codes and conventions of music videos

2.  The codes and conventions of music videos are the different techniques used to
construct meaning and messages within them.
 These techniques are divided into two types; technical and symbolical.
 Technical- This is how the meaning is conveyed using equipment during the music
videos. For example, the camera angles, camera shots and sound play a big part in
producing a music video. The pace and style of editing also allows the audience to
become clear of what genre the music video is.
 Symbolic- This is the ways of showing meaning beyond what you can see
primarily. This is largely the mise en scene as well as expressions, gestures and
poses. Mise en in music videos is important to show the genre for example a rap
video usually features cars, alcohol, women and parties.

3.  The audience can become familiar with a particular genre, as they get used o
recognising the different conventions within a genre. There is now a structure the
audience can understand. The codes and conventions also ensure the lyrics of the
song fit in with what we see on screen.

4.  The conventions of a music video vary depending on the genre of the video.
General conventions include;
 Camera work
 Editing techniques
 Style
 Sound-diegetic and non-diegetic
 Mise en scene
 Notions of looking-stereotyping

5.  Performance is when the music video consists mainly of the artists performing in
the video-live or on set. A good example of this is Beyoncé ‘Love on Top’ where the
whole video continuously features Beyoncé performing the song with backing
dancers. This style of music video isn’t as common as the videos are not as popular
when they are solely dedicated to the song with no narrative or other scenes. The
audience finds it hard to relate to the artist in these videos. Beyoncé ‘Love on Top’
does however include some aspects of mise en scene which you can see from her
costume and lighting.

6.  A narrative music video follows a story line. There are two types of Narrative .
Linear and Fragmented. A linear narrative in a story from beginning to end
chronologically. A fragmented one doesn’t have to follow the same pattern. An
example of the narrative video is

7.  The way a camera is used is really crucial in producing a music video that is
effective to the target audience. The angles, Shots and movements create different
techniques and make the video unique as well as in some cases illustrate the
genre.

8. Music videos feature a huge number of different shots for different reasons.
The very wide shot is much closer to the
subject than an extreme wide shot, but
still much further away than a wide shot.
The subject is visible here but only just
(in this case it's a boy leaning against the
fence). The emphasis is very much on
placing him in his environment.
This often works as an establishing shot,
in which the audience is shown the whole
setting so they can orient themselves.
The VWS also allows plenty of room for
action to take place, or for multiple
subjects to appear on screen.
Mid shot- This is showing the artist
from his/her waist to head, focussing
mainly on the subject, but at the same
time shows the audience the setting
and location.
Medium close up-is showing the artist
from chest to head.

9. Extreme close up- This is common in female
artists videos. It can show the thoughts and
feelings or even just to show lip syncing.
Over the shoulder shot- This is very common
specifically in narrative based music videos when the
artist is acting or speaking to someone. This displays
the conversation and the audience tend to follow the
side they appear to be behind, due to the camera.
Cut in- This shot can be used in music videos
to show something that the lyrics are
meaning. It can show objects in detail which
is similar to an extreme close up, but is
quicker in the shot. The shots relate to the
narrative.

10. The way the camera is positioned determines the angle of the shot. There are many different
camera angles used in productions of music videos to exemplify different messages about the artist
and the song.
Eye level
Low angle
High angle

11. Birds eye view
Slanted

12. The camera moves to follow the artist or to show the
performance of the artist. These movements include
planning and tracking. A director may choose to move
action along by telling the story as a series of cuts
going from one shot to another. They may also decide
to move the camera with the action.
PANS- This is where the camera scans a scene
horizontally. The camera is placed on a tripod, which
operates as a stationary axis point as the camera is
turned, often to follow a moving abject, kept in the
middle of the frame.
Dolly/tracking is where the camera is mounted on a
cart which travels along tracks for very smooth
movement.

13.  Editing is the process that concludes the making of the music video. When you
edit, you cut scenes down and add specific effects and track the music video. The
editing consists of the followings things; jump cutting, special effects, backgrounds
and filters.
 Additionally the effects in the Beyoncé's music video ‘Sweet Dreams’ the
background has been added on. The effects have been added on using computer
graphics. Parallel edition is a method of cutting between a couple of scenes or
stories that are happening at the same time. Similar to cross cutting in film. The
editors have then added non diegetic sound.

14.  Sound consists of two main forms diegetic sound which is already present in the
film and non - diegetic sound which can be edited in. Sound is absolutely essential
in any music video as this is the main reason for why people watch and listen to
them, to gain a sense of art via different artists’. Sound, like footage can be edited
to create different effects and variations to the normal vocals that we hear. Sound
Parallel sound is when the music matches the mood of the video. An example
would be if the song was slow then the video would also be slow to go with the
mood of the song. Also, if it was a sad song then the video would also be sad. Some
music videos have diegetic sound, where they include sound from the
surroundings, such as birds, police sirens that make the video seem more realistic.
However, the music itself is non-diegetic sound.

15. The location, and scene of a music video can not only show the audience were the
artist is, but also can decide on the genre, for instance locations for instance the
beach, or in a car, at a party, these sort of locations you would usually find in a
dance pop music video, Due to the happy and lively feel they give. If the music video
was say filmed in a street, or modern house, these are the typical locations you
might find a gang, and you would relate this to grime/Hip-hop type video. The
location influence the genre, but also be chosen purposely to relate to the song.