CONVENTIONS OF A MUSIC

VIDEOL AU R E N S W I F T

WHAT ARE CONVENTIONS?

• Codes and conventions of music videos are the different techniques used to construct meaning in them.• These techniques can be divided into two different

sub-types; technical and symbolic.

TECHNICAL TECHNIQUES

• How meaning is conveyed using technical equipment e.g. the way camera angles are used, different types of shots, sound (diegetic or non-diegetic), the pace and style of editing and the genre.

SYMBOLIC TECHNIQUES

• Symbolic techniques are a way of showing meanings beyond what you can see. For example through facial expressions, gestures, poses and mise-en-scene.

WHY DO WE NEED CONVENTIONS?• The audience can become familiar with a particular

genre, and this allows them to become familiar with different conventions within a genre.• It provides a structure that the audience can

understand.• To ensure the lyrics of the song fit in with the nature of

the video.

EXAMPLES OF CONVENTIONS• Conventions of a music video can vary depending on

the genre of the song. However, generally, they include:• The style• The camera• Editing techniques• The sound (diegetic, non-diegetic)• Mise-en-scene (props, lighting, costume, hair &

makeup, locations/setting, colour schemes)• Notions of looking (stereotyping)

STYLES OF MUSIC VIDEOS

PERFORMANCE• When the video consists mainly of the artist performing. A good example of

this is Ariana Grande’s ‘Focus’ video:

NARRATIVE• A narrative music video follows a story line. There are two types of

narrative; linear and fragmented. • Linear starts a story from the beginning and goes right through to the end,

whilst a fragmented narrative is one that doesn’t.• An example of a linear narrative is a-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ video:

MIXTURE• A combination of performance and narrative. • An example of this is in Britney Spears’ official video for ‘Everytime’

CAMEO• When a band or artist features in the narrative but does not perform.• For example, Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time video:

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS• Very long shot – emphasis is very much

on the setting.

• Low angle shot – Where the subject is shown from below, giving them the impression of being dominant.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS• Close up – This shows the artists face

close to the camera, has a very personal feel and brings the artist closer to the audience.

• Medium close up – Shows the artist’s shoulders, neck and head.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS• Extreme close up – Shows the artists’

face very close to the camera. Can have the effect of showing the audience their thought or feelings.

• Over the shoulder shot – often used in narrative videos, usually when the artist is acting and speaking to another person in the video. Or also when the character is being followed, or leading, the camera.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS• Eye level – normal view point, audience

meets eye level with the artist.