6:33 pm - 06/15/2011
Crowd-sourced video for Michael Jackson's 'Behind the Mask' premieres
What’s a record company to do when it’s time for a new music video but the star isn’t around to make one? That’s the dilemma Sony Music and Michael Jackson’s estate have faced with the posthumously released album “Michael.”
So for the new single “Behind the Mask,” rather than attempting to cobble together something from archival footage, the label and Jackson’s estate invited fans around the world to submit their own clips, which have been patched together into a “crowd-sourced” video premiering Tuesday on YouTube and a Facebook page that's been set up.
It’s directed by Dennis Liu, who also worked on the Grammy-nominated crowd-sourced video for Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave” two years ago built on myriad sketches, drawings and paintings of the singer created by fans.
Fans had access to a template video that was posted in March and were asked to shoot video footage of themselves executing a Jackson-like dance step, choreography routine, facial expression or other moves.
They were integrated into a 4½-minute video that incorporates more than 1,600 quick shots selected from among entries submitted from 103 countries. Most are young men and women in their teens and 20s, but there are also snippets from 2- and 3-year-old mini-MJs. Jackson’s reach appears not to be limited to one species, as there’s also a section from fans who shot their pets moving to the music.
Of course, there’s none of Jackson’s own charisma or electric physicality, which some viewers have already noted in comments posted on YouTube.
“This is not the caliber of concept that we have become accustom[ed] to as Michael Jackson fans,” Whitney Getz wrote. “I’m glad this isn’t being considered a ‘Michael Jackson’ video. Because if it were I’d be very disappointed.”
The video for "Hollywood Tonight," the previous single from the album, was a mini-movie illustrating the song's story of a young woman pursuing her dreams in Hollywood. It's since scored more than 12.5 million views on Vevo and YouTube.
“Doing posthumous video is always a tricky thing because for me, as an artist, I want to respect the artist’s vision, which is why the musician wrote the piece,” said Liu. “So initially, it’s always tricky to take that, given that Michael’s not with us anymore.”
He hears two main riffs in Jackson’s legacy.
“He was all about diversity — an international presence,” said Liu. “Everyone was an equal, and there was always this magic behind his presence…. How [could we] bring the world together for some sort of video? The inspiration was ‘Black or White,’ in showing how he helps connect the world, because we wanted to go big and do something that would knock everyone’s socks off.”
The other riff he wanted to echo was Jackson’s well-evidenced embrace of technology in making his videos, which affected how this video was made and distributed.
“Michael always tried to push the limits of technology with his videos,” said Liu. “Without a doubt, everyone knows that Michael Jackson was at the forefront of music video innovation, from Thriller to Scream.”
All in all, the broad swath of fans represented in the "Behind the Mask" video largely seem to be interested only in conveying ongoing appreciation for Jackson, many from within the confines of their bedrooms, others from the streets of their neighborhoods.
Liu calls it “the most exciting and most fun project I think I’ve ever been involved in…. [It] was incredibly moving to see so many people from all over the world join as one, their creative voices, dance and musical talents bound together by Michael Jackson’s spirit and incomparable artistry. We received submissions from the Sahara Desert to Venice Beach, from mountaintops to suburban backyards, with some shots featuring well over 100 people apiece. All who participated delivered brilliantly.”
How Michael Jackson’s Virtual Flash Mob Was Crowdsourced
The king of pop might be gone, but he’s not forgotten.
A massive collaborative act of music video creation by — and for — his fans has helped make sure of that. Thousands of MJ fans worldwide contributed to the posthumous Michael Jackson music video for “Behind the Mask” released Tuesday on the star’s Facebook page (watch below).
Director Dennis Liu told Evolver.fm that the video was inspired by Jackson’s own work, in particular his 1991 “Black or White” video, with its emphasis on “connecting” people — something that today’s social technologies are sometimes about, too.
The idea of having people act out moves from the video came from the crowd too, according to the director — in particular, flash mobs in which everyone from Philippine prisoners to Swedish volunteers dances to Jackson’s music.
