Your song is finished and you need a music video, but 5,000 euros for a production house is beyond your budget. At Tonstudio Leipzig you get video production directly from me, shot with a modern smartphone camera, lit with my own battery powered lighting, edited entirely by me.
Most music video providers mainly sell their equipment: RED cameras, drones, multi camera crews, 4K looks. For big major label productions that makes sense. For indie and hobby projects it is overkill that costs money and often buries the actual story. What really reaches your fans is not the camera specification, it is whether the video captures the mood of your song, whether you come across as genuine, whether the emotion gets through. At Tonstudio Leipzig I work on video with exactly that conviction: shot with a modern smartphone camera, lit with my own mobile lighting, edited by the same person who worked out the concept with you. The result is authentic, honest and emotional, and it works because it does not try to pretend to be something it is not.
These six typical setups are possible. A studio performance video with the original track dubbed afterwards or with live audio from the studio session. A location performance video at external locations with battery powered lighting: parks, old industrial halls, forests, railway stations. A storyline music video with a small story and two to four changes of scene. A live recording video filmed alongside a studio session for authentic documentary content. An album trailer or promo video as marketing material for a release. A behind the scenes documentary with interview sequences, glimpses of the studio and the character of an artist portrait. Three packages depending on the scope: single video, multi video package, release visual package.
What this video production deliberately and not is: an imitation of Hollywood with a crew, drones and RED cameras. For premium productions like that I am happy to put you in touch with professional video production houses in Leipzig. They do their job well and are the right choice when the budget and the ambition point that way. For detailed advice on choosing a package and your visual strategy, book the initial consultation directly in the studio shop. For short questions you can reach me by email or WhatsApp message, and WhatsApp is often the fastest way when there is only one small question to settle.
Most indie video enquiries fall into six typical setups. In the concept consultation I look at which one suits your project together with you, and often a combination of two or three of these formats makes sense.
The most common type of video. You play or rap your finished track as playback at the studio, the video is filmed alongside, with a smartphone from several angles, lighting for atmosphere and the studio itself as a visual backdrop. In the edit your original audio runs cleanly under the images. The result: an authentic performance video for YouTube, the Instagram feed and reels, the kind of thing indie fans really want to see.
For when your song needs a mood the studio cannot deliver: the atmosphere of a park for gentle acoustic songs, old industrial halls for darker hip-hop tracks, the edge of a forest for introspective singer-songwriter pieces. The mobile battery lighting makes locations without power usable too. I look at suitable places around Leipzig together with you, or you bring a location of your own.
A music video with a small story and two to four changes of scene, a clear arc of mood and simple acting in front of the camera. For example: a dark opening at the studio, the main performance section at the studio, an external location for the closing images, mixed with emotional close ups. The storyline is developed in the concept conversation. Not a film script, but a clear plan of scenes. What does not fit the scope: elaborate acting choreography with several people.
For when you have a regular studio session anyway and want to capture the experience on video. The video is filmed during the recording, so you get picture and audio from the same moment. Perfect for authentic content, documentary material from studio sessions and live from the studio reels. Unlike the studio performance version, everything here is real and nothing is repeated for the camera.
A short, atmospheric promo video for your release, 30 to 90 seconds long, with snippets from several tracks, studio or location images, the album cover appearing, and text with the release date. Used deliberately for social media marketing in the weeks before the album comes out. With multi video packages it is typically produced as an additional piece alongside the main video and the reel cuts.
A documentary format with short interview sequences (a studio microphone for clean speech), glimpses of the studio, the character of an artist portrait, and authentic moments between takes. It makes sense before album releases as early marketing, or as a regular format for building a community. It works as a longer YouTube video too, or as a pool of snippets for many small social media posts over several weeks.
Three packages depending on the scope and complexity. In the concept consultation I look at which package suits your project together with you, and often the conversation leads to a different recommendation than you would expect at first.
A lean way in for one focused performance video or an album trailer. A concept conversation beforehand, one shooting day at the studio or at a single external location, a complete edit with several platform formats (16:9 for YouTube, 9:16 for reels and shorts, optionally 1:1 for the Instagram feed). Handover after 10 to 14 days. It makes sense for your first single release or as a test video before you invest in larger packages.
The most popular package. A concept conversation with storyline development, one to two shooting days (the studio plus one or two external locations), several videos from the same production: a main video plus a reel cut plus behind the scenes snippets plus an album trailer version. Handover after three to four weeks. It makes sense for complete single releases or EP promotion with plenty of content material.
