Coursework 3 Tiktoks
Research: What works on TikTok for musicians
Mise-en-Scène Planning (for your three TikTok videos)
Detailed Shot List
Research: What works on TikTok for musicians
Here’s a summary of key findings + how they’ll shape our videos:
The platform thrives when users can interact or participate rather than just passively watch. As noted: “People’s attention span is narrowing … [TikTok] is showing that people want to do more with music than just listen to it. They want to interact with it; they want to touch it.”
Many successful songs/challenges have become popular because they: Offer a hook (visual or audio) that’s easily recognisable. Encourage user-generated content (UGC) or challenge formats. For musicians, short, punchy performance clips + behind-the-scenes + personal connection outperform purely static posts.
Reddit “real world” feedback: “What’s worked for me is posting short play-through videos with the studio audio overdubbed … A lot of people have their Spotify linked to TikTok…”
Also: “The key is hooking in the first few seconds.”
Implications for our three videos:
I’ll open strongly in each video with a visually engaging moment (studio-adjusting, question overlay, night city walk) so we capture attention.
I’ll mix performance + behind-the-scenes + direct-to-camera looks to build authenticity and connection.
I’ll include elements that invite participation (video 2 fan-interaction) and strong branding.Visuals will be dynamic (tracking, slow-motion, transitions) so they suit the scroll format of TikTok.
TikTok Pre-production
Here are my three video treatments:
Video 1 – “The Grind” (Performance & Identity)
Concept: I want to capture the essence of our artist (KSS) and his work-ethic / dedication to his craft. This video is about authenticity and creative focus.
Structure:
It opens with a studio shot of KSS adjusting his mic and headphones.
Dialogue clip (voice-over): “Every day’s another session.”
At the moment the beat drops, I cut into a montage of handheld clips: studio lights flicking on, lyric writing in his notebook, close-ups of the microphone capsule.
I inter-cut performance takes (KSS performing) with behind-the-scenes moments (him laughing, watching playback, writing).
I add text overlays synced to the rhythm: “Focus.” “Vision.” “Discipline.”
The video ends with a profile shot of KSS looking straight into the camera under a blue LED light, establishing his brand tone.
Purpose: Show our artist’s authenticity and creative drive — key qualities that resonate with hip-hop / urban audiences and help build his brand identity.
Video 2 – “For The Fans” (Connection & Engagement)
Concept: This video focuses on audience interaction and the participatory culture of TikTok — inviting fans in, showing that KSS cares about them.
Structure:
Opens with an on-screen Q&A overlay: “What inspires you the most?”
Then a voice-over by KSS: “The people who listen.”
Beat drops → quick edits: fan duets or user-generated clips (or friends simulating these), live performance reaction shots, fans screaming or singing.
Use box-frame split-screens: on one side the fan content, on the other side KSS reacting (smiling, nodding, fist-bumping, signing merch).
Insert close-ups of KSS smiling, signing a poster or T-shirt, interacting in person.
Ends with KSS pointing to the camera and saying: “This is all for you.”
Purpose: To strengthen community engagement, show that KSS is humble and appreciative, and encourage fans to participate (duet, share, tag). This aligns with best-practice for musicians on TikTok (engagement, authenticity)
Video 3 – “Closer Than Ever” (Cinematic Storytelling)
Concept: A stylised, cinematic edit exploring KSS’s self-confidence and progression — showing where he is going, while staying grounded.
Structure:
Opening skit: A friend or background actor asks: “Are you really the closer?” — KSS smirks at the camera.
Beat drops → montage of nighttime city walking: streets, car lights, reflections in glass.
Insert shots: studio interior, mirror reflections of KSS, minimal-luxury visuals (car, glass building façade).
I use smooth tracking shots and slow-motion transitions to give the feel of an aspirational but urban lifestyle.
Final overlay text: “KSS – Closer Than Ever.”
Purpose: To build the artist persona as focused, aspirational, but still real: urban, modern, stylistic. This furthers his brand identity and invites the viewer into his journey.
2) Mise-en-scène planning
For all three videos I’m applying CLAMPS (Costume, Lighting, Actors, Make-up, Props, Setting) so that what appears in front of the camera is fully planned.
