History of music videos

How Video Didn’t Kill the Radio Star

1. What is the key media language feature of popular music videos?

Moving images are edited in time with the music.

2. What are the main reasons given for the proliferation (rise) in popular music in the 1940s and 1950s?

Because of the introduction for the audience to band performances and also the introduction of music charts.

3. In the 1960s, what forms and conventions of the music video were defined?

Carefully choreographed performances, studio recordings, close ups and high and low angle shots.

4. Why is Bohemian Rhapsody so revered (held in high esteem)?

Because of its innovative use of special effects and is considered a first for music videos.

5. Representations – what 5 sub-genres or representations are defined in the article?

Documentary, Animation, Abstract, Parodic

6. What technological factors are changing the conventions of music videos?

Internet, digital technology (CGI etc.)

7. When was MTV first transmitted?

August 1^st 1981

8. How has the change in audience demographics (i.e., age) changed music videos?

They can appeal directly to the audience they are intending to reach

9. What is the impact of websites such as MySpace and YouTube on the costs and potential audiences of music videos?

They make it easier to access and it means they have a potentially much wider audience.

Music Programmes on TV and From Ballads to the Box

1. What is the weakness with lumping all music television together?

Not all music is the same, different backgrounds etc.

2. What effect has niche audiences had on the conventions of music videos?

There are specific channels catering to these niche audiences meaning they do not have to please a wide range of people and can distribute on these channels.

3. What is meant by “music channels recognise the limitations of their appeal”?

Because only certain people will watch certain music and so they can only appeal to this audience.

4. Why has the concept of peak viewing for changed?

Because people will watch it at different times which are not conventionally peak compared to terrestrial channels peak time.

5. How many viewers does emap claim to have at any one moment, and why would this be attractive to advertisers?

24,300, because this means they have a steady and relatively large audience meaning sponsors can advertise at any time with the same effect.

6. How has television democratised culture?

Because people are choosing what they want to see and the companies and channels deliver different things to different audiences.

Music Television 2

1. What is synaesthesia?

Picturing sound in your mind

2. How do music videos use narrative and performance?

They are used to give the song a certain meaning or mood

3. What is meant by the “meta narrative of the star image”?

It is the narrative of the star themselves and their public image

4. Explain the following 3 ways in which music videos work:
1. Illustration – Illustrating the meaning of the lyrics
2. Amplification – the mark of the auteur
3. Disjuncture – Songs which ignore the original meaning and make their own

5. Name and explain the 5 technical aspects of music videos

Speed –

Meat –

Beats –

Lighting and colour –

Mise-en-scene -