The new video for the song “Behind the Mask” premiered on Facebook, where Jackson’s regularly updated presence has been “liked” nearly 36 million times — a large number that pales in comparison to the more than 750 million albums he is said to have sold.
This crowdsourced, professionally produced video was under tight wraps until Tuesday, but director Liu, whose other clients have included Apple and Microsoft, gave Evolver.fm a verbal preview of the virtual flash mob he made from the more than 15,000 videos submitted by fans since March.
Some clips ran 15 seconds, and others covered the song’s duration. A team of five needed two months to sift through the videos before Liu and his team arrived at the finished product, including video of 1,600 participants woven together. (The video was produced by radical.media, the same folks behind that awesome steerable Danger Mouse video.)
To participate, fans selected from a number of actions from Jackson’s website (“playing an instrument, singing a lyric, acting out a crowd reaction or demonstrating a classic MJ dance move”), then filmed themselves with a webcam or uploaded video shot elsewhere. Using a split-pane interface, they could then line up their video with Jackson’s in order to follow the directions.
“Doing posthumous video is always a tricky thing because for me, as an artist, I want to respect the artist’s vision, which is why the musician wrote the piece,” said Liu. “So initially, it’s always tricky to take that, given that Michael’s not with us anymore.”
He hears two main riffs in Jackson’s legacy.
“He was all about diversity — an international presence,” said Liu. “Everyone was an equal, and there was always this magic behind his presence…. How [could we] bring the world together for some sort of video? The inspiration was ‘Black or White,’ in showing how he helps connect the world, because we wanted to go big and do something that would knock everyone’s socks off.”
Indeed, participants came from 103 countries. The other riff he wanted to echo was Jackson’s well-evidenced embrace of technology in making his videos, which affected how this video was made and distributed.
“Michael always tried to push the limits of technology with his videos,” said Liu. “Without a doubt, everyone knows that Michael Jackson was at the forefront of music video innovation, from Thriller to Scream.”
Only a star of Jackson’s reach could convince people to contribute well-coordinated video to a project on this scale, according to the director. Several documented Thriller flash mobs back him up.
So, how did Liu’s channeling of 15,000 submissions into a single crowdsourced video turn out? In the spirit of crowdsourcing, you can decide for yourself, “like” it or not.
Either way, Jackson’s fans have something new to watch: each other.
Notice John's curved thumb.
Is it true that Pearl Jr is going to be interviewing John Edwards the dancer on June 25, 2011? I found this on the other hoaxdeath site.
Notice John's curved thumb.
Is it true that Pearl Jr is going to be interviewing John Edwards the dancer on June 25, 2011? I found this on the other hoaxdeath site.
yes according to twitter "CONFIRMED INTERVIEW w/John Edwards (old man in MJ videos who many believe is MJ) June 25, 2011 More 2 Come & New Video Soon with new clues!"
Notice John's curved thumb.
Is it true that Pearl Jr is going to be interviewing John Edwards the dancer on June 25, 2011? I found this on the other hoaxdeath site.
yes according to twitter "CONFIRMED INTERVIEW w/John Edwards (old man in MJ videos who many believe is MJ) June 25, 2011 More 2 Come & New Video Soon with new clues!"
This is going to be very interesting! <!-- s:D -->:D<!-- s:D -->
I love BTM song and the video is showing the love from all his fans around the world.It's amazing, 2bad I am too shy and i didn't participate.I love the way they take the letter M from Michael and they put it there to Mask ....definitely MJ is behind the mask <!-- srr/ -->rr/<!-- srr/ --> Miss you Michael.
Notice John's curved thumb.
Is it true that Pearl Jr is going to be interviewing John Edwards the dancer on June 25, 2011? I found this on the other hoaxdeath site.
Thanks MJonmind!!!
for me this is michael... this is him, no doubt!!!
here, in the HT video, on LKL... all him!
even the ha is the same style!!!
