Queen is widely credited with pioneering the modern promotional music video through “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The band made the promotional film in November 1975 so it could appear on television programs while Queen performed elsewhere. Bruce Gowers directed the film, which used performance footage, studio effects, and the group’s distinctive four-person portrait.
The production was made quickly at Elstree Studios and was not intended to be a narrative short film. Its practical purpose was to promote the single without requiring the band to attend every television appearance.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is often called the first modern music video, but that wording simplifies music-video history. Earlier promotional films existed, including work by the Beatles. Queen’s clip is better understood as a highly influential example that helped establish the format used by later music television.