Conventions of a Music VideoBy Fearghal McGlinchey

What are the conventions of a music video?• The conventions of a music video vary depending

on genre of music. However, the general conventions include; The Style, The Camera, The Editing Techniques, The Sound (non diegetic and diegetic), Mise- en Scene – props, lighting, costume – hair and makeup, location/setting, colours, Notions of looking – stereotyping.

Narrative• A Narrative music video basically

follows a story line. The two types of narrative are linear and fragmented . A linear narrative begins with a story, setting the scene, then progressing though a middle and end. A fragmented narrative is one which does not follow this pattern.

• Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” has a clear narrative plot linking together with the lyrics.

Performance• Performance is when the music video consists mainly of the

artists performing in the video. Music videos that are solely dedicated to performance are not the most popular type, as the audience is less able to engage with the song or video. When costume and lighting are used creatively to enhance the performance, this can make it more interesting to watch.

• A good example of a performance based music videos is ‘Can We Dance’ by The Vamps. Not only does this music video have the artist, it also has fans contributing to the music video.

Cameo• A Cameo appearance is when an artist is featured in the

narrative of the music video for a short period.• An example of this type of music video is ‘Rihanna -

What’s My Name’ the video features Drake who is a cameo in this music video.

Mixture• Some music videos use a combination of narrative and performance. This

makes the video can be made more interesting and enjoyable to watch for example in The Foo Fighters’ video – ‘My Hero’ there are scenes where the band is performing and then there are some scenes which have the video as a narrative.

Camera angles• The position of the camera determines the angle of the shot. Camera angles play a huge part in

emphasising the artist or to show emotions and expressions. Other camera angles that are simply the most common in music videos , are close ups, showing the artist lip syncing, and extreme close ups were lyrics can be linked to visuals. The camera never stays on one shot for longer than 3-5 seconds.

• Eye-Level Shot -this is a very common view being the real world angle that we are all use to seeing, it shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life.

• High Angle - This is were the camera shows the subject from above, and the camera is angled down towards the subject, which has the effect of making them appear less powerful, less significant and or even submissive.

• Low Angle - This is were the subject is shown from below, giving the impression of being more powerful o r dominant.

• Bird’s Eye - this angle is showing the subject/ scene from directly above, and its is completely different and can be from an unnatural point of view which can be used to add a dramatic effect or showing a different partial perspective. It can also show the positions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things the character might not see

• Slanted -this is when the camera is slanted also known as a Dutch angle. the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle, this is creative in making interesting dramatic effects. Dutch tilts are also popular in MTV-style video production, where unusual angles and lots of camera movement play a big part.

Camera Shots• Very wide shot - This is were the artist is shown visible (barley) but the emphasis is still on

placing the artist in the location/setting.• Wide Shot - This is were the artist is shown taking up most of the shot but the

location/setting is still focused on. • Mid Shot - this shows the artist from his/her waist to head, and focuses mainly on the subject

but still giving an impression of the location/setting. • Medium Close up - this shot is halfway between a mid shot and a close up, showing the

artist from chest to head.• Close up - this shot shows the artists face or can show an object that the artist is holding, or

something were the camera focuses closely on.• Extreme Close up - this shows the artists face extremely close , for example eyes, or mouth

to identify something it can have the effect of showing the audience the artists thoughts and feelings or even showing a lip sync commonly used in music videos.

• Over the shoulder Shot - this is a good shot used , specifically in narrative based music videos usually when the artist is acting and speaking to another person you tend to see an over the shoulder shot to display the conversation , or to show something the character is looking at.

• Cut In- this shot can be used in music videos to show something that the lyrics might be saying for example I will shoot you with my gun ‘ and a gun comes in’ It shows the object in detail, similar to a n extreme close up, but used very quickly, or and object that relates to the subject or narrative.

Camera movements• The camera movements control the action. These movements include

panning and tracking. A director may decide to move the camera with the action, or the other choice is to move action along by telling the story as a series of cuts, going from one shot to another.

• Pan - This is were 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 object which is kept in the middle of the frame.

• Dolly/ Tracking - This is were the camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement.

Camera• The expert technical use of the camera is very important, as

different effects can be created with the use of different angles and movement.

• Very wide shot• Wide Shot• Mid Shot• Medium Close up• Close up• Extreme Close up

• Over the shoulder Shot• Cut In• Eye-Level Shot• High Angle• Low Angle• Bird’s Eye

• Slanted• Pans• Dolly Tracking

Camera Shots, Angles and Movements

Editing• Editing is the conclusion of the music video. Editing involves cutting

scenes down, adding special effects and adding the track to the music video.

• Editing consists of the following things:• Jump Cutting -CGI effects (the process used for generating animated

images by using computer graphics). An example of this is in the music video in “Sing” by Ed Sheeran.

Mise-en-scene• The Mis -en -scene for music videos focuses on the

lighting, props, costume, hair and makeup, location, and colour these elements usually depend on the genre of the music video and the style.

• These elements are used to represent certain characters in different ways.

• Lighting – how the scene is lit / artificial lights/ side lights • Props – performance equipment, band merchandise • Costume - certain outfits • Hair and makeup – style of the artist • Location – concert halls venues, streets etc • Colour - Specific colours representing a mood

Sound• 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, like footage can be edited to create different effects and variations.• Sound Parallel sound is when the music matches the mood of the video. An example

would be if the song was slow then the movements and action in the video would also be slow to go with the mood of the song.

• Some music videos have diegetic sound, where they include sound from the environment, such as birds, police sirens that make the video seem more realistic. However, the music itself is non-diegetic sound.

Others• Props - In many music videos , props are used to support the

narrative, and to link the lyrics and visuals. • The costume and hair are highly important as it displays the

way the artists want to present themselves. They can also illustrate the narrative, relating to what the song is about.

• 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. Locations for instance such as the beach, in a car, at a party are commonly used to appeal to young people. The location influence the genre, but also be chosen purposely to relate to the song. Some locations are always remembered as they are famous and instantly recognisable, such as the U2 video where they performed on top of a building in a busy New York city street.