<!-- spenguin/ -->penguin/<!-- spenguin/ -->
First off, I am AMAZED at the similarities in the way the old man holds his hand on his chest
like Michael's!!!!!!! I had all but givin up the idea that the old man could be him! <!-- safraid/ -->afraid/<!-- safraid/ -->
Next at 2:58 there is a scene of a man covered head to toe in a lab suit (with a mask on) and he
does the moon walk across the floor! There is something about the way he moves and he
looks like he is in a lab or a hospital!!! <!-- smoonwalk_/ -->moonwalk_/<!-- smoonwalk_/ -->
I love this song and the video! It turned out beautiful!!! <!-- smj_dance/ -->mj_dance/<!-- smj_dance/ -->
Maybe this interview right on the 2 year anniversary will be another DD on LKL-type interview. I can't believe there's nothing else happening or announced. Have they run out of ideas, or is MJ truly on holidays?
Maybe this interview right on the 2 year anniversary will be another DD on LKL-type interview. I can't believe there's nothing else happening or announced. Have they run out of ideas, or is MJ truly on holidays?
Or is it just the calm before the BAM.....I mean 'storm.'
the man at 2:42 moonwalking on a balcony.... <!-- ssuspicious// -->suspicious//<!-- ssuspicious// -->
I saw that CC! Its pretty wild. I had to watch it a couple of times!!!
I really believe that Michael is hidden somewhere in this video...you know he couldn't let
this video go on without sneaking in it!! Its just a matter of finding him!!! <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> <!-- s8-) -->8-)<!-- s8-) -->
Very very interesting the interview with John( <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> ) Edwards ..... very very very interesting ... I look forward to .... <!-- sbounce/ -->bounce/<!-- sbounce/ -->
Who knows what will tell us ?? <!-- slolol/ -->lolol/<!-- slolol/ --> <!-- s8-) -->8-)<!-- s8-) -->
the man at 2:42 moonwalking on a balcony.... <!-- ssuspicious// -->suspicious//<!-- ssuspicious// -->
I saw that CC! Its pretty wild. I had to watch it a couple of times!!!
I really believe that Michael is hidden somewhere in this video...you know he couldn't let
this video go on without sneaking in it!! Its just a matter of finding him!!! <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> <!-- s8-) -->8-)<!-- s8-) -->
He is there! They left us a clue in the description on the YouTube video
Music video by Michael Jackson performing The Behind The Mask Project. (C) 2011 Optimum Productions
I also have to say that BTM has had 145, 734 views since yesterday. That is pretty amazing, if you ask me. Hopefully it will get as many of Hold My Hand did - at 35 million in less than a week. Blessings.
145,734
Published on Jun 14, 2011 by michaeljacksonVEVO
Music video by Michael Jackson performing The Behind The Mask Project. (C) 2011 Optimum Productions
Today is June 18th - so we are four days into this video and there now have been 664,620 views. Not too bad for 4 days. Not quite the same numbers as Hold My Hand but still impressive so far.
janet on american idol... this john edwards was there too???
I looked all through and couldn't find him. Where did you see him?
at the begining of nasty behind janet and the he is back on the stage, watching with a chaplin attitude... wach it... you will find him... is dave dave like...
he is sitting in the midle of the satge at the end of the song...
Comments
NO coincidence <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) -->
Crowd-sourced video for Michael Jackson's 'Behind the Mask' premieres
What’s a record company to do when it’s time for a new music video but the star isn’t around to make one? That’s the dilemma Sony Music and Michael Jackson’s estate have faced with the posthumously released album “Michael.”
So for the new single “Behind the Mask,” rather than attempting to cobble together something from archival footage, the label and Jackson’s estate invited fans around the world to submit their own clips, which have been patched together into a “crowd-sourced” video premiering Tuesday on YouTube and a Facebook page that's been set up.
It’s directed by Dennis Liu, who also worked on the Grammy-nominated crowd-sourced video for Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave” two years ago built on myriad sketches, drawings and paintings of the singer created by fans.
Fans had access to a template video that was posted in March and were asked to shoot video footage of themselves executing a Jackson-like dance step, choreography routine, facial expression or other moves.
