Music Videos in May 2026 -
Call for Directors (Now Closed)
Are you a Kent-based director wanting to add a music video to your portfolio?
Screen South, Seaview Studio and Folkestone Music Town are looking for Kent-based directors who are enthusiastic and patient collaborators and looking to gain experience making a music video.
We have asked local musicians/bands to share ideas for a music video of no more than 4 minutes which could be shot and edited in a week, and which must include some element of digital creativity, whether green screen, infinity cove, 360° video or another digital format.
Your role will be to support the musicians in realising their vision, with help and equipment from our team.
Each successful director will be matched with one music video project (directors and musicians can also apply to work together). Directors will be contracted for their work on the project, with production support from Screen South. Shooting will take place in Folkestone and access will be given to Screen South’s equipment and editing facilities.
Through a series of lab days you’ll team with a musician and – with expert support – hone a proposal that can be delivered within the project framework.
Crew (DOP, editor) and equipment (cameras, tripods, gimlets, editing tools) will be provided by Screen South.
Ownership of the video will be with the musician/band, with further commercial use of the video, including festival submissions, to be agreed by negotiation.
Please carefully read the FAQs and What you can expect sections of this page and review the timeline below to be sure of your availability before you apply.
Get in touch with any questions at info@screensouth.org
What you can expect
These are short shoots made with limited resources. We expect shooting teams to be small, eg – Director, camera operator, editor. Projects should be shot using Screen South’s equipment. A full kit list will be shared at when successful applications are announced. Screen South will provide and pay for the DOP and editor.
All videos should be made in Folkestone, within ¼ mile of Screen South.
This project doesn’t allow enough time for frame-by-frame grading. Colour grade should be by LUT.
Directors must have their own Public Liability Insurance.
There will be a director’s fixed fee of £750, and a small production budget of £200 for props or additional staff.
FAQs
What do I need to apply?
You’ll need:
– A link to your showreel
– A short text explaining why you want to make a music video
* If you are working with a musician, the treatment for their track will be submitted by them.
I would like to use my own equipment or hired equipment – is that okay?
We would prefer teams to use Screen South’s equipment where possible. Any other equipment used will have to be insured by the person using the equipment.
Can I extend the cast and crew?
This programme is designed and budgeted for modestly sized teams. It is possible to bring in people with other specialisms – but we do not have funding to support this.
I live in London but my family is from Kent. Can I apply?
This opportunity is for people who are currently based in Kent.
What will the terms and conditions be?
You will be contracted to direct the video, but will not have direct rights of ownership. You will be free to use the video in your showreel and for non commercial purposes, but commercial rights will be with the musician.
You will commit to:
– Screen South, Seaview Studios and Folkestone Music Town having the right to use the work and any associated materials to promote their activities and future iterations of the project.
– Acknowledge Screen South, Seaview Studios and Folkestone Music Town, as well as any project sponsors, in the work.
Timeline
23 Feb 2026
Deadline for applications
26 Feb 2026
Shortlisted artists and directors notified
3-4 March 2026
Shortlist interviews. Applicants must be available for interview during this week.
9 March 2026
Selected directors announced!
26 March 2026
Musicians’ and directors’ lab day. All artists must be available on this day.
1 April 2026
Music video teams pitch their final video ideas (online).
2 April 2026
Musicians’ and directors’ second lab day. Focus on performance and promotion.
W/C 6 April 2026
1-2-1 Sessions (all artists must be available for a slot during this week).
28 Apr – 22 May 2026
Each video will be shot in a different week of May. Musicians will be required for a rehearsal day and a shoot day in their shoot week.
29 May 2026
Screening and premiere event for all music videos in Folkestone.
From 1 June 2026
Musicians can release their videos. All videos to be released in the first week of June.
