Make sure the director shows you some kind of script and story board. They serve as a blueprint for your music video. These don’t have to be elaborate but if the director says “I don’t believe in restricting myself with these things, I am a real artist, I will just express myself!” real art is what you’ll get. Experimental art, that is. If you really prefer completely unpredictable results, disregard the last comment. Whoever you contract to shoot your video should make it as easy on you as possible. I don’t believe in the artist carrying stuff or running around to get things done (at least on the day of the shoot). For best results the artist should be as relaxed (and rested) as possible. If the budget does not allow for the producer/director to hire an assistant and a runner get one of your or the band mates’ friends todo it. This brings up another important aspect:
If you choose to have them on set make sure:
• Each of them has a specific job to do. Let them understand they have to do their job and just that, except if expressly told otherwise. Don’t underestimate the amount of concentration that goes into professional shoots. Friends (including boyfriends/girlfriends, husbands and wives) can be a huge distraction. And the crew will get really annoyed if your friends start getting in their way!
• IMPORTANT: Your mates have to allow the director to do his/her job. Don’t permit them under any circumstances to ‘assist’ the director with suggestions and comments. You don’t let them direct your producer in the recording studio, do you?