How to Use Anamorphic Cinematography for Music Videos in 2024
Expert cinematographer Ishell Vaughan breaks down anamorphic lenses, budgets, and workflows for music videos in NYC, Miami, and beyond.
Why Anamorphic Lenses Elevate Music Videos
Anamorphic cinematography isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s a storytelling tool. The horizontal flares, oval bokeh, and 2.39:1 aspect ratio create a cinematic depth that standard lenses can’t match. For music videos, this means your artist’s visuals feel more immersive, more premium, and more likely to stand out on platforms like YouTube or Vevo.
I’ve shot anamorphic on projects across Newark, NYC, and Miami, and the difference is immediate. Clients notice the production value, and audiences remember the look. But it’s not just about aesthetics. The wider field of view lets you capture more environment, which is critical when shooting in tight urban spaces like Philadelphia’s alleyways or Atlanta’s warehouse districts.
Gear: What Works and What Doesn’t
For music videos, budget and portability matter. The ARRI Master Anamorphic set is the gold standard, but it’s a $200K+ investment—unrealistic for most indie or mid-tier projects. A more practical option is the Hawk Anamorphic MiniHawk series, which delivers that signature anamorphic look for around $5K–$10K per lens. If you’re renting, AbelCine in NYC or Rule Boston Camera offer these sets with support for RED, ARRI, or Sony bodies.
For run-and-gun shoots, the Kowa Anamorphic lenses (rehoused by companies like P+S Technik) are a favorite. They’re lighter, cheaper to rent, and pair well with mirrorless cameras like the Sony FX6 or Canon C500 Mark II. Just be mindful of the 2x squeeze factor—it requires desqueezing in post, which adds a step to your workflow.
Budgeting for Anamorphic in Music Videos
Anamorphic isn’t cheap, but it’s more accessible than you think. For a mid-tier music video in Miami or Atlanta, expect to spend $2K–$4K on lens rentals alone for a weekend shoot. Add another $1K–$2K for a focus puller who understands anamorphic quirks, like the slower aperture speeds and the need for precise focus on wide shots.
If you’re working with a label or agency, push for anamorphic in the budget early. As Variety has noted, the demand for high-end visuals in music videos is rising, and labels are increasingly willing to invest in cinematic quality. For indie artists, consider splitting costs with a DP who owns their own anamorphic set—many of us do.
Shooting Anamorphic: Practical Tips
Lighting is everything. Anamorphic lenses are slower (often T2.8 or higher), so you’ll need more light than with spherical lenses. In NYC’s dimly lit venues or Newark’s industrial spaces, this means bringing in LED panels or using fast primes for wider shots.
Flare control is another challenge. The iconic blue streak flares are part of the charm, but they can overpower your subject. I’ve found that positioning lights just outside the frame and using diffusion (like a 1/4 Black Pro-Mist filter) gives you the flare without losing detail. Test this in pre-pro—anamorphic flares behave differently with every lens.
Post-production is where anamorphic really shines. Desqueezing in-camera (if your camera supports it, like the ARRI Alexa Mini LF) saves time, but most workflows still require desqueezing in post. Use a plugin like Kowa Anamorphic Desqueeze in Premiere or Resolve to avoid distortion. And don’t forget to color grade for the anamorphic look—boost the blues slightly to enhance the flares.
When Anamorphic Isn’t the Right Call
Anamorphic isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For fast-paced, documentary-style music videos, the weight and bulk of anamorphic lenses can slow you down. In these cases, spherical lenses with a 1.85:1 or 16:9 crop might be more practical.
Also, consider the delivery format. If the video is primarily for social media (Instagram, TikTok), the 2.39:1 aspect ratio might get cropped or letterboxed, which can feel jarring on mobile. As No Film School has pointed out, vertical video is becoming more common, and anamorphic doesn’t always translate well to that format.
Final Thoughts
Anamorphic cinematography can transform a music video from good to unforgettable. It’s an investment in your project’s visual identity, and when done right, it pays off in engagement and shareability. If you’re ready to explore anamorphic for your next shoot, reach out through my contact page—I’d love to discuss how we can make it happen.