They were integrated into a 4½-minute video that incorporates more than 1,600 quick shots selected from among entries submitted from 103 countries. Most are young men and women in their teens and 20s, but there are also snippets from 2- and 3-year-old mini-MJs. Jackson’s reach appears not to be limited to one species, as there’s also a section from fans who shot their pets moving to the music.
Of course, there’s none of Jackson’s own charisma or electric physicality, which some viewers have already noted in comments posted on YouTube.
“This is not the caliber of concept that we have become accustom[ed] to as Michael Jackson fans,” Whitney Getz wrote. “I’m glad this isn’t being considered a ‘Michael Jackson’ video. Because if it were I’d be very disappointed.”
The video for "Hollywood Tonight," the previous single from the album, was a mini-movie illustrating the song's story of a young woman pursuing her dreams in Hollywood. It's since scored more than 12.5 million views on Vevo and YouTube.
“Doing posthumous video is always a tricky thing because for me, as an artist, I want to respect the artist’s vision, which is why the musician wrote the piece,” said Liu. “So initially, it’s always tricky to take that, given that Michael’s not with us anymore.”
He hears two main riffs in Jackson’s legacy.
“He was all about diversity — an international presence,” said Liu. “Everyone was an equal, and there was always this magic behind his presence…. How [could we] bring the world together for some sort of video? The inspiration was ‘Black or White,’ in showing how he helps connect the world, because we wanted to go big and do something that would knock everyone’s socks off.”
The other riff he wanted to echo was Jackson’s well-evidenced embrace of technology in making his videos, which affected how this video was made and distributed.
“Michael always tried to push the limits of technology with his videos,” said Liu. “Without a doubt, everyone knows that Michael Jackson was at the forefront of music video innovation, from Thriller to Scream.”
All in all, the broad swath of fans represented in the "Behind the Mask" video largely seem to be interested only in conveying ongoing appreciation for Jackson, many from within the confines of their bedrooms, others from the streets of their neighborhoods.
Liu calls it “the most exciting and most fun project I think I’ve ever been involved in…. [It] was incredibly moving to see so many people from all over the world join as one, their creative voices, dance and musical talents bound together by Michael Jackson’s spirit and incomparable artistry. We received submissions from the Sahara Desert to Venice Beach, from mountaintops to suburban backyards, with some shots featuring well over 100 people apiece. All who participated delivered brilliantly.”
Read more at ONTD: <!-- m -->http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/60 ... z1PS2amv71<!-- m -->
How Michael Jackson’s Virtual Flash Mob Was Crowdsourced
The king of pop might be gone, but he’s not forgotten.
A massive collaborative act of music video creation by — and for — his fans has helped make sure of that. Thousands of MJ fans worldwide contributed to the posthumous Michael Jackson music video for “Behind the Mask” released Tuesday on the star’s Facebook page (watch below).
Director Dennis Liu told Evolver.fm that the video was inspired by Jackson’s own work, in particular his 1991 “Black or White” video, with its emphasis on “connecting” people — something that today’s social technologies are sometimes about, too.
The idea of having people act out moves from the video came from the crowd too, according to the director — in particular, flash mobs in which everyone from Philippine prisoners to Swedish volunteers dances to Jackson’s music.
The new video for the song “Behind the Mask” premiered on Facebook, where Jackson’s regularly updated presence has been “liked” nearly 36 million times — a large number that pales in comparison to the more than 750 million albums he is said to have sold.
This crowdsourced, professionally produced video was under tight wraps until Tuesday, but director Liu, whose other clients have included Apple and Microsoft, gave Evolver.fm a verbal preview of the virtual flash mob he made from the more than 15,000 videos submitted by fans since March.
Some clips ran 15 seconds, and others covered the song’s duration. A team of five needed two months to sift through the videos before Liu and his team arrived at the finished product, including video of 1,600 participants woven together. (The video was produced by radical.media, the same folks behind that awesome steerable Danger Mouse video.)
