Music video production companies are production companies that produce music videos. A music video is a video clip or a short film that gives a visual presentation of a song. Though music videos made specifically for television first appeared in the 1950s, the strong association between music and the video presentation of it started in the 1980s, with the launch of cable channels like MTV.
Apart from producing the video for music, music video production companies specialize in the writing of treatments for music videos, coverage of live shows, video editing, and developing video for the Internet. Music video production is a labor-intensive industry. As for any project, production of music videos begins with proper planning and design. Since there are many types of music videos, a decision has to be made regarding the type that suits the particular project. Based on the type of music video being developed, music video production companies decide on the film and video equipment that are needed for shooting the video.
The music video production association (MVPA) is the umbrella organization that brings together companies that are in the business of music video production. Together with providing a platform to share ideas and to educate its members on the latest happenings in the music video industry, MVPA tries to ensure that the member companies adhere to the highest professional production standards. The MVPA also facilitates discussion of matters of mutual concern among production companies, crews, suppliers, record companies, and any other party related to the music video industry. The MVPA Annual Awards are presented as a form of recognition to the technical and creative artists in the music video production industry.
Since 2000, the music video industry has been experiencing sinking levels of activity. With record labels experiencing declining profits, their investments into making music videos have also taken a hit. While a $500,000 music video for a band of average recognition was the norm earlier, currently such videos are budgeted at $200,000. This has adversely affected the music video production industry and the companies operating in this industry. Free online swapping of music and lax enforcement of intellectual property rights in developing countries have lately dulled the revenues for this industry.
