The "Cry" video does not feature Michael and shows many people holding hands in various places. It was directed by the same director as Earth Song and features in full on the Cry CD single. Directed by: Nicholas Brandt [2002]
You Rock My World
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on September 21, 2001 on TV-channels through out the world with the exception of the USA.In the USA, the short film premiР“РРѓred on September 26, 2001 on MTV, VH1, BET and Much Music USA. The clip's U.S. premiР“РРѓre was postponed to the 26th following the tragic terrorist attacks in the United States.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, Kishaya Dudley, Marlon Brando, Michael Madsen and Billy Drago.
The short film is based on a story written by Michael Jackson and Paul Hunter.
Responsible for the choreography of the simply amazing dance routines were Michael Jackson, Anthony "Tone" Talauega and Richmond Talauega. Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye. Stylist was Michael Kaplan.
Video clip produced by Rubin Mendoza. Directed by: Paul Hunter [2001]
History
Ghosts
Living all alone in his castle, Maestro [Michael Jackson] has been a thorn in the flesh of the people of Normal Valley for a long time. Led by the Major [also played by Michael Jackson] of the town, the inhabitants set off to Maestro's castle, where they believe him to be living all alone, to drive him away from Normal Valley... but he's not alone... Meet the family!
Michael Jackson's 40 minute short musical film is an event in itself. Critics praised the skill Michael exhibited by playing all the lead characters with diverse looks and voices and the special effects in "Ghosts" which set new standards.
"So you don't believe in Ghosts?" Directed by: Stan Winston [1996]
Blood On The Dance Floor
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on April 02, 1997 on VH1 in the U.S.A.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye.
The "Blood On The Dance Floor" (Refugee Camp Mix) video clip, which can be found on "HIStory On Film - Volume II", contains previously unreleased footage.
Responsible for the choreography of the simply amazing dance routines were Michael Jackson and Vincent Paterson.
Video clip produced by Beth Anthony. Directed by: Michael Jackson & Vincent Paterson [1997]
Why? (3T feat. Michael Jackson)
Directed by: Ralph Ziman & Michael Jackson [1996]
Stranger In Moscow
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
The shooting of the video clip took place in an unused hangar in Van Nuys [CA, U.S.A.]. A short time before, Michael Jackson's movie "Ghosts" was filmed at that very same location.
Remarkable about the clip is that all the scenes viewers will get to see are in slow-motion with the exception of Michael's. This technique enabled the clip's director to capture the feeling of loneliness perfectly.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye.
Video clip produced by Bridget Blake-Wilson. Directed by: Nicholas Brandt [1996]
They Don't Care About Us (Prison Version)
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
The shooting of this second "They Don't Care About Us" video clip, the so-called "Prison Version", took place in a studio in New York.
The video clip contains relatively violent, true-to-life images [Rodney King beating, Los Angeles riots, China's military shooting on a mass demonstration for democracy in Beijing, Vietnam war etc.]. MTV and many other TV stations banned the video clip from their programs, other music channels aired the clip only late-nights.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye.
Video clip produced by Butch Robinson. Directed by: Spike Lee [1996]
They Don't Care About Us (Brazilian Version)
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on March 22, 1996 on many TV channels throughout the world with the exception of the U.S.A.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and co-starring Olodum [200 member percussion group].
The shooting of the video clip took place in Dona Marta, a shantytown south of Rio de Janeiro [Brazil] and downtown Bahia, Pelourinho [Brazil].
Even before commencement of filming, the video clip hit headlines all around the world. Certain politicians were concerned that Michael Jackson's video would tarnish the image of the city - candidate for the Olympic Games of 2004 - by showing the world the true story of the misery that reigns in Rio's shantytowns.
The governor of Rio, faced with the perceived threat of the video, simply decided to forbid Spike Lee and Michael Jackson to film anything whatsoever in this city. The decree was, however, quickly struck down by a government official who said that "it would be worse for international opinion to censure the shoot than to show the reality of the shantytowns".
Over 150 policemen secured the area as the filming was being done.
There are two video versions of "They Don't Care About Us" - both directed by Spike Lee. The "Prison" version and the "Brazilian" version. The prison version was released after the Brazilian version because reportedly Michael was not entireley satisfied with the result of the first clip.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye.
The full-length video clip version - just over 7 minutes long, can be found on "HIStory On Film - Volume II".
