Research: Industry

 Here is my industry research for my music video project.

PAULA ABDUL - RUSH RUSH

Production Company: A&M Records
Directed by: Stefan Würnitzer

Description: The music video for "Rush Rush" follows a cinematic storyline inspired by Rebel Without a Cause, with a dramatic narrative starring Paula Abdul and Keanu Reeves. It focuses on youthful romance, tension, and an intense cinematic style, with visuals that complement the song’s theme of passionate longing.

Genre: Pop, Pop Ballad

Other Content: A&M Records has produced multiple other popular Paula Abdul videos, such as “Straight Up” and “Opposites Attract”.

Typical Audience: Primarily appeals to teens and young adults from the 80s and 90s era, mostly English-speaking fans who enjoy pop ballads with strong narrative elements.

Psychographics: Targets fans who are drawn to youthful romance, nostalgic visuals, and dramatic storytelling.

Company Size and Age: A&M Records was a major record label founded in 1962, acquired by Universal Music Group, and has managed various pop icons.

Most Successful Product: “Straight Up” remains one of Paula Abdul’s most successful music videos, recognized for its unique style and choreography.

GEORGE MICHAEL - CARELESS WHISPER

Production Company: MGMM Productions
Directed by: Duncan Gibbins

Description: This iconic video features George Michael as he navigates a storyline of heartbreak and regret, set against the backdrop of the British coast and cityscapes. The visuals emphasize loneliness and romantic nostalgia, matching the emotional intensity of the saxophone-driven ballad.

Genre: Pop, Ballad

Other Content: MGMM Productions also worked on videos for other prominent 80s and 90s artists, focusing on pop and soft rock videos with high production quality and often dramatic narratives.

Typical Audience: Primarily appeals to adults and young adults in the 80s who enjoyed emotional pop ballads; English-speaking fans drawn to sentimental, narrative-driven music videos.

Psychographics: Appeals to a more reflective audience interested in themes of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia, often favoring songs that explore deep emotional themes.

Company Size and Age: MGMM Productions was a well-regarded production company in the 80s, known for its high-quality music videos across a range of genres, especially pop and ballads.

Most Successful Product: “Careless Whisper” is one of George Michael’s most iconic songs and music videos, recognized for its distinctive saxophone riff and romantic storyline, which cemented Michael’s place as a pop icon.

Self-Reflection:

I really loved and enjoyed doing this research, despite the fact that the genre that I'm doing in this research really subverts the genre me and my team are doing for our MV project. I've always admired songs from the 80's especially the genre of pop/ballad since it just sounds very nostalgic and hearttouching for me. In this research, I've had the opportunity to develop a further understanding of the industry and concepts of the 80s MV theme. Even so, doing a research of a MV industry from the 80's was not easy and very time consuming since most of the information was less detailed and lacking, so I must conduct extra research to gather factaul informations.