2. MUSIC VIDEOS
There are different styles of music videos and each differ from one
and another depending of the genre, however to begin my research I
need to look at what all music videos include.
What is a Code and Convention?
its a technique, method or aspect that is used in
all media forms, however I will be concentrating on
codes and conventions in music videos.
What is the Purpose?
This allows audiences to know what to expect and to
recognise what is being shown and the genre and type of
media.

3. CODES & CONVENTIONS
Camera Angles and Movements
Camera Angles
This area has lots of different techniques that can be used; certain movements can
portray different emotions to the audience. However others can showcase the artist or
band and focus on the performance with a close up, others can create a scene and
setting to the audience with a long shot or crane shot. There are other camera angles
such as, over the shoulder, mid shots, establishing shots, high angled, low
angled, ect. Music videos try to be creative with the visuals of the camera angles to
entice the audience and have a unique selling point (USP).
Movements are used in music videos to follow the artist performing or the narrative,
these can include, tracking, panning, tilting and arc shots.
Music videos manly consist of a few scenes, and techniques like
fast cut montage which allows the video to be exciting to the
audience however this can mean it’s hard for the viewer to
understand the scene so a method called multiple viewing is
used meaning it cuts back to the same scene throughout the video.
Eg. performance cut to narrative and then cut back to performance.

4. CODES & CONVENTIONS
Editing & Sound
This is the area of the production that creates interest and uniqueness to
all music videos, this stage can include the transitions, special
effects, split screens, CGI effects, diegetic and non-diegetic
(non-natural/added) sounds and putting on the sound track.
Effects like CGI meaning Computer generated imagery can produce
graphics that are either the background or moving imagery.
Sound is also a huge importance to a music video as this is the purpose of
a music video therefore some videos only concentrates on the sound
track of the song whereas others may have talking about the narrative or
even the meaning. Parallel sound is where the sounds and music fits in
with the feelings and emotions of the video.

5. CODES & CONVENTIONS
Mise-en-Scene
This establishes the location, pops used, lighting, costume and characters to the
audience. This is used to allow the audience to know the theme and creates the right
atmosphere. Therefore this will vary depending on the genre of the music and weather
the music video is based on a performance, narrative or concept.
Performance, will shown the artist or band singing the song, this means the audience
feels connected and important to the artist.
Narrative, this can include the artist within the story but sometimes not, therefore the
Mise-en-scene needs a strong establishing shot to outline the style of narrative.
Concept, can vary and will need to be creative and original to standout.
Horror
Mise-en-scene
Beach
Mise-en-scene

6. CODES & CONVENTIONS
Genres
Although music videos all have these things in common in terms of
techniques within the production and construction, they vary in other ways
as different genres have their own codes and conventions they follow. This
allows genres to be recognised and appealing for their target audience.
Music can be split into lots of different genres but to explain this
and gives examples I have picked two very contrasting genres,
which I have outlined their unique codes and conventions.
Jazz
POP
R&B
Indie
Country
Dance
House
Reggae
Classica
l
Disco

7. CODES & CONVENTIONS
Heavy Metal and Rock
Representation
Music videos with this styled genre
have the theme of being dark,
emotional and depressing. This is
shown in the dark lighting, heavy and
meaningful lyrics and a strong sound.
Camera angles
Normally long and wide angles are used to allow the hole band to be seen of scene.
Performance
Most videos show the band performing and playing the guitar or drums they are
shown to be moshing and ‘rocking out’.
Costume
The band members are normally wearing black with heavy eye makeup which is
associated with Goths. Piercing and tattoos are sometimes shown for the
stereotypical band member.

8. CODES & CONVENTIONS
R&B and Pop
Mise-en-scene
Is usually set in mansions, nightclubs, boats, beaches,
streets. All these settings are associated with the good
life and rich people.
Props
This also suggests the wealth of the artist with cars,
chains, Jewellery, designer clothes, sun glasses.
Costume
Modern, stylish clothes which are normally designer
especially on male artist.
Representation
A R&B or Pop music video showcases the artist throughout the video with
performing the song.
There are sometimes dancers in the video performing behind the artist mainly
women as they are shown in a sexual way with revealing costumes and
synchronised styled routines.
The music is normally themed on the good things in life and this is shown in the
bright editing.