The premium package for strategic release campaigns. A concept workshop for your visual identity, two to three shooting days with several locations and setups, a main video for the single plus a storyline music video plus an album trailer plus several reels and shorts plus behind the scenes material. Handover after six to eight weeks. It makes sense for album releases where the whole marketing phase is to be underpinned with consistent visual material.
Additional versions are cut from the main video: a lyric video with text overlays, a vertical cut for TikTok with different timing, a short teaser snippet for story posts, an alternative edit with a different mood. One shoot then produces five to eight different versions to publish, each suited to a different platform or a different marketing moment.
For particular location requirements: old industrial ruins, specific park settings, historic places, atmospheric backyards. Visiting the locations beforehand to check the mood and plan the lighting, and sorting out filming permits where needed. It makes sense above all with storyline music videos, where the right location carries a large part of the story.
With storyline music videos involving several scenes, a clear storyboard is created beforehand: a visual sketch of each scene, a description of the mood, planning for the transitions, timing against the structure of the song. It makes the shooting day considerably more relaxed, because everyone knows what comes next, and it gives you a clear picture in advance of what you will get.
Anyone searching for a music video finds hundreds of providers: video studios, freelance filmmakers, photo studios with video as an add-on. What most have in common is that they mainly sell their equipment. Three factors make the difference with my approach.
Anyone can make glossy images with an expensive professional camera that look like hundreds of other major label videos. With a modern smartphone camera, my own lighting and a clear concept, videos come out that are honest, emotional and unmistakable. The indie fan community notices immediately whether a video is trying to be something it is not, or whether it authentically captures what the artist really wants to say. That authenticity is the deliberate strategy here, not a compromise forced by budget.
In standard video productions the chain is split: one person for the concept, a camera team, an editing studio, and ideas get lost at every handover. Here everything comes from one place: I develop the concept together with you, film the shoot myself and edit the material. That means I know exactly which mood you wanted, because I developed it with you. The finished video carries your concept to the last second instead of diluting it through a chain of handovers.
My own battery powered lighting makes external locations without power usable: industrial ruins, forest edges, remote stations, waterfronts. Unlike pure studio providers or pure location filmmakers, both worlds can be combined here: a studio performance with a controlled atmosphere plus external outdoor scenes with real world mood. That gives videos visual range without having to coordinate several providers.
These three factors, authenticity as a deliberate choice, a complete service from one place and the combination of studio and location, make the difference between a video that looks like a thousand others and one that really carries your identity as an artist.
A professional video does not only work on the day it is released. Well made videos change how fans, platforms and potential collaborators see you, often over months.
Something important often happens in the concept conversation itself: for the first time you say explicitly what your song is meant to tell, which mood the video has to carry, which visual world belongs to your identity as an artist. That realisation is a valuable by-product of the conversation. Many artists say afterwards that they see their own work more clearly after it, regardless of the video itself.
The first time you perform in front of a camera that is not your own phone on a tripod, but a planned production with a concept, lighting and a shooting plan, your performance changes too: more focused, more precise, more expressive. That flows straight into the authenticity of the footage and stays visible in the edit later.
When the first finished video goes online, reactions come in about it finally being a really good music video, or about how professional it looks. The community notices the difference in quality between a living room performance and a planned production with lighting and editing straight away, even when they cannot explain technically what it comes from. That marker changes how your whole identity as an artist is seen.
One main video produces many small moments to publish over the following weeks: reels and shorts as snippet cuts, behind the scenes clips for story posts, an album trailer for the album phase, lyric video versions with text overlays. A well planned shoot delivers content material for two to three months of social media without new footage being needed every week.
Platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok treat high quality original content differently from pure living room recordings: you get shown more often, have longer average watch times and gain more organic reach. At the same time opportunities for collaboration open up: other artists look at potential partners through the quality of their videos, and a professional video makes the difference between not being taken seriously and being interesting.
Anyone releasing several videos in a consistent visual language, similar locations, similar moods, recognisable colours and editing, builds a visual identity of their own over months. Someone who makes music becomes that particular artist with the unmistakable look. That consistency is more valuable in the long run than any single glossy video, because it settles in the memory of the community.
Good preparation makes the difference between a shooting day where everything flows and one where too much time goes into organising. Six points that take the pressure off the concept conversation and the shooting days.
Think briefly before the concept conversation: what is the main message of your song, which mood should the video carry, which visual world suits your identity as an artist. Three or four keywords or reference videos are enough, and I then develop the specific concept together with you in the conversation. All that matters is that you do not arrive with a completely blank mind but with a rough direction.
With performance and music videos, settle beforehand which track carries the video, and whether it is already finished (the dubbed version) or should be created alongside the video as a live recording. For finished tracks, send an MP3 or WAV with your enquiry so that I can judge the mood before the concept conversation. For live recordings, a studio slot is included in the multi video package.
