“Scream” by Michael and Janet Jackson holds the record for the most invested MV with 7 million USD (more than 150 billion VND). Many of Madonna’s MVs “consume” amount approx.
1. Scream – Michael Jackson và Janet Jackson: 7 triệu USD
Scream was released in 1995 while Michael Jackson was becoming a media focus with accusations of child molestation. The MV was nominated for a Grammy Award and is still the music video with the largest amount of investment – 7 million USD. The MV was directed by Mark Romanek, and when it first premiered on MTV and BET, it attracted 64 million viewers.
The nearly five-minute video was shot in black and white, with the idea that Michael and Janet live on a large spaceship. Three art directors including Richard Berg, Jeff Hall and Martin Mervel created many different sets to represent the space of the ship. The MV is also said to use the most modern effects at that time to serve the idea.
In addition to being the most expensive MV, this is also one of the most influential videos of all time thanks to its stylish design, attractive choreography combined with the vocals and top acting of the two Jackson brothers. The video, choreographed by Travis Payne, LaVelle Smith Jnr, Tina Landon and Sacha Lucashenko, won the award for best choreographed music video at the 1995 MTV Awards.
2. Die Another Day – Madonna: 6 triệu USD
The song Die Another Day was recorded for the 2002 James Bond action movie of the same name. The MV is made like an action movie, said to be inspired by the film itself. The video, directed by Traktor, portrays Madonna as a prisoner subjected to fierce torture and her battle between the forces of good and evil.
Post-production and visual effects were heavily invested, performed by Moving Picture company in London, England. They use “invisble” for the fight scenes, allowing Madonna to play two characters at once.
3. Express Yourself – Madonna: 5 triệu USD
Madonna is considered a “spend-worthy” star. for music videos. MV Express Yourself released in 1989, directed by David Fincher, cost 5 million USD. The video is set in a city full of skyscrapers and train stations. Madonna plays a sadist, surrounded by a series of men who appear to be her workers. Including a role played by model Cameron Alborzian. The MV is remembered for its message supporting feminism but also received a lot of criticism for Madonna’s sexual image.
The single Express Yourself was ranked second on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is one of the most famous songs of the “Queen of Pop” ;.
4. Bedtime Story – Madonna: 5 triệu USD
With the single Bedtime Story in 1995, the singer released a multi-effects MV directed by Mark Romanek. The MV was also invested more than 5 million USD, inspired by surrealist artists such as Leonara Carrington and Remedios Varo.
5. Black or White – Michael Jackson combined with LTB: 4 million USD
Michael Jackson trong MV “Black or White”.
MV Black or White was released in 1991 and achieved the highest viewership rating when broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1 and Fox channels at that time. The MV was directed by John Landis (who also made MV Thriller), cost 4 million USD and stars Macaulay Culkin, Tess. Harper, George Wendt. The MV caused controversy due to scenes of Michael Jackson touching sensitive parts, destroying cars…
6. Estranged – Guns N’ Roses: 4 triệu USD
Estranged is the third single in Guns N Roses’ Hit trilogy of Don’t Cry and November
Rain. Estranged was released in 1993 with a music video directed by Del James that cost nearly 4 million USD.
Nearly 10 minute video with the theme of breakup. The MV has a sad sound and was released at the same time the love story of lead singer – Axl Rose – and model Stephanie Seymour broke down. The video features many breathtaking scenes including suicide jumping from a bridge, rescue by helicopter at sea, whales… Interspersed are scenes of the group’s performances.
7. Victory – Puff Daddy: 3 triệu USD
The song Victory released in 1997, marked Puff’s last collaboration with rapper The Notorious B.I.G before the rapper’s death. The song’s video was directed by Marcus Nispel, costing $3 million and featuring guests Danny DeVito, Dennis Hopper and Busta Rhymes. The video is set in 3002 AD, Puff Daddy appears in a situation where he is chased by a group of armed police. The Notorious B.I.G does not appear in the MV because he passed away at the time of filming.
8. 2 Legit 2 Quit – MC Hammer: 2,5 triệu USD
The single 2 Legit 2 Quit has been popular since its release in 1991, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s video was produced by Directed by Rupert Wainwright, it’s 15 minutes long and cost more than $2.5 million. The video impresses with the appearance of star guests, including many famous athletes.
9. Heartbreaker – Mariah Carey combined with Jay-Z: 2.5 million USD
Heartbreaker was released in 1999 and is one of Mariah Carey’s most famous singles, in collaboration with rapper Jay-Z. She invested $2.5 million to make the video, directed by Brett Ratner. In the MV, Jerry O’Connell plays Mariah Carey’s boyfriend, who she caught dating another woman at the movie theater. Director Brett Ratner was inspired by the films Grease and Enter the Dragon, giving the MV a vintage style.
10. Doesn’t Really Matter – Janet Jackson: 2,5 triệu USD
Doesn’t Really Matter released in 2000 for the soundtrack album Nutty Professor II. The song’s video was directed by Joseph Kahn with a Japanese theme, which was not a popular trend in American MV culture at that time. The video shows the novelty of filming technology compared to that time.