Meaning: The quote "First of all, you needed a budget to do the video. The record companies would pick and choose who got videos" by Nina Blackwood, a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry, sheds light on the historical context and challenges faced by artists and musicians in the early days of music video production. This quote encapsulates the significant financial barrier that existed for artists wanting to create music videos and the control exerted by record companies in determining which artists would have the opportunity to produce videos.

In the early days of music videos, particularly in the 1980s when the music video medium experienced a surge in popularity, creating a music video was a costly endeavor. The production of music videos required a substantial budget to cover expenses such as filming, editing, special effects, and other production costs. As a result, not all artists had the financial means to invest in creating music videos for their songs.

The quote also highlights the role of record companies in the decision-making process regarding music video production. Record companies, as the gatekeepers of the music industry, had the authority to select which artists would receive the opportunity to create music videos. This selection process was often based on the record companies' assessment of an artist's commercial potential and marketability. As a result, many talented artists were overlooked or marginalized if they did not align with the commercial interests of the record companies.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within the music industry. Artists who were not signed to major record labels or did not have substantial financial backing were at a disadvantage when it came to creating music videos. This created a disparity between established and emerging artists, with the former having greater access to resources and promotional tools such as music videos.

Nina Blackwood, as a well-respected figure in the music and entertainment industry, likely witnessed firsthand the impact of these barriers on artists and the music industry as a whole. Her quote serves as a reminder of the challenges and limitations that artists faced in the past, and the ways in which the music industry has evolved in terms of accessibility and opportunities for artists to create visual content for their music.

In contemporary times, the landscape of music video production has undergone significant changes. Advancements in technology have made video production more accessible and affordable, allowing a broader range of artists to create visually compelling content for their music. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms and social media has provided artists with alternative avenues to showcase their music and reach audiences, reducing their reliance on traditional record companies for promotional support.

The democratization of video production and distribution has empowered artists to take creative control of their visual content and connect directly with their fan base. Independent artists and musicians now have the ability to produce and release their own music videos without the same level of financial constraints or dependence on record labels.

In conclusion, Nina Blackwood's quote reflects the historical challenges and inequalities that existed in music video production, particularly in relation to budget constraints and the influence of record companies. However, the evolution of technology and the changing dynamics of the music industry have contributed to a more inclusive and accessible environment for artists to create music videos, signaling a shift towards greater autonomy and creative freedom for musicians in the visual representation of their music.