Video questions

What is the basic funtion/purpose of a music video?
The music video is used to promote the song in it. It is used by the record company as a promotional tool. They're also used to make the audince enjoy the song and possibly help to persuade them to buy the record.

When were the first music videos produced?
During the early 1960's The Beatles were producing films and playing their songs in the background however they wern't considered music videos. I'm 1965 they released 'a hard days night' which was considered as short film. Music videos became more mainstream in 1981 with the launch of MTV where music videos were played constantly to promote music and bands.

How were music videos comissioned?
The companies who produce music videos are in touch with people called 'AR men' They are able to contact the record companies. They then review the band and decide on the budget for the video. They look at how much the artist and song need promoting and how popular the song is.

How long does it take to make a music video?
Making a music video takes around two weeks to make.

Andrew Goodwin said that there were 3 ways in which a video can relate to the lyrics in a song:

By the video illustrating the meaning of the lyrics through visualisation by providing an, often, over literal set of images.

Amplification of visuals making the director the artist, as he/she then develops and enhances the ideas to make the message in the lyrics clearer.

Disjuncture is a way of completely contradicting the lyrics by using visuals and imagery that may be unrelated or something to opposite to what the lyrics may convey.

What is a music treatment or pitch?
The music treatment is basically the plan of the video. It's what is done before the filming begins. It tells us what is going to happen in the video, the location for filming, who is going to be in it, the pace and the general set up.

What are some things to avoid when making a student video?
No research-If you don't do research, watch exsisting music videos, look at how they have been created and what went in to making them.
Not planning- You need to plan what you're actually going to do in the video instead of just going out and filming. Planning is very important in a music video to make it all run smoothly and make sure the right ideas and messege are given across.