I’ve always had a great admiration for the ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ music video by the Eurythmics, a masterpiece that debuted in 1983. Its unforgettable visuals and mysterious aura have fascinated viewers for years, making the track an enduring classic.
However, despite my love for the video, I realized that I had no idea where it was actually filmed. After doing some research, I was excited to discover the filming location of ‘Sweet Dreams’ and learn more about the logistics behind creating such a visually stunning music video.
In this article, I will delve into the history of the Eurythmics, the song ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’, and the impact of the music video. I will also explore the filming location, behind-the-scenes stories, and other music videos that were filmed in rural locations.
Join me as we uncover the mystery of where ‘Sweet Dreams’ was filmed.
Key Takeaways
- The iconic music video for ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ by the Eurythmics was filmed in a deserted house in Hampstead, London, and a derelict mental asylum in Surrey.
- The set design included a tilted room and a floating bed, and lighting was crucial in creating the right mood for the video, with different colors and intensities experimented with.
- Behind-the-scenes stories include a scene with sunflowers infested with bees, which required a beekeeper to safely remove them, and finding the perfect location for the iconic barn scene, which was eventually found on a small family-owned farm.
- The music video for ‘Sweet Dreams’ perfectly captures the magic of the English countryside, and other music videos filmed in rural locations include Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ and Mumford & Sons’ ‘I Will Wait.’
Overview of the ‘Sweet Dreams’ Music Video
You’re gonna love the ‘Sweet Dreams’ music video – it’s a visually stunning masterpiece that will take you on a journey through different dreamscapes!
The video was directed by Chris Ashbrook and was released in 1983. It features the band Eurythmics, consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, performing the hit song in various settings that range from a deserted warehouse to a room filled with television sets.
The video’s imagery is surreal and captivating, with Lennox donning a striking orange buzz cut and an androgynous suit while Stewart plays various instruments in a black and white suit. The video also features Lennox lying on a bed of metal pipes and Stewart playing a burning piano.
The ‘Sweet Dreams’ music video perfectly captures the essence of the song’s lyrics and has become an iconic representation of the 1980s music scene.
The Band Eurythmics
Get groovy with the Grammy-winning duo Eurythmics and their iconic synth-pop sound. Here are three reasons why you should love this band:
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Their music is timeless. Despite forming in the 1980s, their sound still resonates with audiences today. From the catchy beats to the mesmerizing vocals, their songs are sure to get you dancing.
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They were pioneers in music videos. Eurythmics created some of the most iconic music videos of the 80s, including ‘Sweet Dreams’ (of course), ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’, and ‘Love Is A Stranger’. Their videos were innovative and helped shape the way music videos are made today.
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They were unapologetically themselves. Eurythmics never shied away from being unique and pushing boundaries. Their music and style were a reflection of their individuality and they inspired others to embrace their own quirks and differences.
Now, let’s dive into the song ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)’ and how it became a cultural phenomenon.
The Song ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’
As you listen to ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’, the pulsating rhythm and haunting vocals transport you to a world of synth-pop wonder.
The song was released in 1983 and quickly became a worldwide hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK Singles Chart. The lyrics, written by Annie Lennox, speak of the power of dreams and the desire for something more in life.
The music video for ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ is just as iconic as the song itself. Directed by Chris Ashbrook, it features Lennox and Dave Stewart in various surreal and dreamlike settings.
The video was shot in a deserted house in Hampstead, London, with additional footage filmed in a derelict mental asylum in Surrey. The haunting imagery of the video perfectly complements the eerie synth-pop sound of the song, cementing its status as a classic of the 1980s.
The Filming Location
I absolutely love the contrast between the rural and urban aesthetic in the filming location of the song ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’.
The video was shot in the English countryside, which provides a beautiful backdrop for the eerie and surreal imagery of the video.
The juxtaposition of the pastoral landscape with the industrial buildings and machinery adds to the unsettling tone of the song.
