Thoroughly Thrilled

While doing some research, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Michael Jackson’s Thriller was dubbed the most influential music video of all time. Considered the first big “blockbuster” music video, Thriller has inspired millions since it’s airing in 1983. As I re-watched the 14-minute video I was instantly transported to memories of my youth. I can remember as a child trying to recreate the iconic dance in my living room.

Thriller was one of the first “blockbuster” music video. It combined a film like quality with music. All music videos until then were solely a portrayal of the artist’s music. Michael Jackson went above and beyond with Thriller by creating a whole story with the characters. Thriller helped give hope for music video producers/directors by opening the doorway for a new kind of music video. Music video producers and directors were suddenly being recognized for their efforts.

Just to grasp how truly influential Thriller has become I have some examples how it has shaped our culture. Fall Out Boy is one band that was inspired by the video and chose to pay respect in their video, A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me.” This video pays homage to Thriller with a combination of short film clips and music. A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me” also uses a similar sci-fi theme as Thriller by using vampires. Although there is no dance sequence in A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me” the band has several fight scenes, which are made to look as if they were dancing.

Another artist who has drawn inspiration from Thriller is Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga released her music video for Telephone featuring Beyonce in 2010. The video runs for 9 minutes and in the opening credits the video is referred to as “a film.” While watching this video I noticed Lady Gaga incorporates dance moves from the Thriller dance. She also references the video in her fashion choices. While in the jail common room she is wearing a leather jacket much like the one wore by Michael Jackson (only in black). 

Although these similarities may not have been planned, they are still present. Many people today don’t realize how much that video has shaped the way we think about pop culture. I shudder to think what the world would be like without Michael Jackson’s, Thriller. Even Korean prisoners draw inspiration from Thriller! Check it out here!

The Industry

A great way to stay connected in the industry is by keeping up with trade associations. One trade association that I have fallen in love with is the Music Video Production Association. On the MVPA website they describe themselves as "a non-profit trade organization created to address the mutual concerns of its members in today's highly competitive, ever-changing music video industry." As a member of the MVPA it means being among some of the most influential members of the industry including directors, editors, producers, and choreographers, just to name a few. In order to advance within the industry, becoming apart of this trade association would be extremely beneficial. 

Certain ways the MVPA affects the industry is through there events and resources. The MVPA has an events section on there website in which members are invited to attend. Some of the events they have held in the past include the MVPA awards, mixers, and seminars. These events are a great way for members to network with fellow professionals and advance further through the industry. 

The resources page on the MVPA website is another great service they provide. The list consists of links to important resources a member could want or need including music festivals, production companies, and music libraries. In order to start a business of my own within the music video industry, several of these resources will be beneficial especially Disc Makers. Disc Makers provides manufacturing and duplicating of the disc hardware. Another resource I found very interesting was a book called Experiencing the Music Video: Aesthetics and Cultural Context. I haven’t had a chance to read it but it is definitely a resource that could help further shape my knowledge and feelings towards the industry. 

One thing I wish the MVPA had more of would be an active comment/discussion board. I would love to hear more from the members themselves and get insight on being apart of the MVPA. It would be wonderful to hear how the MVPA has helped its members on a business level via networking.

A few other trade associations to check out are the Motion Picture Association of America and Recording Industry Association of America. Both the MPAA and RIAA have active blogs and news updates to keep there members informed every minute. Although neither, the MPAA and RIAA are directly apart of the music video industry both topics play an essential role in what makes up a music video. I think trade associations are an important and necessary way to stay informed within a niche of an industry.

A Magical Inspiration

Today my blog post is all about business storytelling. I have decided to focus my post on a speaker who has inspired me throughout my life. As the author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling has been an active influencer on the world for the past two decades. She not only inspires me to fulfill my dreams but also motivates me to do better in life.

In 2008, J.K. Rowling gave the commencement speech for the graduates of Harvard University. After watching her speech I immediately became overwhelmed with inspiration. Rowling’s particular style of presenting is amazing to watch. She dives into a poised storytelling method full of detailed sentences, which truly paints a picture of her life.

Rowling’s begins the speech with a comedic tactic that allows the audience to see past her celebrity status and see her as a real human being. Throughout the speech she mentions two pieces of advice, failure and imagination. Rowling’s elaborates on these ideas by telling stories of her experiences. As she describes each, I began to connect emotionally to her past and how she was able to overcome struggle. In particular, Rowling’s mentions that her biggest fear when leaving college was failing. Seven years after graduation her biggest fear came true, and she ended up failing on her marriage, career, and finances. It wasn’t until after she failed that she realized she needed to pursue what made her happy, Harry Potter. After a long road, she succeeded and now she is one of the most successful women in the world (oh and a BILLIONAIRE).

J.K. Rowling’s life is the age-old story of the underdog making anything possible. Business CAN come from a single dream. I’ve been able to take from her speech and apply it to my own ideas. Rowling’s is definitely someone I aspire to be. I admire her strength, success, and overall grace when speaking.

Another great commencement I stumbled upon is by Amy Poehler. Check it out here! I won’t go over it too much, but it’s hilarious and a fun watch! Her style is completely different from Rowling’s but still inspiring. Poehler’s speech energized me to keep a light-hearted attitude with whatever you set out to accomplish.