RESEARCH – CODES AND

CONVENTIONS OF A

MUSIC VIDEO

Editing

• Often use of parallel editing between singer and the

narrative

• Music often matches to shots (lip syncing)

• Green Screen/CGI as can be seen in Ed Sheeran’s ‘Sing’

• Some transitions not so hard (fade to’s) usually used in a

change of time

Cutaways • Brief shot that interrupts continuous action, usually cut backing to the original shot

• Match cut/Graphic match – a cut between two different objects so that they graphically match

• Cross cutting/ Parallel editing – where two different locations/narratives are cut between to suggest parallel action, usually used to build suspense

• Linear narrative storytelling in a chronological order

• Flash backs – editing techniques to show an event occurring in the past

• Continuity editing – editing technique that does not disrupt the continuity of a narrative, creating a sense of reality and moving forward in time

• Eye line match – edit which cuts from character to what they have been looking at

• Juxtaposition – placing two objects/images either side to create an effect

Sound

• Music will be presented, even underlying in interview

• Usually non-diagetic (however dietetic during interviews

and if the shots in recording booth)

• Change in levels – either to emphasize emotions, or

reduced dynamics to interview is louder

• Usually themes of love

• Parallel sound – matches theme of video i.e. happier

narrative will have music in major key

Styles of music video

• Performance – Features artist(s) playing music (Bruno mars –when I was your man)

• Narrative – Features a story

• Performance and Narrative – Mixture of story alongside artist(s) performing. (OneRepublic – Counting stars)

• Animation – Digital or Stop-motion (Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood)

• Cameo – Artist(s) involved in narrative but not performing (OK Go – This Too Shall Pass)

Mise en Scene

• Includes the use of hi and low key lighting with some

using chiaroscuro (Ed Sheeran – One)

• Tends to show only shots of the artist singing

Camera

• Uses high and low angles to show emotional vulnerability parallel to lyrics in the song

• Uses close ups predominantly to create a relationship with the audience

• Uses mid shots to convey a sense of humanity and normality of the artist

• Camera usually moves showing the fluidity of the song, also referencing the flow of emotions evoked by the artist