Guides
Plan it right
Straight answers for planning a commercial or a music video, from the crew that shoots them in Totowa, NJ.
Music videos · 3 min readLive sound or playback? How to choose for your music videoWhen to record your music video with live sound and when to shoot to playback: what each takes on set, how it changes the edit, and how to choose.
Commercials · 3 min readWhat a full commercial crew does, role by roleDirector, DP, gaffer, sound, hair and makeup: what each person on a commercial crew does, when one videographer is enough, and when a full crew pays off.
Music videos · 2 min readHow to prepare for your music video shoot: an artist’s checklistA practical checklist for artists before a music video shoot: the track, the idea, rehearsal, wardrobe, locations and what happens after the shoot day.
Commercials · 2 min readHow much does a commercial cost in New Jersey? (2026)Typical 2026 production budgets for local, regional and national commercials in New Jersey, what moves the price, and how to get more from one budget.
Music videos · 1 min readHow much does a music video cost in New Jersey? (2026)Typical 2026 music video budgets for emerging artists, independent professionals and label releases, what changes the price, and how to plan yours.
Commercials · 1 min readOne shoot day, many deliverables: getting a commercial, social cuts and moreHow to plan one commercial shoot day so it delivers the main spot, short versions, vertical social cuts and stills, without paying for a second day.
Commercials · 2 min readWhat is a social content day, and when do you need one?A content day is one shoot with a small crew that produces a batch of short social videos. What it includes, who it suits, and how it fits with a commercial.