The art of music video production

Posted 7 months ago

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Like any kind of video production, creating a music video is very much like a team sport.  Nobody can solely take credit for having an awesome win of a video because it is highly unlikely you can produce one by yourself.  For me, it is the team aspect of video production combined with the creative and interesting clients that makes working on a music video so enjoyable.

Indiefilm has recently worked on a number of music videos with some very talented local artists; Knights of the Dub Table, Niki Moran, and Dick Dynamite and the Doppelgangers.  This recent influx of musical projects has got me thinking on the history of music video production.  Who made the first music video?

Did it all start with movie musicals in the 1920’s?  Was it Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie? Did MTV make the music video popular, or was it just a much-needed platform for an already increasing media?

Well according to wiki, the term “music video” wasn't coined until 1959 by Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr. an American Disk Jockey, singer and songwriter. But the history of the music video stems back much further than that. 

The music video first came into being as the “illustrated song” in 1894.  It was the brainchild of sheet music publishers Edward B. Marks and Joe Stern.  Marks and Stern hired electrician George Thomas and various performers to promote sales of their song "The Little Lost Child".  Thomas projected a series of still images on a screen simultaneous to live performances.

The Art Deco period saw the first true music video come in to creation with the arrival of musical shorts.  These six-minute films featured animations and backgrounds combined with film of the performer singing.

From the 1930’s to late 1950’s the movie musical enjoyed huge popularity, showcasing such stars as Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Judy Garland.  This popularity grew as televisions became more prominent in homes alongside regular programming.  These musicals were generally filmed performances and it wasn't until the 1960’s that innovative techniques as seen in the 20’s frequented video production once again.

Looking back on older music videos, some of today’s videos seem cookie cutter boring by comparison.  Despite having big budgets, marketers and producers seem to play it safe, using a tried and tested formula targeted towards teen audiences.

In celebration of innovation and creativity take a look at some of Indiefilms favourite innovative music videos.

Spooney Melodies (1920s)

While the tune might not get most feet tapping, the creative techniques and craftsmanship involved would put many videos to shame these days.

The Doors - Break on Through (1967)

Dramatic lighting, simplified compositions with a dash of colour. 

Pink Floyd - San Francisco (1968)

Psychedelic influences dominate this little beauty. 

Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)

This groundbreaking video needs very little explanation.  Love him or hate him, you have to admit Jackson knew how to entertain.

David Bowie - Space Oddity (1969)

Another psychedelic wonder of the 60's.