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Frequently Asked Questions

General

How do I get started?

Simply fill out the quote request form, and we will get in touch with you to learn more about your project. After that, we will send you a project proposal where you can read about all the details!

Should I contact you guys before or after the recording of the EP / album is completed?

Before. It’s very important that you contact us before you start recording your EP / album because James will have specific requirements for how the recording should be done to ensure the best quality.

Can I get the same pricing if I only need mixing and mastering or a music video?

Unfortunately no. We discounted our services exclusively for this audio + video production package. The discounted prices are therefore not available outside of the package.

Contact James if you need only mixing and mastering services and Michael if you only need a cinematic music video.

What is the general production timeline?

The consultation and planning for the music video can start as soon as you want if you have a finalized demo—Michael will replace the demo with James’ final master whenever that’s completed. For mixing and mastering, starting from the day James receives all the multitracks, a 5-song EP usually take between two to three weeks, and a 10-song album usually takes about a month. In most cases, the revision process takes the most time—the more revisions are needed, the longer it will take for the mixing and mastering stage to be completed.

I have only a single / I have less than 5 songs. Can I still choose this package?

If you have only a single, you can still choose this package, but you won’t be getting any noticeable discounts, because you will be paying four figures to get mixing and mastering from James, and a music video from Michael for your one song. Five songs is the minimum amount where you will start to get an awesome deal for both mixing + mastering and a cinematic music video.

The more songs you have, the bigger discount you will get. For example, our package average can to $575 a song for mixing and mastering (all songs) and one music video if you have 5 songs, and $400 a song for the same services if you have 10 songs. The actual pricing is determined on a per project basis, however, so please talk to us to get your custom quote!

How do you guys charge?

We accept credit or debit card, bank account, and PayPal balance. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to officially start the project.

My band is not in Ontario. Can I still choose this package?

Only if you guys are willing to travel to Toronto to film the music video. Michael doesn’t currently travel outside Ontario to shoot videos.

Questions for James

Can you record our EP / album?

I can provide recording sessions for an extra fee. However, it’s your responsibility to cover any additional costs, such as studio rentals and recording engineers.

Why is recording not included in the package?

In the rock and metal scene, it’s extremely common and easy for bands (including famous ones) to record the guitars, bass, and vocals themselves, and use samples for drums. I want to keep the package as affordable as possible, while having recording sessions available for an extra fee.

Can I hire someone and go to a studio to record everything before coming to you?

Yes, but please make sure to get your recording engineer to contact me so they and I are on the same page when it comes to the details of the recording process. In the past, I have received drum recordings done in a studio that didn’t end up working out at all in the mix and had to be completely replaced by samples.

Can I use programmed drums and/or bass?

Absolutely. Unless you have the budget to go to a big studio and hire a good recording engineer, and your drummer is able to play on a studio level (aka can play on time and hit consistently), it’s a much more cost efficient option to use programmed drums. Otherwise, we will most likely end up with mediocre sounding drum recordings that will have to be almost entirely replaced by samples to sound great in the mix.

Similarly with bass, to get a great bass recording, you will need a skilled bassist who knows what it means to perform on a studio level, a bass guitar with good intonation, good recording gear (by this I mean a good interface with good AD converter), and the budget to change the strings every song. If you don’t have all of those things, programmed bass is preferred for most rock and metal music.

Questions for Michael

How is the total music video budget calculated?

The music video budget is based on the amount of effort required to bring your vision to life. My quote for each music video will vary based on the complexity of pre-production, the number of shooting days, the amount of editing required, and optional equipment rentals.

How long will the process for video production usually take?

It depends on project complexity and logistics. However, the general timeframe from idea conception to project delivery is around one month or less.

What kind of shooting locations are there? Do you do indoor shoots?

I’m open to shoot in any location in Ontario that would best reflect your music and your story, and I will help you decide on shooting location during consultation. Any cost associated with location rentals (such as a photography studio) will be your responsibility.

What kind of equipment do you work with?

The base package will be shot with a Sony A7S II camera, and the more extensive package will be shot with a RED Gemini cinema camera.

Do you do extra cuts such as teasers for social media?

Yes, I can provide teasers for a small extra fee.

Do you deliver the music video faster than usual?

It would have to depend on my schedule. However, please let me know if you are looking to release the video on a tight deadline; I would love to help you meet it to the best of my abilities.

I have a 10-song album. Can I not choose the RED camera for my music video to save $500?

Of course! In the more affordable package, I will work with a Sony A7S II to keep costs low since the RED package requires a camera assistant on set as well to keep time efficient. The additional cost for the RED camera goes entirely to rental + an extra camera assistant.

I have a 5-song EP. Can I choose the RED camera for my music video to get a more cinematic look?

Absolutely. It is completely up to you whether or not you want a cinema camera for your music video!

If you have questions that we didn’t answer here, please feel free to shoot us an email at jameszproductions@gmail.com.