The Music Video Industry

• How are music videos generally made?

Performance videos- these music videos are usually made through the artists/bands lip syncing and playing along with the song to illustrate the narrative as personal and showing how the facial expressions show their feelings.

Narrative Videos- Are much more complex as a storyline will need to be thought up by the artist, writer or creative director. The story will also need to correspond well with the lyrics as well making it a long and difficult process.

Example

1. Once the lyrics are written a storyline will be thought up
2. A shooting schedule is made and the crew is brought together to discus what shots and locations are needed to represent the narrative
3. The production is filmed and edited 
4. Final touches are made and the date is decided when the song will be released

People Needed to create a music video

Director- to be in control of everything and make sure everything is in order and ready for the next stage of the process. They are also in charge of meeting deadlines to make sure the song is ready for audiences pleasure.

Writer- They are responsible for writing the concept of the music video and are mainly needed for a narrative video

Producer- is essentially in charge of the music video production as they relate the shooting schedule and sort out the finances

Location Scout- finds all the different locations that the artist has discussed

Camera Man/Women- In charge of filming the music video and making sure they have all the necessary shots needed

Sound Man- If the production has any sound effects included then this crew member will be needed

Makeup/Hair Artist- To make the artist/band represent themselves as the best they could look for in front of the camera

• Purpose of a music video

Music videos are generally made for promotional purposes and the individual song will be released before an album so audiences are more likely to buy it as they appreciate the key song.

If music videos are successful they may become viral on websites such as Youtube and Vevo. For example Psy's 'Gangnam style' ....

Also, TV channels like MTV and 4 Music also show up to date music videos on a daily basis through chat form.

The more promotion a music video gets the more money is made for the artist/band.

• Famous music video directors

Some of the notable music video directors include..

1. Spike Lee- Lady Gaga's 'Paparazzi'
2. David Fincher- Madonna's 'Vogue' and Michael Jackson 'Who is it'

These videos are so popular due to the large budget they could invest into it. The best directors will only pick artists who they believe will create money with their debut single. Their is a lot rising on the video as this will determine the outcome of views.

        

The length of Lady Gaga's video also demonstrates why it needed so much money put into it.

• How much money is usually spent on music videos

On average a music video will cost a minimum of £50,000 but it can reach around £500,000 or even more. For example, Michael Jackson's music video of 'Scream' cost $7,000,000 to make due to him being a huge pop star and therefore are likely to make a profit due to the huge audience. New artists will not make as much because they aren't well known and will not have a huge audience. 

• Main difficulties/Challenges

The difficulties with making music videos tends to be the budget. For new singers trying to make yourself known can be difficult as the money needed for a major music video is vast. Also, trying to hire all the necessary equipment and cast requires a great management team and new artists will not have access the these necessities.