Codes & Conventions of a Music Video

Camera Shots

There are a lot of close up shots in a music video. This is often to accentuate the emotions of the song by showing the performer's face close up. High angle shots are also used frequently, especially in crane shots where the whole stage, where the band are performing, can be seen. Pans and tilts are often used, notably to move from one member of the band to another. When there is a solo for example, the camera may move from the drummer to the lead guitarist so we can see the finger work of the solo. Low angle shots are also used quite often to make the band members look powerful and dominant.

Editing

Jump cuts are often used in music videos, as is quick cutting from a different angle or narrative. A split screen is another device that can be used in a music video and it allows the audience to watch two different types of narrative. It also helps keep their interest as there is more than one event occuring within the video. Editing can also be synchronised with the beat of the song to keep the pace of the video similar with that of the track. Editing can also be slower in music videos, with gentle transition to create mood. This gives a broad audience appeal and is mainly incorporated by female artists, such as Dido.

Music Video Styles

When bands choose to make a music video for their single or another track, they have a wide range of categories to choose to fit their video into. There is a narrative, which tells a story and does not include a performance from the band in the video. Or there is a mixture of the two, which intercuts a performance from the band and a narrative (this is probably what we will choose to recreate in our music video). There is also a cameo. This is where the band appear in the video, yet do not perform. For example, Arctic Monkeys' drummer Matt Helders appears, yet does not perform in the video to their single 'When the Sun Goes Down' (2006).

Star Image

"A star is an image created from a range of materials." Richard Dyer, 1979

It is the idea that each video reinforces the star's image, and is a vehicle to showcase their talents. A star is created by a record label and the lyrical content of the songs, the artwork, media coverage of the artist, interviews and the image of the star that they present are all the materials they use to propel a struggling artist to stardom.

Voyeurism

An idea from Freud which refers to the idea of looking to attain sexual pleasure. The male gaze is the idea that female performers are objectified through body shots and camerawork. Dancers are often used in male performance videos as well, who all seemingly look up to the male star. The idea has had many complexities added to it. For example, Madonna, through her music videos manages to keep the idea of the male gaze by dressing provocatively, yet still manages to seem in control and empowering.

Intertextuality

In music promos, it is the reference to another text to create recognition within the audience. For example, cinema is often referenced within music videos.

Narrative & Performance

The narrative of a music video can be compared to that of a poem. It is fragmented and rarely distinguishable. This is to make the viewer want to watch the video again, if not to gain an understanding of the narrative, then to see parts that they missed with a first viewing.

Videos also allow more contact with the performer than a live performance ever could, through the use of close ups and facial gestures, also the actual performance with the musical instrument is clearly with a music video and the capability of having a close up of the performers moves.

The location for a music video is also important and most of the time they link in with the lyrics of the song. If not then usually they conform at least to the theme of the track. There are often three or more different locations throughout the video. The costumes must also be realistic to the narrative of the music video, and the performer's clothes must also be suitable to their age and the genre of music they work within. For example, the clothes of a Indie Rock band's frontman would be a lot different to the clothes Justin Bieber would where in a video.