CODES & CONVENTIONS OF A MUSIC VIDEO

Different Types of music videos…There are several different types of music videos: Performance – This is where the artist/band perform throughout the video, an example of this being Kiesza – ‘Hideaway’ Narrative – This is where the music video creates a story and shows the lyrics in a visual image. Cameo – This is where the artist/band are featured in the video but

aren’t the main character and do not perform Mixture – This is a combination of narrative and performance. The camera cuts between acting and the band/artist performing. An example being Sam Smith – ‘Not the only one’. Animation – This is where the video is animation throughout. An

example David Guetta – ‘ BANG BANG’

CameraworkDifferent shots are used within a music video to keep the audience entertain throughout and to portray different emotions: Tracking shot – following the actors in narrativeEstablishing shot – Used for the performance of

bands/artistsClose-ups – Focusing of face, close-ups of their mouths

singing the lyrics (this is good when lip-syncing) Crane shots – Mainly used if the video involves the

performance on stage, the camera captures different angles by hovering around the stage.

Pan/Tilts – To pan around the location to set the scene, can also be used to move between performers.

SoundNon-diegetic – This is the soundtrack in the

background that the characters wont hear when filming

Sound parallel – When the mood relates to the music. For example if the song is slow, then there would be less cuts and less action

Diegetic sound – Where the sound from the surroundings are included in the music video to make it feel more realistic

Lighting The lighting can affect the whole mood of a music video and can help the audience recognise the genre of the music video. E.g. if the lights are bright and colourful then the music genre is more likely to be pop.As well as natural light, artificial light can also be used such as strobe lights and coloured lights. As seen in pop and dance music

Editing Jump cuts – Fast cuts between scenesSplit screen – allowing the audience to see 2

different aspects of the video happening at onceMontage – lots of different short clips; capturing

a storySlide transitions – only using dissolve, fade and

flash to change scenesText overlay – used for titlesSlow/fast motion – slowing or speeding the

footage for appropriate scenes can be effective in setting the right mood.

Mise-En-Scene Costume – costumes are important in a music

video as they help portray the genre of music. For example in rock music they would be wearing black leather.

Props – props are used to further show the genre of music

Location – lots of different locations are best to use as it means the audience will not get bored as it will keep them entertain.