Music video

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A music video is a short film or video that integrates a song with imagery and is produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings. There are also cases where songs are used in tie-in music videos that allow them to become more than just a song. Tie-ins and merchandising could be used for toys or for food or other products.

History[edit | edit source]

The origins of the music video date back to musical short films that first appeared in the 1920s. These were essentially short films featuring bands, vocalists, and dancers. The early 1930s saw the development of the sound film, which allowed for the synchronization of sound and image, leading to the creation of musical short films.

In the 1950s, the rise of television provided a new platform for music videos. Shows like American Bandstand and Top of the Pops featured performances by popular artists, which were essentially early forms of music videos.

The 1980s marked the advent of MTV, a television channel dedicated to playing music videos. This era saw the music video become a significant part of the music industry, with artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince creating iconic videos that are still celebrated today.

Production[edit | edit source]

Music videos are typically produced by a music video director and may involve a variety of production techniques, including live-action filming, animation, and special effects. The process usually begins with the development of a concept or treatment, followed by pre-production, which includes casting, location scouting, and planning the shoot. The production phase involves the actual filming of the video, and post-production includes editing, visual effects, and finalizing the video for release.

Types of Music Videos[edit | edit source]

Music videos can be categorized into several types, including:

Performance videos: These feature the artist performing the song, either in a live setting or a staged environment.
Narrative videos: These tell a story that is often related to the lyrics of the song.
Concept videos: These are based on a single idea or concept and may not directly relate to the song's lyrics.
Lyric videos: These display the lyrics of the song on the screen, often with creative typography and animation.

Impact on Culture[edit | edit source]

Music videos have had a significant impact on popular culture. They have influenced fashion, dance, and visual aesthetics. Iconic music videos like Michael Jackson's Thriller and Madonna's Like a Prayer have become cultural touchstones. Music videos also provide a platform for artists to express their creativity and make social or political statements.