With storyline videos and multi video packages, think through your location wishes beforehand: studio performance scenes plus outdoor atmosphere, particular places you have in mind (a specific industrial hall, the park by the water, the old station), or location scouting added to the concept. With locations needing filming permits, settle early whether everything is possible. Some places need lead time or charge a fee.
Match your outfit to the concept: no flickering patterns that come out badly on a smartphone video, nothing very bright next to bright locations, which throws off the exposure. With storyline videos involving changes of scene you can plan a change of outfit between them, which makes the finished video more varied visually. For behind the scenes shoots, studio casual is more authentic than a stage outfit.
Settle beforehand which platforms the finished video will be published on: YouTube as the main channel, the Instagram feed as a square cut, reels and TikTok as a vertical cut, story posts as 9:16 snippets. The choice of platform affects the editing strategy, the formats and sometimes the shooting plan too (more vertical shots when TikTok is the focus, for example). With album trailers, clarity about the release date and the marketing phase matters as well.
Settle beforehand when the finished video is needed: the single release date, the album release, the planned start of marketing. For a single video allow about two weeks of lead time, for a multi video package about four weeks, and for a release visual package enquire about eight to twelve weeks before the marketing starts. For promo videos needed urgently I can produce faster, but that affects the depth of the concept and the care in the edit.
So that you know what to expect, four structured steps from the first idea to the handover of the finished videos.
In the paid initial consultation at the studio or by video call I develop the concept together with you: you talk about your song and your idea, and I make suggestions on the direction, locations, the mood of the edit and the choice of package. At the end of the conversation you have a clear plan for the shooting days, the locations and the handover dates. For shorter questions beforehand you can settle a specific point by email or WhatsApp message.
With storyline videos and multi video packages a clear storyboard is created before the shoot: a visual sketch of each scene, a description of the mood, the order of shooting. With particular locations there is also a visit beforehand to plan the lighting and, where needed, sort out filming permits. You get the storyboard to approve before the shooting day, so that there are no surprises on the day.
On the shooting day we work to the storyboard, but with room for spontaneous ideas and adjustments to the mood. At the studio, controlled conditions with battery lighting and a calm atmosphere. At external locations, a relaxed outdoor shoot with the same mobile equipment. Breaks are planned in, so you do not have to perform without pause. With multi video packages the studio and location shoots are typically spread across two days, so that each mood gets room.
The edit happens in the two to four weeks after the last shooting day, depending on the package. You get a first cut to watch, give feedback on the mood, the pace and individual scenes, and I adjust it. After a maximum of two rounds you get the finished videos in all the agreed platform formats by cloud link, ready to upload directly. With multi video packages all versions are handed over at once.
Studio scenes are filmed on Bernhard-Göring-Straße in Zentrum-Süd. External locations are possible anywhere around Leipzig, and with my own mobile battery lighting even in places with no power.
The studio is in the middle of Zentrum-Süd, within walking distance of the Karli and the city centre. Studio performance scenes, live recording videos, behind the scenes content and interview sequences are filmed here. Acoustically treated rooms, a professional microphone setup, several visual backdrops (the desk area, the recording room, vintage equipment) for different moods.
Urban locations for hip-hop and indie feeling in the south and west of Leipzig: backyards covered in graffiti in Connewitz, industrial character in Plagwitz and Lindenau, the lively atmosphere of the Karli, the canals along the Weiße Elster. Filming permits are usually straightforward, and it is an ideal complement to studio scenes for an authentic Leipzig backdrop.
Natural locations for acoustic songs and introspective singer-songwriter moods: the stillness of the Auwald, the openness of Cospudener See, the romance of the moated castle, the avenues of Clara-Zetkin-Park. With battery lighting it works in twilight hours and in dense woodland too. Particularly good for reflective or romantic moods.
For darker hip-hop concepts, indie rock moods and experimental imagery: lost places in Leipzig's industrial belt, old station buildings, abandoned halls, atmospheric backyards. Filming permits are possible with a little lead time. The mobile battery lighting makes shooting possible even where there is no power: dramatic shadows, atmospheric accents, images with no studio feel.
For shoots outside Leipzig: Halle (Saale) with industrial locations and the banks of the Saale, the castle park in Markkleeberg, Borna, Schkeuditz. Travel with small transparent supplements, and the mobile lighting fits reliably into the vehicle. With longer shooting days across several locations it is worth planning carefully, so that travelling does not eat too far into the day itself.
