Instruction manual

INSTRUMENT/LIP SYNC (To Be Or Not To Be) - Many performers don’t know how
to Lip Sync properly. The secret is to breathe normally. They can’t be lazy, and just
mouth along like a puppet. Each vocalist should practice singing their parts out loud,
along with a tape recording of the song. (A rehearsal recording is fine for practice
purposes.) By singing out loud, they’re forced to breathe like they would in a live
performance. They should concentrate on not missing a single syllable, and the smallest
of breaths won’t get lost. When Lip Syncing with a microphone, the performer’s
approach to the mic should be the same as if it were a live performance.
After they’ve gotten used to proper Lip Syncing, the band should practice
Instrument Syncing along with the tape. If they have a drummer, the volume should be
loud enough so that he or she can still “rock out” if necessary, without drowning out the
song. (This would make the others lose their place.) It’s not necessary to amplify the
other instruments.
After the band has gotten used to proper Instrument Syncing, they should practice
Instrument/Lip Syncing at the same time. Ask them to pretend they’re on a stage in front
of 20,000 people.
I’ve seen some confident first-time video performers suddenly freeze as soon as
the videotape rolls. This is a natural response for someone who’s never performed in
front of a video camera before, but you can waste a lot of time waiting for them to thaw.
Please remind the group in advance that the camcorder is nothing to be afraid of, and they
shouldn’t worry about making a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes, but those who are
prepared make fewer.
For vocalists who’ve never performed in front of a video camera, here’s a way for
them to rehearse before the shoot. Take a black sheet of construction paper, and cut out a
circle that is approximately 3 inches in diameter. Presto! A practice camcorder lens. Each
vocalist should have a practice "lens", and practice by themselves, at home. Have them
tape the “lens” to the center of a mirror, stand 3-5 feet away, and practice Lip Syncing
with a recording of the song. (Musical instruments are optional.) Encourage them to jive
around while Syncing, while maintaining constant eye contact with the “lens”. They’ll
still be able to see themselves with their peripheral vision.
After they’ve gotten used to staring at the practice lens, they should practice Lip
Syncing while maintaining constant eye contact with themselves, and not look directly at
the “lens”. Next, they should practice while looking around at different points on the
mirror (like scanning an audience), while avoiding direct eye contact with the “lens”.
This is the time to make intentional “Bloopers”, so they should relax, loosen-up, and
enjoy themselves! By practicing this exercise several times, they’ll be more comfortable
performing in front of a camcorder.
If a color TV will be used while the shoot is in progress, point the screen away
from the performers. During taping, they should play towards the camera, and not watch
the TV.
CLOTHING - The phrase “Dress For Success” applies to music video, as a band’s
visual image is extremely important. Some rely on it much more than others. Ripped-up
blue jeans, T-shirts, and sports shoes are fine for some; others will want nice clothes, or
flashy, custom-made costumes.