics magic. Flying squirrels?). Schedules, handy notes, rough plans—things that avoid shoot day turning into a circus. Then, personal spin. Just a last touch; why do you find this idea humming in your head? Why would it suit the music like peanut butter on toast? It helps with humor. “I picture glitter bombs, but I’ll settle for confetti should fire regulations object.” Express enthusiasm. Be honest; clients can detect false excitement miles away. Keep in mind, templates were never meant to kill off harebrained notions. They enable chaos to be something that you can blast, market, and—potentially even create legendary. Allow yourself some time for zany ideas. Templates simply rein them back long enough to show someone else what you are imagining in your brain. That magic is what makes it work.
