Questions

Questions

What is the basic function or purpose of a music video?
The basic function of a music video is to promote and sell the song as well as the artist.

When were the first music videos produced?

How are videos commissioned?
In each record label there is a department devoted to the commissioning of music. The person, or people, in this department have the say on whether or not to commission a video. They can reject videos at any time, and often have certain parts changed.

How much time does a music video usually take to produce?
Making a video is done pretty quickly as the label wants to get them out and start promoting the song as quickly as possible. They tend to take one or two weeks to plan, a day or two to film, then about a week in post production.

According to Ander Good win, what are the 3 different ways in which the visuals can relate to the lyrics of a song?
Illustration: The video illustrates the meaning of the lyrics. This is the simplest technique. The images can be somewhat over literal.
Amplification: This enhances the meaning of the song. It takes the meaning and develops it into something more powerful.
Disjuncture: This is when the visual imagery has no apparent relevance to the lyrics of the song. These are the videos that often seem to make no sense and are abstract.

What is a music video treatment or pitch?
A treatment is what a potential director for a music video creates to present to the record label showing what they plan to do for the video if they are chosen. All the directors treatments (often between 3 and 6 directors are asked to give their ideas) and the Artist and management will decide on the best.

What are some of the things to avoid when making a student video?
Well known songs, overdone effects-don’t try to cover up bad footage with effects, Aimless driving around, Scenes involving alcohol, cigarettes or drugs(even when it’s pretend), Shots of people just walking around, Speeding up or running footage backwards to cover up lack of footage, zooms, found footage, atmosphere-less stage footage, over the top stories.
The first music ‘videos’ were produced for the Beetles in 1965 for songs ‘Strawberry fields forever’ and ‘Penny lane’, however these were seen as more musical sequences and not what we would refer to as a current music video. Music videos became standard in the 80’s with the creation of MTV in 1981.