Video clip produced by Butch Robinson. Directed by: Spike Lee [1996]
Earth Song
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on November 15, 1995 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
"Earth Song" is considered one of the best video clips Michael Jackson has ever done. The clip's entire theme, the eschatalogical mood and its message... an absolutely phenomenal short film!
The shooting of the video clip took place on four continents:
The Amazon Rainforest [footage incl. natives to the region].
Croatia [shot in the war zone with residents of the area].
Tanzania [footage incl. Masai and their own village]. While filming was in progress an African elephant [not pictured in the video!] was killed by poachers within miles of the shoot.
New York [forest fire scenes were created on a 6 acre outdoor set in a corn field in Warwick, New York]. The shooting of the footage ocurred within the same week as thousands of acres of forest on Long Island and New Jersey were destroyed due to arson.
Video clip produced by Bridget Blake Wilson. Directed by: Nicholas Brandt [1995]
You Are Not Alone
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on July 28, 1995 on U.S. TV-channels ABC, BET and MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and his then-wife Lisa Marie Presley.
The theatre sequences were shot at "Pantages Theatre" in Hollywood [in 1997 the historic theatre hosted the gala "Happy Birthday Elizabeth - A Celebration Of Life", with Michael performing "Elizabeth, I love you", all swimming-pool sequences were shot at Raleigh Stages. Location shooting took place at Death Valley [Monterey] as well as at Lake Powell [Utah]. Editing and special effects realization took place at "Pacific Ocean Post" Studio and "525 Post Production" Studio in Santa Monica [CA].
It took 5 days to complete shooting of the clip "You Are Not Alone", plus another 5 days to edit and create the special effects.
According to director Wayne Isham, the very last scene of Michael and Lisa Marie was filmed without the couple's knowledge.
Isham had previously worked with Michael for the "Billie Jean" video clip, at that time as an electrician.
For the release of "HIStory On Film - Volume II", sequences of Michael in an "angelic look" had been included. This particular clip version can only be found on the video clips compilation as these sequences have not been included in the officially released clip intended for network television.
Video clip produced by Joe Plewa. Directed by: Wayne Isham [1995]
Childhood (Theme From "Free Willy 2")
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place sometime in July on MTV USA.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and "Free Willy 2" actors Jason James Richter and Francis Capra.
Shooting of the video clip took place during the night at "Sequoia National Park" which is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco [about a five-hour drive from each city].
Michael's wish was to capture the park's enchanting atmosphere at nightfall.
Video clip produced by Bridget Blake-Wilson. Directed by: Nicholas Brandt [1995]
Scream (Duet With Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson)
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on June 14, 1995 on U.S. TV-channel ABC during the legendary "Primetime Interview" with Michael and Lisa Marie. The interview, held by Diane Sawyer, was broadcast live around the world, Sony Picture Studios, Los Angeles, U.S.A.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and his younger sister Janet.
With cost of US$ 7 million, "Scream" is featured in The Guinness Book Of World Records as the most expensive video of all time!!
The shooting of the video clip took place at Universal Studios [Universal City, CA, U.S.A.]. It took 9 days to complete shooting of the clip "Scream".
The short film takes its viewers on an immensely emblematic journey into the 7 [!!] different, hereafter mentioned, spaceship rooms: GRAvity, HABITation, GALLery, MEDia, mEDITation, OBSERVation and reCREATion.
Four choreographer's were working on the dance routines: Travis Payne and LaVelle Smith with Michael; Tina Landon and Sean Cheesman with Janet.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye, Janet's make-up was created by the one and only [!!] Kevin Aucoin.
Video clip produced by Cean Chaffin. Directed by: Mark Romanek [1995]
Teaser
Gone Too Soon
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in November 1993.
The video clip is starring Ryan White, a close friend of Michael Jackson. Ryan White died in 1990 of AIDS. Michael Jackson appears in the video in some sequences, one of them being at the funeral service held in Indiana along with 1'500 other mourners including Barbara Bush, Elton John, Phil Donahue and football star, Howie Long of Ryan's favorite team, the "Los Angeles Raiders".
Video clip produced by Paul Surratt. Directed by: Bill DiCicco [1993]
Will You Be There
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on May 1993.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
There are two versions of the clip - the first one without sequences of the movie "Free Willy" and the second version incl. sequences of the movie in order to push the promotion of it.