Costume
Main outfit (KSS): black hoodie, cargo trousers, white trainers, silver chain. This signals urban authenticity and understated confidence.
Occasional outfit changes: e.g., bomber jacket or denim jacket in Video 3 for visual variety — still within urban/pop aesthetic.
These costume choices link with constructing representation of a hip-hop/pop artist: relatable streetwear rather than formal stage garb.
Supporting characters / fans: casual streetwear, possibly band-merch T-shirts to subtly promote the brand.
Lighting
Interior studio (Video 1): Use ring light or phone LED for facial work, overhead soft light, and accent blue LED in the final profile shot.
Exterior night scenes (Video 3): Use streetlights, car headlights, reflections in building glass; also LED light strips (blue or red hues) to stylise the look.
Fan interaction/interior daylight (Video 2): Bright, even daylight or soft interior light so faces are clearly visible; split-screens will need consistent lighting so reaction shots are readable.
The contrast between natural ambient/exterior light and controlled interior LED lighting will create emotional variety and visual interest.
Placement & movement:
Studio: medium/close shots, camera steady or subtle tracking.
City walk: tracking shot, camera leads or follows artist, slow motion for dramatic effect.
Fan interaction: split-screen so we see artist + fan simultaneously; artist looks into camera to address viewer directly.
This placement helps position the audience to connect with the artist (direct address, eye-contact, relatable context).
Make-up
For KSS: minimal and natural make-up—matte finish to avoid shine under strong lights or LED. Let the lighting define facial contours rather than heavy styling.
Under night/exterior lighting we must ensure the artist’s face remains visibly expressive — so check lighting during shoot.
Props
Studio scenes (Video 1): microphone, headphones, notepad & pen, perhaps laptop or mixer board.
City/Car scenes (Video 3): Car (parked plus driving), LED light strips, smartphone (maybe for self-filming POV), coffee or drink cup for realism.
Fan interaction scenes (Video 2): band-merch T-shirt/poster, smartphone showing fan-content, signing pen, perhaps backdrop of small audience.
Bring stabiliser/phone mount and tripod/stabiliser for dynamic shots.
Setting
Video 1: Rehearsal or recording studio with mic & headphones setup. If budget allows, hire a rehearsal studio (e.g., Pirate Studios in London) to give professional aesthetic.
Video 2: Location could be small live-performance room, or semi-outdoor space with friends/fans; also interior daylight for reaction shots.
Video 3: Exterior urban locations: rooftop for intro, city street at night, glass-building façade, car interior, maybe tube-station or bridge for urban flow.
At least two filming locations across the three videos are being used (studio + exterior city) so I am meeting the brief’s requirement.
3) Shot Lists
4) Shooting Schedule
Day 1 – Setup & Preparation
Arrive at studio/venue early morning for equipment setup.
Capture establishing shots (exterior, signage, crew arriving).
Film preparation shots — artist entering, setting up instruments, sound tests.
Conduct brief interview snippets with the artist about the performance.
Day 2 – Rehearsal & Performance
Record behind-the-scenes moments during warm-up and soundcheck.
Capture wide and close-up shots of performance setup and energy.
Film POV and tracking shots as artist moves between spaces.
Record multiple takes of key performance moments for TikTok edit variety.
Day 3 – Post-Performance & Editing
Film reflection and reactions from artist and crew.
Capture TikTok upload / editing process (insert shots).
Record final wrap-up interview or reflection clip.
Shoot closing aesthetic shots (e.g. lights dimming, empty studio).
Additional Notes:
I’ll add colour-coding for each video day so we don’t mix footage.
I’ll make sure to log shot numbers and take numbers to match my shot list for ease in editing.
I’ll build a buffer in each time slot for delays (lighting changes, permission issues).
For outdoor filming (car park, rooftop, tube station) I’ll check access/permissions and safety (especially for night shoots).
I’ll export each video in vertical format (9:16) as required for TikTok.
After filming, I’ll review footage each day, back up files, and mark any weak takes for re-shoot or pick up day.
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