# Performance Music Video — Format

> Artist performing the song. Concert-feel or stylized performance. Direct musical focus.

## Format basics

- Length: 3-5 min (song length)
- Aspect: 16:9
- Artist performing
- Cinematic stylized concert
- Multi-camera typically
- Visual focus on artist

## Structure

```
0-15s    OPENING
         Establish performance space
         Artist introduced (if not known)
         Music intro

15s-1min VERSE 1
         Artist performing
         Visual establishment

1-1:30min CHORUS 1
         Energy builds
         More dynamic shots

1:30-2:15min VERSE 2
         Variation in shots
         Story-of-performance hinted

2:15-2:45min CHORUS 2
         Bigger energy

2:45-3:15min BRIDGE
         Quieter or building
         Different visual approach

3:15-3:45min FINAL CHORUS
         Peak energy
         Climactic visuals

3:45-4min OUTRO
         Fade out
         Final image
```

## Sample performance MV concept

```
TITLE: Performance Video for "Atlas Bee" by Ayla

GENRE: Pop
LENGTH: 3:30
SETTING: Stylized warehouse with neon lighting

CONCEPT:
Single location, multiple looks. Artist (AYLA) performs in different
sections of a converted warehouse. Each section has distinct lighting
and aesthetic.

SECTION 1: Industrial concrete with cool blue lighting
- Verse 1 here
- Wide and close-up shots
- Dynamic camera movement

SECTION 2: A hidden room with red velvet
- Chorus 1
- More intimate, slower camera
- Beauty shots

SECTION 3: Open space with smoke and neon
- Verse 2
- Background dancers (sparse, geometric)
- Wide energetic

SECTION 4: Pure white space (empty)
- Bridge
- Just artist, single light
- Vulnerability moment

SECTION 5: All sections combined (maybe split-screen)
- Final chorus
- Maximum energy
- Climax

OUTRO: Pull back to wide of full warehouse, all spaces visible.
Artist standing in center.

VISUAL ELEMENTS:
- Wardrobe changes per section
- Color grading distinct per section
- Camera movements vary by section
- Cuts on beat throughout
```

## Key principles

### Artist as focus
- Beauty shots
- Charisma showcased
- Outfit / styling matters
- Energy matches song

### Multiple looks / settings
- Variety prevents boredom
- Wardrobe changes
- Lighting changes
- Background changes

### Cuts on beat
- Editing matches music
- Energy in editing
- Match cuts dynamic

### Production value
- Lighting elevated
- Set design considered
- Cinematography quality
- Look intentional

### Visual hooks
- Memorable shots
- Iconic imagery
- Tableau moments

## Sub-types

### Concert-style
- Performance to audience
- Live energy
- Documentary feel

### Stylized studio
- Controlled set
- Multiple looks
- Cinematic

### Location performance
- Specific real place
- Artist + place integration

### Dance performance
- Choreography central
- Dancers + artist
- Movement focus

### Stripped/acoustic
- Intimate setting
- Single instrument + voice
- Vulnerability

## When to use

- Strong vocal performance to showcase
- New artist (face-establishing)
- Album promotion (multiple looks)
- Charisma-driven artist
- Lower-budget option (single location)

## Common mistakes

- Boring single shot
- No variety
- Cuts not on beat
- Artist lifeless
- Generic warehouse aesthetic (overdone)