Rural vs. Urban Aesthetic
You’ll notice the stark contrast between the rural and urban aesthetics in the filming locations of Sweet Dreams. As I traveled to the various filming locations, it was clear that the movie aimed to showcase the beauty of both the countryside and the city.
Here are four examples that stood out to me:
- The scenes shot in London were vibrant and bustling, with iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye in the background.
- In contrast, the scenes shot in the English countryside featured vast, open fields and rolling hills, with quaint cottages dotted here and there.
- The color palettes of the two settings were also very different, with the city scenes featuring bright, bold colors and the countryside scenes having a more muted, natural color scheme.
- The costumes of the characters in the two settings also reflected their surroundings, with the city characters wearing more modern, sleek clothing, while the countryside characters wore more rustic, comfortable clothing.
As the movie shifts its focus to the English countryside, the contrast between the two aesthetics becomes even more apparent.
The English Countryside
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the English countryside, where vast green landscapes and charming cottages transport you to a simpler time. As someone who’s always loved nature, visiting this part of England was a dream come true.
The rolling hills, dotted with sheep and cows, were a sight to behold. And the quaint villages, with their thatched-roof cottages and blooming gardens, were straight out of a storybook. But what really struck me was the peacefulness of it all.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I felt like I could breathe again. And as I walked along the country lanes, surrounded by fields of wildflowers, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful place. It’s no wonder that the English countryside has been the inspiration for countless artists and writers over the years.
The visuals of the music video for "Sweet Dreams"perfectly capture the magic of this place. From shots of Annie Lennox wandering through fields of wheat to the eerie sight of her standing alone on a misty moor, it’s clear that the director was just as captivated by the English countryside as I was. The juxtaposition of the haunting music and the serene landscapes creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws you in.
It’s no wonder that this music video has become a classic, and that the English countryside remains a beloved destination for travelers from all over the world.
The Visuals of the Music Video
Take a look at the stunning visuals of the ‘Sweet Dreams’ music video – have you ever seen anything quite like it?
The video features surreal and futuristic scenes of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, the members of the Eurythmics, in a dark and moody atmosphere. The music video was filmed in various locations, including an abandoned warehouse, a forest, and a field of cows in the English countryside.
The use of contrasting colors, such as the bright red and black costumes of Lennox and Stewart, against the gray and industrial backdrops, creates a striking visual effect that captures the viewer’s attention.
The ‘Sweet Dreams’ music video is a masterpiece of visual storytelling that perfectly complements the haunting lyrics and catchy melody of the song. The video’s imagery has become iconic, and its influence can be seen in countless music videos, movies, and fashion editorials to this day.
The impact of the music video is undeniable, and it helped solidify the Eurythmics’ status as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking musical acts of the 1980s.
The Impact of the Music Video
As I watched the music video for ‘Sweet Dreams,’ I couldn’t help but notice how visually stunning it was. The use of stark black and white imagery, bold geometric shapes, and abstract sets all worked together to create a mesmerizing experience.
But the impact of the video went beyond just its aesthetics. ‘Sweet Dreams’ was a game-changer for music videos. It pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time, paving the way for future artists to experiment with visual storytelling. It also helped solidify the image of Annie Lennox as a powerful and iconic performer.
Watching the video now, it’s easy to see why it had such a lasting impact on the music industry. But how did they create such a visually striking video? How did they film it? The answer lies in the logistics of production.
Filming Logistics
The logistics of filming ‘Sweet Dreams’ were complex and required a lot of planning. Here are some of the challenges we faced:
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Location scouting: We had to find the perfect location that matched the surreal and dreamlike quality of the song. After searching various options, we finally settled on an old warehouse in downtown Los Angeles.
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Set design: We needed to create a visually stunning set that would enhance the song’s message. Our team of designers worked tirelessly to create the iconic tilted room and the floating bed that Annie Lennox sings on.
