Brief History of Music Video/Promo

1920s and 1930s experimental film

Soundies are the early jukebox with videos in it, music and moving images.

The Scopitone was more popular in Europe. In the 1960s promos ‘Hard day’s Night’ and other rock films. Lots of artists made little films and many drug influenced. Bob Dylan in 1965 and the Beatles in 1966.

1970s promos top of the pops started to use them. Substitute when an artist or band is on tour. David Bowie 1972, Queen 1975

Beginnings of MTV, artists began to take need for promo for every release seriously changes in technology and gap in the cable market. Boom in promos to feel the air waves .e.g. Madness ‘Our House’ in 1982 and Madonna in 1986.

In the 90s huge amounts of money was set aside for top music video directors. Black artist and genres become common place in the market. Red hot chilli peppers ‘Give it away’ and Nirvana ‘Smells like team spirit’.

The new decade 2000s online music TV AND BEYOND the growth online in non professional music videos e.g. myspace and youtube. Interactive videos produced just for online consumption.