Early 1940′s – ‘Soundies’ – played off a sound machine. Big band, performance being film, some narrative.
Genre – Classical to swing dancing. Helped make these genres more important.
Production – based in CHI, NY, LA (Hollywood). Released within a few months of filming (quick turnaround). Musicians in night clubs.
Content – 3 minute musical films. Including short dance sequences during parts of the song with no vocals.
Context/impact – Experiment with slap-stick (silent film) and music. Comedy sketches would appear from songs if the song had a comedic film. Reviews by Billboard (charts). Gave a lot of African-American public exposure. Artists include Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong.
Audience and Media Platforms – Nightclub. restaurant, lounges where boxes were to play Soundies. Like a jukebox, but with a TV (Panoram). Coin operated.
Techniques – ‘Zoot Suit’. Narrative established, lyrics match narrative, slow moving, long shot duration. Looking into camera. Focus on the singers/performers. No instruments.
‘Little Girl’ – Nat King Cole – Black and White, selling artist, camera shots limited, cross fades, smart dress.
‘Stardust’ – More like a serenade than a song. Orchestra less important. Dancing in instrumental parts of the song.