If you have a location of your own in mind, your grandparents' yard, an old family garden, a particular café, a place that means something to you, bring it into the concept conversation. Personal locations are often the emotionally strongest, because the artist has a real connection to the place. I sort out filming permits and lighting possibilities together with you. Travel anywhere in the country is possible on request, with transparent travel costs and an arrangement for an overnight stay where needed.
Here you find the most important answers before you enquire about your video production. For short questions you can reach me by email or WhatsApp message. For detailed advice with a fixed appointment there is the initial consultation in the studio shop.
Complete video production from the concept to the finished edited video.
You come with an idea: a music video for your new track, a performance video for YouTube, an album trailer for promotion, a behind the scenes documentary.
We I go through the concept together with you, film at the studio in Leipzig or at external locations with my own battery lighting, and edit the material myself .
Everything from one place, with a personal relationship from start to finish.
Both are possible, and often combined.
At the studio on Bernhard-Göring-Straße in Zentrum-Süd for performance scenes with studio audio.
Outside for storyline scenes, mood images or particular locations: parks, old industrial halls, forests, stations, backyards.
My own battery powered lighting is completely mobile and independent of power on site.
Two main options:
Dubbed: your finished track runs as the original audio under the video and you mime to playback during the shoot. The standard for music videos and performance videos.
Live recording: with studio sessions the video is filmed alongside the recording, so picture and audio come from the same moment.
For behind the scenes or interview sequences, studio microphones are used as well for clean speech.
Realistically and honestly: authentic, emotional, well made smartphone videos with my own lighting, professional editing and several locations.
It works for performance videos, smaller music videos with a storyline, album trailers, behind the scenes content and promo material at indie level.
What you cannot expect: Hollywood productions with multi camera crews, drone flights, RED cameras or cinematic 4K looks.
For premium music videos like that I gladly point you to professional video production houses .
I do , completely, from start to finish.
A deliberate complete service, because handing over between the camera person and an editor often loses part of the concept.
I know your idea because we worked it out together , I was there at the shoot, and I know exactly which mood the video should have.
The edit is done in professional software with colour grading, audio sync and exports in platform specific formats.
Depending on the use, usually horizontal in 16:9 for YouTube, vertical in 9:16 for reels, shorts and TikTok, optionally square in 1:1 for the Instagram feed.
One music video typically produces at least three versions: the main video, a vertical cut and a highlight snippet as a promo teaser.
With multi video packages further versions can be added: shorter cuts, behind the scenes clips, lyric video versions with text overlays.
My own battery powered LED lighting , completely mobile and independent of mains power.
That makes it possible to shoot in locations with no power at all : old industrial ruins, woodland, remote stations, roof terraces.
The lighting is set up for authentic moods rather than imitating a studio look: warm light close to natural daylight, dramatic shadows.
Yes, and they work very well.
A small story with two to four changes of scene, a clear arc of mood and simple acting by the artist.
For example: a dark opening at the studio, the main performance section, an external location for the closing images, mixed with close ups.
What does not fit the scope: elaborate acted scenes with several people, large effect choreographies or shoots across several days with a crew.
A single video: one shooting day (three to five hours) plus two to three days of editing, handover after 10 to 14 days.
A multi video package: one to two shooting days plus one to two weeks of editing, handover after three to four weeks.
A release visual package: two to three shooting days plus three to four weeks of editing, handover after six to eight weeks.
For album releases, enquire early, ideally eight to twelve weeks before the release.
Three packages:
single video production as a start, the multi video package as the most popular standard, the release visual package as the premium option for complete album campaigns.
The cost depends on the shooting days, the locations, the editing involved and the complexity.
With your enquiry you get a specific quotethat suits the project.
Also available as a gift voucher is possible.
For detailed concept conversations and advice on choosing a package, book the initial consultation as a paid session directly in the studio shop.
Recommended, because the concept advice is the most important step and the initial consultation leaves enough room to develop ideas.
For short questions about organisational matters, availability, travel or format questions, you can reach me by email or WhatsApp message.
WhatsApp is often the fastest way. Getting in touch by phone works too.
This page is written for hobby musicians and indie artists without a label deal.
If you work with a record deal, a major label or a commercial marketing budget and need high end music video productions with a multi camera crew, RED cameras or drone footage, I am happy to pass on the contact to professional video production houses .
For the audio side there is also the separate business site of Tonstudio Leipzig.
Write me a short note about what you have in mind: which song, which mood, which platforms, and whether a single video or a multi video package would make sense. For detailed concept conversations you book the initial consultation directly in the studio shop, where I develop the concept together with you. For short questions about availability, travel or formats, a WhatsApp message or a brief email works too. If something does not fit the scope, such as Hollywood productions with a crew and drones, I say so honestly and am happy to put you in touch with specialised providers.