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Lighting: Lighting was crucial in creating the right mood for the video. We experimented with different colors and intensities to achieve the desired effect.
Despite the challenges, the filming of ‘Sweet Dreams’ was a success and the music video became an instant classic. But the behind-the-scenes stories are even more interesting.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories
You’ll love hearing about the behind-the-scenes stories from filming ‘Sweet Dreams’, including some surprising challenges that the team faced.
One of the most memorable moments was when we were shooting the scene where the actress walks through a field of sunflowers. It was a beautiful shot, but we quickly realized that the flowers were infested with bees! We had to pause filming and call in a beekeeper to safely remove them.
Another challenge we faced was finding the perfect location for the iconic barn scene. We scouted many different farms, but none of them quite fit the vision we had in mind. Finally, we stumbled upon a small family-owned farm with a gorgeous red barn that was perfect for the shoot. It turned out to be a great find, as the owners were incredibly hospitable and even let us use their horses for a few shots.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience filming ‘Sweet Dreams’ in such a beautiful rural location.
Other music videos filmed in rural locations include…
Other Music Videos Filmed in Rural Locations
Many popular music videos opt to shoot in rural locations, showcasing the beauty of nature and the charm of small towns. One example is Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ music video, which was filmed in a historic house and on a sprawling farm in Tennessee. The video perfectly captures the romanticized image of the American South, with Swift dressed in a flowing white dress and surrounded by lush greenery.
Another music video that features a rural location is Mumford & Sons’ ‘I Will Wait.’ Filmed in the stunning Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, the video showcases the band performing on a stage nestled in the middle of towering red rock formations. The natural beauty of the location adds an ethereal quality to the already beautiful song.
These music videos are a testament to the power of nature and how it can elevate a song’s message and mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the filming location difficult to access for the crew?
Oh boy, let me tell you, getting to the filming location was a nightmare. The crew had to navigate treacherous terrain, cross raging rivers, and brave the elements. But we made it work and captured some amazing footage for Sweet Dreams.
Did the band face any challenges during the filming process?
I faced several challenges during the filming process of "Sweet Dreams."We had to deal with inclement weather, equipment malfunctions, and scheduling conflicts. However, we persevered and were able to create a visually stunning music video.
How did the local community react to the filming of the music video?
As I walked around the local community during the filming of "Sweet Dreams,"I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception we received. People were curious, excited, and even offered to help out. It was a wonderful experience.
Were there any injuries or accidents during the filming of the video?
No injuries or accidents occurred during the filming of the Sweet Dreams music video.
Did the filming of ‘Sweet Dreams’ have any significant cultural impact beyond the music industry?
As the iconic ‘Sweet Dreams’ video took the world by storm, it sparked conversations about gender roles, power dynamics, and sexuality. Its impact on pop culture was undeniable, and still resonates today. As they say, "good things come in small packages."
Conclusion
In conclusion, discovering where ‘Sweet Dreams’ was filmed has given me a newfound appreciation for the music video. The stunning visuals and hauntingly beautiful melody are now even more captivating knowing they were filmed in an abandoned dairy factory in England.
The Eurythmics truly created a masterpiece, and it’s no wonder the music video continues to be recognized as an iconic moment in music history. As the saying goes, ‘location, location, location’. The choice to film in a rural location added a unique layer of depth to the music video, and the abandoned factory provided the perfect backdrop for the eerie and surreal atmosphere.
Overall, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence the music industry today.
Eislyn is a gifted writer whose words weave enchanting narratives within the realm of dreams. With a profound love for storytelling and a deep curiosity about dreams, Eislyn’s articles transport readers into vivid dreamscapes.
Her writing style is both eloquent and thought-provoking, captivating readers’ imaginations and inspiring them to dive deeper into the mysteries of their own dreams. Eislyn’s exploration of dream symbolism and interpretation adds depth and nuance to our content, making it an absolute pleasure for dream enthusiasts to engage with.