Choreography by Michael Jackson and Vincent Paterson.
Video clip produced by Joel Gallen and Ute Leonhardt. Directed by: Vincent Paterson [1993]
Whatzupwitu
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on April 15, 1993 on Fox and BET.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and actor Eddie Murphy as well as the Boys Choir of Harlem.
The video clip has been released on DVD in Japan. The DVD named "Music Video Clip! Dance 4" is a compilation of video clips from several popular artists. Japan is the only country where the video clip has been commercially released so far. Directed by: Wayne Isham [1993]
Give Into Me
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on February 10, 1993 during the worldwide live telecast from Neverland Valley of "Michael Jackson Talks... To Oprah". The interview attracted around 100 million viewers.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and Slash.
Shooting of the video clip took place in Munich, Germany.
Video clip produced by Phil Rose and Warren Hewlett.
Staging Michael Jackson. Directed by: Andy Moharan [1993]
Heal The World
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in November 1992.
The video clip is starring children all around the world. Michael Jackson does not appear in the video clip.
Video clip produced by Suellen Wagner and Vincent Joliet. Directed by: Joe Pytka [1992]
Who Is It
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on July 13, 1992 on BBC2's "Def II" during the Michael Jackson Special.
On July 14, 1992 the video clip is withdrawn by Michael because he is said to be unhappy with the editing and angry about its early release. The video is later re-released in a re-edited version.
The video clip was not released in the U.S.A..
On March 31, 1993 following Michael's a cappella rendition of "Who Is It" during the Oprah interview, US radio stations are swamped with requests for the single. Sony react quickly and decide to release "Who Is It" instead of "Give In To Me" as the next single. In order to increase public interest in the song, Sony, in collaboration with MTV, devise a competition whereby entrants are to create a video to Michael's "Who Is It".
In May 1993 the accompanying video premiР“РРѓred in the U.S.A. It is a compilation of earlier video clips. The European version of the video is available in the US only on "Dangerous: The Short Films".
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
On June 26-27, 1993 "My weekend with Michael", the culmination of the contest in which MTV viewers were invited to make their own videos for Michael's latest single "Who Is It", is broadcast in the U.S.A. Michael picks the winner from three finalists, who are invited to spend a weekend at Neverland Valley.
Staging by Michael Jackson.
Video clip produced by Gregg Fienberg and Reid Shane. Directed by: David Fincher [1992]
Jam
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on June 19, 1992 on Fox TV, BET and MTV in the U.S.A.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson, basketball legend Michael Jordan, Heavy D as well as rap duo Kriss Kross.
Responsible for the choreography was Michael Jackson.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye.
Video clip produced by Phil Rose. Directed by: Michael Jackson & David Kellogg [1992]
In The Closet
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on April 23, 1992 on Fox TV, MTV and BET in the U.S.A. and on "Top of the Pops" in the U.K.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and British top-model Naomi Campbell.
The very sensual video will later be banned by the South African government who deem it to be offensive.
On March 29, 1992, 25 winners of MTV's "My Dinner With Michael" Contest were invited to bring a guest to dinner with Michael on the set of the video. Michael stayed at the dinner for two hours, talking and even dancing with his guest.
Responsible for the choreography of the hot dance moves was Michael Jackson.
Michael's make-up was created by Karen Faye.
Video clip produced by Jane Reardon. Directed by: Herb Ritts; co-director Michael Jackson [1992]
Remember The Time
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on February 02, 1992 on Fox, BET and MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson, actor Eddie Murphy, topmodel Iman and NBA superstar Magic Johnson.
Responsible for the simply amazing dance routines was choreographer Fatima. Today, Fatima is one of the most respected choreographers around. She was responsible for Julia Stiles' hot dance moves in "Save The Last Dance" and has choreographed video clips for Aaliyah, Mary J. Blidge and many more.
It was reported that, due to lack of time, Michael Jackson impersonator E'Casanova was also featured in the video clip.
Video clip produced by Reid Shane. Directed by: John Singleton [1992]
Black Or White
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on November 14, 1991 and was broadcast simultaneously in 27 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million people. It was the largest audience ever to view a music video!
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson, Macauley Culkin, Michael's niece Brandi, Bart and Homer Simpson and George Wendt [who played Norm in "Cheers"].
