Although many have come close, no other production has toppedthe legendary collaboration that led to the most expensive music video of all time. When it comes to creating these types of promotional pieces, many artists have demonstrated they’ll stop at nothing to make them great. Evenclassic rock artists are known to bring in big-time celebritiesto enhance them.
Additionally,some bring in other musicians to star in their videos. This isn’t always for a full collaboration, but sometimes just because an appearance alone can attract a larger audience. Whatever is chosen,it is always done with the intention of making these songs pop, just as seen with the most expensive music video of all time.
When a production pays off, it’s a major win for all involved. Not only do the musicians succeed, but so does the crew.This sometimes includes actors looking to ascend, who receive their big breaks from these shoots. You never know what a music video can bring, but for this one,it was the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable combination.
Michael & Janet Jackson’s “Scream” Music Video Is The Most Expensive Ever Made
They Went All Out For This Production
The music video created for Michael Jackson’s “Scream,” featuring his sibling Janet Jackson,is one for the record books. Quite literally, it was listed inThe Guinness Book of World Recordsas the most expensive music video of all time. When it was made, its production cost was listed at seven million dollars.
Director Mark Romanek has refuted this over the years, claiming other productions were higher, but that hasn’t been proven. Instead, “Scream” remains at the top of each list regarding cost. In fact, even as time has gone on, and the adjusted cost is factored in, it is still number one,with its 2025 estimated value being $14,444,857.
For the nearly five-minute video, Michael leaned on others to create the concept. What they came up with was the idea that he and Janet would be in a spacecraft of sorts, leaving Earth. To do this, a13-piece set was made, where numerous designers were brought in so they could split up the work between easy and complicated parts.
During the filming, the two siblings worked separately to keep things competitive between them. Their younger passion for dancing remained, and beautiful choreography was put together for both. Although the video was supposed to cost less and potentially be created faster, everything worked out, andthe finished product was one they were all proud of.
This Sibling Collaboration Is One For The Ages
The Love For It Proves Its Genius
When “Scream” was released in 1995, it was at a time whenboth Michael and Janet Jackson were at the peak of their careers. In the 1980s, Michael was perhaps the biggest artist of the decade. As for Janet, she was also building her empire, releasing four albums in the ’80s and showing the ability to stand on her own.
Their names couldn’t have been bigger. That’s why it was such a great move when Janet joined Michael on his ninth studio album,HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. The song itself holds a lot of meaning, as it representedMichael’s way of fighting back against the media that were trying to control his narrative.
Evidently, “Scream” connected with audiences as it ranked on seven differentBillboardcharts. This included two first-place finishes and a Top 5 ranking on the Hot 100. Additionally,many accolades followed. The music video won multiple MTV Music Video Awards, along with winning the Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
Given the history that the video made with its production and the accolades it received, it has become revered as one of the greatest of all time. The song itself had a lot of meaning for Michael, andit was fitting to have his sibling by his side. Ultimately, they created music history out of a very difficult time.
We Deserved More Michael & Janet Jackson Collaborations
There Was So Much Potential For More
Throughout their careers, both Michael and Janet had some amazing collaborations. Michael worked with incredible legends such as Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. As for Janet, she collaborated with artists such as Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott. However,the siblings were sparse in working togetheron various songs.
Before “Scream,” there still wasn’t much work that saw them team up in a significant way. There is a song on Janet’s second album, where it kind of happens in the background. This is for “Don’t Stand Another Chance,” andit was actually a family effort. It’s Janet’s song, but many of the Jacksons, including Michael, provide backing vocals.
There was an idea that Michael would join Janet for her song “Runaway,” which appeared on her 1995 record,Design of a Decade: 1986-1996. Instead,they decided to work on “Scream” together, which turned out great. However, for all it accomplished, it makes you wonder what could’ve been if they had done more.
Although “Scream” was their one major collaboration, Janet has ensured that its memory continues. In Michael’s honor, she has performed it many times, including on various tours she has been on. It’s possible other music videos will cost more in the future, but even so,“Scream” has a legacy that is cemented, and it will continue to be revered.
