Codes and Conventions of Music Videos
In this post I discuss the Codes and Conventions of Music Videos, and the typical conventions in particular genres of music
Mise-en-Scene
In any media product, mise-en-scene is a vital convention to the sucess of the product. This includes the arrangement of actors/performers, props, setting. All of these work hand in hand with the lighting present to create the desired theme and atmosphere, while (in the case of the narrative genre) helping plant enigma codes refrencing the plot/narrative. Costume also comes under the covention of mise-en-scene, as the choice of clothing and makeup, and just generally the appearence of the character, impacts the ambience and aesthetic of the music video.
Camera Shots and Movements
The use and variation of camera shots and movement is an imperitive factor in creating music videos. While long and mid shots, birds eye, craning shots and two shots are used to establish characters, setting and location, commonly used in ‘as live’ and ‘interpretive’ music videos. Close ups, extreme close ups and panning shots are used to highlight emotions and relationships.
Editing
Transitions and colour consume the majority of editing in terms of music videos, including fade effects and jump cuts, predominantly in narrative music videos, while we see different colour washes used in ‘interpretation’ music videos.
Sound
As expected in music videos, sound is a key element. While the majority of music videos focus heavily on simply the song used, narrative videos in particular may include dialogue when in the style of a short film, similar to earlier music videos.
Typical conventions in pop videos:
-Close ups & Extreme close ups
-Teenage target audience
-Colourful aesthetic to match upbeat music and vibe
Examples:
Taylor Swift “Style”
Liam Payne “Strip that down”
Typical conventions in alternative videos:
-Long shots establishing scene
-Symbolic imagery
-Dark Colours
-Special effects
Examples:
The Neighbourhood “Sweater Weather”
Bring me the horizon “Throne”
Mise-en-Scene
In any media product, mise-en-scene is a vital convention to the sucess of the product. This includes the arrangement of actors/performers, props, setting. All of these work hand in hand with the lighting present to create the desired theme and atmosphere, while (in the case of the narrative genre) helping plant enigma codes refrencing the plot/narrative. Costume also comes under the covention of mise-en-scene, as the choice of clothing and makeup, and just generally the appearence of the character, impacts the ambience and aesthetic of the music video.
Camera Shots and Movements
The use and variation of camera shots and movement is an imperitive factor in creating music videos. While long and mid shots, birds eye, craning shots and two shots are used to establish characters, setting and location, commonly used in ‘as live’ and ‘interpretive’ music videos. Close ups, extreme close ups and panning shots are used to highlight emotions and relationships.
Editing
Transitions and colour consume the majority of editing in terms of music videos, including fade effects and jump cuts, predominantly in narrative music videos, while we see different colour washes used in ‘interpretation’ music videos.
Sound
As expected in music videos, sound is a key element. While the majority of music videos focus heavily on simply the song used, narrative videos in particular may include dialogue when in the style of a short film, similar to earlier music videos.
Typical conventions in pop videos:
-Close ups & Extreme close ups
-Teenage target audience
-Colourful aesthetic to match upbeat music and vibe
Examples:
Taylor Swift “Style”
Liam Payne “Strip that down”
Typical conventions in alternative videos:
-Long shots establishing scene
-Symbolic imagery
-Dark Colours
-Special effects
Examples:
The Neighbourhood “Sweater Weather”
Bring me the horizon “Throne”
This is a sound post but where are the visuals? You need to illustrate your posts.
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