Successful Launch Of The MusicVidFest

Yesterday SourceEcreative was on hand to enjoy the launch of the first MusicVidFest, a conference on the business of music video creativity on London’s Southbank as part of the already established UK Music Video Awards (UKMVAs).

Opening the day was a brilliant and informative talk by keynote speaker and Grammy award-winning director Joseph Kahn, who later went on to be presented with the Icon Award at last night's ceremony. His work with artists including Beyonce, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Katy Perry, Wu-Tang Clan, Justin Timberlake and U2 both helped elevate the music video as an artform and genre, and can be credited with helping establish the careers of numerous musicians and bands. In an insightful speech, Kahn described his experience of growing up watching music videos such as Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and the influence this has had on his work, including his focus on pop, his early days in rap, and the place of the director as both a brand manager and marketer within the music industry.

Following on from this the day included a number of panel discussions from a wide selection of speakers, including one chaired by SourceEcreative’s very own Jamie Madge featuring popular London-based music video directors Ninian Doff, Georgia Hudson and Henry Schofield. Other categories ranged from discussions with producers, distributers and commissioners amongst others, and ended with a panel which included artist/director M.I.A. Popular topics included the place of branding in music videos today and it’s impact on creativity, why people make music videos, the impact of the internet and what the future holds for the genre.

You can check out the UKMVA's website here.