The phrase “they don’t make ’em like they used to”resonates strongly among music lovers, particularly when discussing Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking music videos. Rather than mere promotional clips, Jackson’s music videos were carefully crafted short films, elevating the medium to new artistic heights. His innovative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail set a standard that contemporary music videos often struggle to match.
It’s easy to assume that modern artists are simply choosing not to pursue the grandiose visions akin to Jackson’s work, but the truth is more nuanced. Today’s music videos face restrictive budgets that make it challenging to replicate Jackson’s ambitious style. Interestingly, many of the past era’s music videos—including those from Jackson himself—operated on relatively modest budgets compared to today’s standards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_D3VFfhvs4
Michael Jackson: Self-Funding His Artistic Vision
A Budgetary Approach Unmatched by Others
When examining Michael Jackson’s music videos, it quickly becomes evident that many rank among the most expensive ever produced. Notably, when adjusted for inflation, iconic tracks like “Thriller,””Remember the Time,”and “Scream”boast budgets that would astonish today’s industry standards. For instance, “Thriller”is reported to have cost approximately $1,578,517, while his duet “Scream” holds the title for the most expensive at $14,444,857. Remarkably, a significant portion of this financing came directly from Jackson himself.
Even his less celebrated videos, such as “Speed Demon,”are marked by higher production values and creative risks than most contemporary offerings. This particular video, renowned for its clever use of stop-motion animation, was part of his experimental film, *Moonwalker*. Jackson consistently played a significant role in the creative process of his music videos, often investing substantial sums to realize his artistic vision.
The Financial Disparity Shaping Today’s Music Videos
Current Artists and Their Financial Limitations
What set Michael Jackson apart was his incredible access to both time and financial resources—luxuries that many modern artists often lack. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, artists are compelled to produce content quickly to stay relevant amid the rapid flow of social media. Coupled with this urgency are the stark financial realities that prevent many from investing as heavily in their music videos as Jackson did.
Jackson’s willingness to self-fund a majority of his projects led to legendary pieces that are still celebrated today. Contemporary artists are often unable to commit substantial resources to their music videos, leading to a decline in the quality and memorability of the genre. Ultimately, the issue at hand isn’t a lack of creativity but rather a significant financial disparity; not every artist can afford the extravagant budgets that Michael Jackson could, severely limiting their artistic expression.