Music Video IndustryAlysia Hurrell

How music videos are generally made

Pre-Production: The first step in the making of a music video is that the artist/artists/labels will choose a production company that is either well respect or renowned for high-quality music videos and who are reliable. In some cases more so with less mainstream genres (indie, acoustic, rock etc...) they will take the risk with an less well known production company or directors for a edgier more unique results but the music video is in an important stage in the selling of the song so artists tend not to take risks. The pre-production stage also includes hiring a crew, planning sets, getting permission for sites, finding actors (if necessary). At an early stage there will also be a concept for the video and detailed story boarding. This could take months but be organised is the key to not wasting time and money and being as successful as possible.

Production: At this stage more crew will be hired to help with the production and on set. If the company are working with a very respected celebrity high requirements might have to be met. Once everything is in place and prepared filming will begin, the director will shoot alot of takes, to ensure alot of footage to work with in the editing process, any footage not used could be put into outtakes and included in special edition albums. Photographs could be taken at this time as well for advertisement, teasers etc. This is a very important part of the production process, it has to be planned to perfection to ensure that time and money isn't wasted, alot of factors have to be taken into account in pre production (such as weather, injuries etc.). Due to pre production planning the shooting of the video should reflect the story board, alot of changes whilst shooting can show poor planning but it is also possible that the director could change a few things because of last minute inspiration.

Post-production: The final stage is where all the footage from filming will be put together and edited. There would be separate people/company hired for the editing process, this has to be done to a high standard or it can completely change how the video is viewed. The production company will have to make it clear to the graphics sector what there aim and concept of the video is. An important part of editing that has to be done perfectly is lip syncing, if it is slightly of this could make the video look very amateur. The video will then be processed onto many different formats and be fully prepare for distribution. Parts of the video can also be used for advertising.

What is the purpose of a music video for the companies / artists that make them?

Different artists and companies have different motives for making music videos but something that influences most is money and making a profit, some artists do it to promote themselves as celebrities and some to solely promote their music. However there are other reasons such as just for enjoyment and for companies expressing there individual flare in production. The purpose on the music video alone is to advertise the album or single and the artist/artists.

Who are some famous music video directors and why are their videos so well known / successful?

David Fincher, does big budget music videos and has worked with artists such as Madonna “vogue” and Justin Timberlake “Suit & Tie”.

Spike Jonze, famous for Beastie Boys “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win” who has been collaborating with for a long time and Jay-Z and Kanye West “Otis”. Pitchfork Media named the video amongst the best of the year. The car was put up for auction, and the proceeds donated toward the East African Drought Disaster.

http://youtu.be/w-QIiVS_7Hs http://youtu.be/BoEKWtgJQAU Canada, Canada is the nom de director of a trio of filmmakers from

Barcelona (Luis Cerveró, Nicolás Méndez, and Lope Serrano) whose specialty is building benign images, strange art installations, and rhythmic, repetitive action. Their calling card has become Battles’ “Ice Cream,” a supremely lascivious swirl of disorienting beauty that feels like it’s way ruder than it actually is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsvMyQeC-Q#t=166

How much money is usually spent on the average music video?

From looking at research an average fairly low budget music video would cost a minimum of £50,000. However the budgets can go into the millions.

The budget depends on how the artists want the music video to look, how they want to be perceived, it will reflect their status and music style and the same applies with director.

Big budget music videosMichael Jackson and Janet Jackson"Scream”

directed by Mark Romanek in 1995. The cost was $7,000,000.

Madonna "Die Another Day” directed by Traktor, on October 22, 2002. The cost was $6,100,000.

Madonna "Express Yourself” directed by David Fincher on May 17, 1989. The cost was $5000,000.

Madonna"Bedtime Story“, directed by Mark Romanek in 1995. The cost was $5000,000.

Michael Jackson (featuring L.T.B.)"Black or White“, directed by John Landis on November 14, 1991. The cost was $4,000,000.

How do audiences access music videos? Where can they be seen?

Music videos can be accessed worldwde more easily now than ever. A popular resource is Youtube, it can be easier than going to the artists website.

Another way is music channels such as MTV, 4 Music etc. Also music videos can be shown as adverts for teasers, this would be more likely on Youtube than on TV.