To participate, fans selected from a number of actions from Jackson’s website (“playing an instrument, singing a lyric, acting out a crowd reaction or demonstrating a classic MJ dance move”), then filmed themselves with a webcam or uploaded video shot elsewhere. Using a split-pane interface, they could then line up their video with Jackson’s in order to follow the directions.
“Doing posthumous video is always a tricky thing because for me, as an artist, I want to respect the artist’s vision, which is why the musician wrote the piece,” said Liu. “So initially, it’s always tricky to take that, given that Michael’s not with us anymore.”
He hears two main riffs in Jackson’s legacy.
“He was all about diversity — an international presence,” said Liu. “Everyone was an equal, and there was always this magic behind his presence…. How [could we] bring the world together for some sort of video? The inspiration was ‘Black or White,’ in showing how he helps connect the world, because we wanted to go big and do something that would knock everyone’s socks off.”
Indeed, participants came from 103 countries. The other riff he wanted to echo was Jackson’s well-evidenced embrace of technology in making his videos, which affected how this video was made and distributed.
“Michael always tried to push the limits of technology with his videos,” said Liu. “Without a doubt, everyone knows that Michael Jackson was at the forefront of music video innovation, from Thriller to Scream.”
Only a star of Jackson’s reach could convince people to contribute well-coordinated video to a project on this scale, according to the director. Several documented Thriller flash mobs back him up.
So, how did Liu’s channeling of 15,000 submissions into a single crowdsourced video turn out? In the spirit of crowdsourcing, you can decide for yourself, “like” it or not.
Either way, Jackson’s fans have something new to watch: each other.
<!-- m -->http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/06/ ... flash-mob/<!-- m -->
Notice John's curved thumb.
Is it true that Pearl Jr is going to be interviewing John Edwards the dancer on June 25, 2011? I found this on the other hoaxdeath site.
yes according to twitter "CONFIRMED INTERVIEW w/John Edwards (old man in MJ videos who many believe is MJ) June 25, 2011 More 2 Come & New Video Soon with new clues!"
This is going to be very interesting! <!-- s:D -->:D<!-- s:D -->
Thanks MJonmind!!!
for me this is michael... this is him, no doubt!!!
here, in the HT video, on LKL... all him!
even the ha is the same style!!!
<!-- spenguin/ -->penguin/<!-- spenguin/ -->
like Michael's!!!!!!! I had all but givin up the idea that the old man could be him! <!-- safraid/ -->afraid/<!-- safraid/ -->
Next at 2:58 there is a scene of a man covered head to toe in a lab suit (with a mask on) and he
does the moon walk across the floor! There is something about the way he moves and he
looks like he is in a lab or a hospital!!! <!-- smoonwalk_/ -->moonwalk_/<!-- smoonwalk_/ -->
I love this song and the video! It turned out beautiful!!! <!-- smj_dance/ -->mj_dance/<!-- smj_dance/ -->
Or is it just the calm before the BAM.....I mean 'storm.'
I saw that CC! Its pretty wild. I had to watch it a couple of times!!!
I really believe that Michael is hidden somewhere in this video...you know he couldn't let
this video go on without sneaking in it!! Its just a matter of finding him!!! <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> <!-- s;) -->;)<!-- s;) --> <!-- s8-) -->8-)<!-- s8-) -->
Who knows what will tell us ?? <!-- slolol/ -->lolol/<!-- slolol/ --> <!-- s8-) -->8-)<!-- s8-) -->
<!-- smoonwalk_/ -->moonwalk_/<!-- smoonwalk_/ -->
janet on american idol... this john edwards was there too???
He is there! They left us a clue in the description on the YouTube video
Music video by Michael Jackson performing The Behind The Mask Project. (C) 2011 Optimum Productions
Today is June 18th - so we are four days into this video and there now have been 664,620 views. Not too bad for 4 days. Not quite the same numbers as Hold My Hand but still impressive so far.
Blessings to you
at the begining of nasty behind janet and the he is back on the stage, watching with a chaplin attitude... wach it... you will find him... is dave dave like...
he is sitting in the midle of the satge at the end of the song...