Only hours after its premiР“РРѓre, "Black Or White" was in the TV News around the world. The premiР“РРѓre of the video was immediately followed by uproar regarding the video's somewhat violent final segment [Panther Scene], which caused widespread controversy. Parents in particular were disturbed by the violence and sex enacted by Michael breaking windows and simulating masturbation. Michael's publicist said that Michael's dance sequence is meant to portray Jackson's interpretation of the panther's wild and animalistic behavior. Michael agreed to edit out the final 4 minutes of the video, and issued a statement.
But the video was not only a spectacle because of the "Panther Scenes" but also because it was the first music video ever to use the so called "Morphing" Special Effects. This revolutionary technique was used in only 2 movies ["Willow", "Terminator 2"], but never before in music videos.
There are two versions of the last sequence of the video - "Panther" part: the first version incl. the "racist graffity sprayings" on the car as well as on the window of a building; and the second version where those "graffity parts" had been edited out.
Responsible for the choreography are Michael Jackson and Vincent Paterson. Panther Sequences choreographed by Michael Jackson.
Video clip produced by Reid Shane. Directed by: John Landis [1991]
Liberian Girl
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in July 1989.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson, Beverly Johnson, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Sherman Hemsley, Brigitte Nielsen, Paula Abdul, Carl Weathers, Whoopie Goldberg, Quincy Jones, Jackie Collins, Amy Irving, Jasmine Guy, Rosanna Arquette, Billy Dee Williams, Lou Diamond Phillips, Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, Corey Feldman, Steven Spielberg, Debbie Gibson, Rick Schroeder, Blair Underwood, Weird Al Yankovic, Bubbles, Suzanne Somers, Lou Ferrigno, Don King and "Son", Mayim Bialik, Virginia Madson, David Copperfield, Richard and Emily Dreyfuss, Danny Glover, Olivia Hussey, Dan Aykroyd and Steve Guttenberg.
Filming of the video clip began in April 1989 in Los Angeles.
The video clip is dedicated to Michael's friend Elizabeth Taylor.
Executive Producers are Michael Jackson and Larry Stessel.
Video clip produced by Paul Flattery. Directed by: Jim Yukich [1989]
Leave Me Alone
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on January 02, 1989 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson. The video clip incl. footage of Elizabeth Taylor's movie "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof". Also appearing in the video are Bubbles and the lama "Louise".
The video feat. a unique blend of animation and live action and shows Michael's humorous side while addressing some of the rediculous rumours still being circulated about him.
One of the great special effects occurs during the Elizabeth Taylor part, where you can see her say the lyrics "And there's the choice that we make - an saying it!
Video clip produced by Jim Blashfield, Jerry Kramer, Michael Jackson and Frank Dileo. Directed by: Jim Blashfield & Paul Diener [1989]
Dirty Diana
Smooth Criminal
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on October 13, 1988 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and co-starring Kellie Parker, Sean Lennon and Brandon Adams.
The "Smooth Criminal" dance number occurs near the end of Michael's feature-length film "Moonwalker" and became the highlight of the movie.
Video clip produced by Dennis E. Jones. Directed by: Colin Chilvers [1988]
Come Together (From "Moonwalker")
Speed Demon (From "Moonwalker")
Another Part Of Me
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on July 30, 1988 during the 90-minute TV special "Michael Jackson: Around The World", feat. concert footage of the "Bad" tour. It is the highest-rated summer special ever in America in its 11:30 pm time slot, with 27% of the television audience turning in.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson. You can also see Elizabeth Taylor, Tina Turner, Princess Diana and Sophia Loren - all of them attending the show.
As one of the background singers, you will recognize a blond Sheryl Crow. Directed by: Patrick T. Kelly [1988]
Man In The Mirror
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in January 1988.
There are two different versions of "Man In The Mirror": the first version without any footage of Michael and this second version, including live footage of the King of Pop. Directed by: Don Wilson [1988]
The Way You Make Me Feel
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on October 31, 1987 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and model Tatiana Thumbtzen; co-starring LaToya Jackson.
For the final scene, in which Michael closely hugs Tatiana, he requests the set to be cleared of anyone who is not necessary to the filming.
In some scenes of the video clip, Michael copies John Travolta's dance moves in "Summer Nights" of the legendary musical "Grease".
