Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Research & Planning: History of music videos.

1902 - 1917: Phonoscène era
The forerunner of sound film, which combined a chronophone sound recording with a chronograph film shot with actor's lip synching to the sound recording. 




Here is an example of the Phonoscène era. Felix Mayol Performs White Lilacs (1905). 
1926 - 1959: Talkies, soundies and shorts. 
In 1926, came the arrival of 'talkies'. Vitaphone shorts featured many bands, vocalist and dancers. Shorts were typically 6 minutes and featured art-deco style animations and background combined with film of the performer singing. Sing-along short cartoons called screen songs were starting to become more popular in this time, inviting the audience to sing-along, following the bouncing ball. 
1960 - 1967: Visual innovation.
The Beatles had their first feature film directed by Richard Lester for their song 'A Hard Day's Night', which was shot in black and white. 
In 1965, The Beatles began making promotional clips (also known as filmed inserts) for distribution and broadcast in other countries, which helped them promote their records rather than having to make an in-person appearance. 


1967 - 1973: Promotional clips grow in importance. 
The Who created a promotional clip called 'Call Me Lightning' in 1968, which was telling a story on how the band had formed resulting in being successful. 
The Doors created a clip for their debut single 'Break On Through', which is a filmed performance using atmospheric lighting, camera work and editing. 
During 1972/1973 David Bowie featured in a range of promotional clips. These clips were a huge influence during the 70's as the director was a photographer rather than an established film or TV director. 


1974 - 1980: Beginnings of music videos
In the United Kingdom, the popular show 'Top of the Pops' began playing music videos in the late 1970's. It was noted that a good video would increase a song's sales as viewers hoped to see it played again the following week. One of the most popular videos shown on 'Top of the Pops' was 'Ashes to Ashes' by David Bowie. 




David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' directed by David Mallet.


1981 - 1991: Music videos go mainstream
In 1983, the most successful, influential and iconic music video was released, selling over 9 million units that was 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson (lasting 13 minutes and 43 seconds), as well as creating the most famous and well known choreography of all time and costume. Not only was 'Thriller' a history-making video, the video 'Billie Jean' was also played on MTV, making Michael Jackson the first black artist to be played on MTV.




Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' directed by John Landis. 


1992 - 2004: Rise of directors
In 1995, the most expensive music video was made. Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson's 'Scream' costing $7million. During this period, MTV launched channels all around the world to show music videos such as MTV Latin America, MTV India, MTV Mandarin and MTV2. 




Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson's 'Scream' directed by Romanek. 


2005 - present: Internet
Due to the development of the internet, YouTube is now one of the most popular websites on the internet showing a range of videos, especially music videos. The music videos on YouTube help to promote new artists all over the world helping them boost their career as now artists are now found on YouTube, for example Justin Bieber. 

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