The purpose and development of music videos

The purpose of music videos
There are many different reasons as to why an artist may choose to create a music video. Some of these reasons could include;
-They may be trying to express their feelings
- To gain publicity through awards
- To entertain the audience
- To gain more fans from being creative
-for charity purpose or to show a political message

The main reason they create music videos is to increase the sales of the music videos. Most music videos can be viewed on the internet (especially youtube) which can be accessed internationally. 

The development of music videos
Music videos started in the 1930's when the TV show 'MTV' was launched the first video was by the 'Buggies' - 'Video killed the radio star' 

Youtube has enabled people from the public to put their own videos up, creating publicity and the chance to become 'youtube famous'. 
As technology is always improving, that means the quality of music videos today are much better than when they first came out, making it easier for artists to gain publicity.

First ever music video

The first music video to appear on MTV was 'Video killed the radio star'. However, ueen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is considered the first "real" video-clip, in the sense that it was directed and edited for that purpose.

Laura Mulvey- Male gaze homework

TASK

§Q: How many different types of ‘gaze’ can there be in a media text?
The spectator’s gaze

§the intra-diegetic gaze

§the direct [or extra-diegetic] address to the viewer

§the look of the camera

§the gaze of a bystander

§the averted gaze

§the gaze of an audience within the text

§the editorial gaze

·Q: Who controls the ‘gaze’ in each case?
The person who is in control of the camera is controlled by the gaze

·Q: What other power relationships can be defined by the ‘gaze’ – or who is looking at whom?
The mutuality of the gaze can reflect power structure, or the nature of a relationship between the subjects.

·Q: How is this expressed in the music videos you have been analysing
The gaze builds tension and suspense in music videos by focusing on the eyes

TASK
Does this translate from magazines to music videos? Find visual examples of each type of ‘look’ from music videos, or explore ‘looks’ of your own, whether male or female, or from other groups eg. By age, ethnicity, power relationships