The integral version of the video clip lasts a full 9 minutes and was shot in the Spring of 1987 in Los Angeles. It was one of the first projects on which Michael worked with Joe Pytka.
Michael uses a white tie for a belt around his waist in homage to Fred Astaire.
Choreography by Michael Jackson and Vincent Paterson.
Video clip produced by Jane McCann. Directed by: Joe Pytka [1987]
Bad
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on August 31, 1987 during the worldwide TV special "Michael Jackson: The Magic Returns" - the 30 minute special incl. a chronology of Michael's career and the full 17 minute version of the mini-movie. The show is the 6th highest-rated show of the week with 30% of 85 million TV households turning in to see Michael Jackson.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and the then unknown Wesley Snipes.
In April 1988 "Weird Al" Yankovic released "Fat", a parody on "Bad". Michael gave permission to Yankovic to use his music and reportedly loves the hilarious result.
Executive producers are Michael Jackson, Harry Ufland and Frank Dileo.
Video clip produced by Quincy Jones and Barbara De Fina.
Story written by Richard Price. Directed by: Martin Scorsese [1987]
Captain EO
This 3D film was released as an attraction in the Disney theme parks around the world. Michael plays the role of Captain EO, a commander of a wacky crew aboard a space ship who's mission is to visit a planet over taken by an evil Supreme Leader (played by Anjelica Houston). Captain EO and his crew must deliver a special gift to bring love and happiness to the planet through music and dance. The film features the songs "We Are Here To Change The World" and "Another Part Of Me". Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas [1985]
We Are The World
The video, narrated by Jane Fonda, highlights the over-night recording session that took place on January 28, 1985 between 44 of the music industry's biggest stars. The song being recorded was titled "We Are The World" and was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones.The video features Michael, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, among others.
Thriller
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on December 02, 1983 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson and co-starring Ola Ray.
With the release of this music video, Michael Jackson made history and forever changed MTV! "Thriller" was the first music video produced completely and entirely to be a short film.
When Michael is at the movies with his girlfriend, there is another young man watching the film. It is none other than Miko Brando, Marlon Brando's son and Michael's long-time assistant.
The haunting voice that can be heard doing a rap at the end of the song is that of Vincent Price. In hommage to this mythical character, Michael and John Landis decided to insert a number of references to Price in the short film. If you watch closely, you will notice that the film Michael and his girlfriend are watching is called "Thriller", and feat. Vincent Price in the starring role. Also, the walls are covered with promotional posters for films that Vincent Price actually played in.
Rick Baker is responsible for the special effects. He later worked with Michael on "Moonnwalker".
A major budget, at the time the largest ever assigned for production of a video clip, was personally advanced by Michael. John Branca, Michael's long-time lawyer sounded the alarm: It was clear to everyone that the film's budget, US$ 600'000.-- at the time, was oviously going to double before long. The solution: A film based on the making of "Thriller".
Choreography by Michael Jackson and Michael Peters.
Video clip produced by Michael Jackson, George Folsey Jr. and John Landis.
Story written by Michael Jackson and John Landis. Directed by: John Landis [1983]
Beat It
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in April 1983 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
Filming of the video began on March 09, 1983 on Skid Row, east of Hollywood. In the clip he unites two rival gangs through song and dance.
Choreography by Michael Jackson and Michael Peters. Michael Peters also appears in the video alongside 25 dancers and 50 actual Los Angeles gang members to give the video an authentic look.
The cost of the video is estimated US$ 150'000.--.
Video clip produced by Mary Nesign. Directed by: Bob Giraldi [1983]
Billie Jean
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place on March 02, 1983 on MTV.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
For the first time in history of MTV, a music video told a story - and was not just a collage of images. "Billie Jean's" video made a big impression on the MTV audience and was a huge hit. It's also seen as a major breakthrough for black artists, who had previously been ignored by the channel. Michael Jackson was in fact the first black artist to be added the MTV's playlist!
Video clip produced by Siobhan Barron. Directed by: Steve Barron [1983]
She's Out Of My Life
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in April 1980.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson. Directed by: Bruce Gowers [1980]
Rock With You
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in November 1979.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
Video clip produced by Paul Flattery. Directed by: Bruce Gowers [1979]
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
The World premiР“РРѓre of the video clip took place in October 1979.
The video clip is starring Michael Jackson.
Video clip produced by Nick Saxton. Directed by: Nick Saxton [1979]