Research: Lighting in music videos

Lighting plays a crucial role in music videos, as it helps to set the mood, create atmosphere, and draw attention to certain elements of the video. One common technique used in music videos is the use of bold, saturated colors, often with strong contrasts between light and dark areas. This can be used to create a sense of drama or intensity, and can also be used to create a sense of otherworldliness or fantasy. For example, in the music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller," the use of deep reds and oranges creates a sense of danger and tension, while in the video for Madonna's "Like a Virgin," the use of bright whites and blues creates a sense of purity and innocence. Another common technique is the use of selective lighting, where only certain areas of the video are lit, while others are left in darkness. This can be used to create a sense of mystery or intrigue, and can also be used to draw attention to specific parts of the video. For example, in the music video for "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, selective lighting is used to draw attention to the band's faces and to create a sense of eerie atmosphere. In addition to these techniques, music videos often use lighting to create a sense of movement or dynamic change. This can be achieved through the use of flashing or strobe lights, or by having lights move in time with the music. For example, in the music video for "Vogue" by Madonna, the use of flashing lights and rapid cuts creates a sense of energy and movement that matches the fast-paced nature of the song. In conclusion, lighting plays an important role in music videos as it helps to set the mood, create atmosphere, and draw attention to certain elements. It's often used to create a sense of drama, otherworldliness, movement, and to draw attention to specific parts of the video. Lighting is used in combination with other elements like costume, makeup, and set design, to create an overall visual experience that complements the music.