HISTORY OF MUSIC VIDEOS – 1980’S - THRILLERJosh Pamfilo

MICHAEL JACKSON’S ”THRILLER”• In the 1980s artists began to use sophisticated

special effects in their music videos – and in the process introduced the concept of the narrative. This defined a storyline or plot to the music video.

• A short film lasts for a couple of minutes. It has a beginning, middle and end.

• Michael Jackson practiced this with “Billie Jean” in which he danced around a studio set complete with a street corner.

• Not long after, in 1984, he released a 13-minute horror-themed music video for “Thriller” directed by John Landis.

• ”Most influential pop music video of all time” – took the concept of the music video to the next level.