Codes and Conventions of music videos

2. • The codes and conventions of music videos are techniques which are used to construct meaning;
these techniques can be split into two categories:
TECHNICAL & SYMBOLIC
• TECHNICAL – How meaning is conveyed throughout the use of technical equipment, for example:
The way camera angles are used, a variety of shots, digetic and non digetic sound and the
pace/style of editing.
• SYMBOLIC – Showing meaning beyond what you can see, for example: Facial expressions, gestures,
poses and mise en scene.

3. • The codes and conventions of a music video vary depending on the genre of music, however, the
general conventions include:
• The style
• The camera
• The editing techniques
• The sound
• Mise en scene
• Representations ( stereotyping)

4. • The use of camera is an essential technical convention used in music videos to construct meaning.
The way in which it is used for example, angles & movement can help to create various effects.
• Music videos tend to include many long shots, close ups and mid shots; creating emphasis on
specifics, such as, the artist, the location and emotions.
• Close ups are often used to draw into an artist, to display their emotion but also singing.
• Narrative music videos may use many P.O.V shots and over the shoulder shots to provide a strong
narrative for the audience.
• In terms of camera movement, panning/tracking is the most predominately used types of camera
movement in music videos.

5. • When completing the editing process, there are many techniques which allow the video to feel
different and professional compared to when it was initially shot.
• Lots can be added to the footage to make it even better, such as, transitions, fades, speed changes
and layers. Also, lighting can be changed to make it look lighter or darker.
• Most commonly found in music videos, the editing technique of jump cutting is predominately
used. This is because it allows a sudden change from one scene to another.
• Often when editing, the video is edited and cut to the beat/rhythm of the song.

6. • Sound in music videos is split into two sub categories; Digetic sound & Non Digetic sound.
• Digetic sound is sound which is present within the video, whereas non digetic sound, is sound
which can be edited in.
• The main sound in music videos is that of the lyrics and the music itself, however, extra dialogue
can be added to create a longer feature music video, such as Michael Jacksons ‘Thriller’ music
video.
• Parallel sound is when the sound matches the mood of the video and fits in.
• Contrapuntal sound is when the sound contrasts and clashes with the mood of the video.

7. • The mise en scene of a music video differs greatly depending on the genre of music.
• The term ‘ Mise-En-Scene refers to the arrangement of performers and props on stage or in a scene
for a production of a music video or any other media text.
• Mise-En-Scene includes the following:
• Lighting – how the scene is lit
• Props – objects within the frame/shot
• Costume – what the artist is wearing
• Hair & Make up – the style/appearance of an artist
• Location – where the music video is filmed
• Colour – specific colours representing certain moods and atmospheres