General convention of Pop

1. General Conventions
By Katie Dring

2. The Conventions of a Music Video
WHAT ARE CODES AND CONVENTIONS?
Codes and Conventions are the different techniques used to construct meaning within a video.
There are two techniques used, symbolic and technical.
TECHNICAL
This is how the meaning is conveyed using technical equipment, for example, the way the camera angles are
used. Diegetic and non diegetic sound, different shot types, camera movements, the genre and the pace and
style of editing.
SYMBOLIC TECHNIQUES
Symbolic techniques are ways of showing meanings beyond what is usually seen, for example, facial
expression and tone of voice.
REASONS FOR CODES AND CONVENTIONS
•
The audience can become familiar with a particular genre, they can recognise the different convention within
a specific genre.
•
It provides the audience with a structure that they can understand.
•
To ensure the lyrics of the song fit in with the video, of how we'd expect it to be.
The conventions of a music video vary depending on genre, however the general conventions if all genres include:
•
The style
•
The camera (movements and shots)
•
The editing techniques
•
Sound (diegetic and non-diegetic)
•
Mise en scene (props, lighting, costume-hair and make-up, location/setting, and colours.
•
Stereotypes

3. Pop Conventions
POP music (popular) is meant to attract both sex’s and all genders because of the style to be
POPULAR.
Editing:
•Pop music video’s normally use jump cuts to switch
between performance and narrative shots.
•They normally edited to the beat of the song which is
normally faced paced.
•You see little transitions being used in pop music videos
however it isn’t forbidden.
•That normally have fast cuts to keep video upbeat and
exciting, also to the sudden change in scene.
Camera:
•They use a variety of shot types however close up are more
commonly seen in Pop video due to mise en scene.
E.g., Make up and clothing.
•You see a lot of product placement in pop music video
however not always.
•Composition and framing is thought about a lot.
•Mise en Scene:
•Heavy make up is normally used
•Bright coloured clothing, make up and
settings
•Lighting is more carefully thought about
in pop music videos (artificial lighting)
•The artists normally wear modern, stylish
clothing. Women commonly wear
revealing clothing.
•Pop music are usually set in very
expensive and slick places, and this is
because it associates with the genre
type, as Pop music videos represent good
things and lives people would like to live.
•The music videos normally have a fun or
light-hearted feel/mood.
I have found out that most music video are based on image and the personality of the artists. The POP artist
are seen as a product so they have to sell their image to the public, therefore they have to be original and
creative. Colour and the performance are the two main convention of the pop genre.

4. Performance
Performance: this is when a music video consists mainly of the artist
performing /dancing in the video. A good example of an artist that
does this would be Beyoncé. Here are some examples of Beyoncé s
music videos that contain performance shots:
• Beyoncé - Love On Top,
• Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams,
• Beyoncé-Ego
• Beyoncé Countdown
The videos above show the artist continuously performing, and
dancing, there is no narrative or any other scenes in the video
which is normal for a performance based music video. This style
type of music videos isn’t very common as it very self indulgent.

5. Narrative
•Often narrative videos tell a story either that features in the lyrics or is suggested in
the lyrics For example Pink- stupid girls
•The narrative within a music video can be like a Mini film, with a beginning, middle
and end. For example Michael Jackson "Thriller”
•It can promote a film with clips from the film included telling a story. For example “ A
thousand years” by Christina Perri
Nowadays narrative isn’t are common as it used to be in pop music video due to artist wanting to
attract the audience by performing in a unique way. However some artist such as pink and
Avril Lavigne still use narrative/themes to help express the lyrics of their songs to the
audience.
The typical narratives that are used in the pop genre nowadays are parties and relationship
problems.
An example of a recent Pop music video that has used narrative in their music video would be “I
Knew You Where Trouble” by Taylor swift. This music video is purely based on a narrative
however it is very self indulged at the start.

6. Rock Conventions
Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll. The genre has
developed into a range of different styles over the years.
Editing:
•The editing normally matches the beat of the song
• fading is normally used when the music is at a slower
tempo.
• Speed of editing matches the narrative of the video
•Cinematic effects and filters are often used to make the
music video feel like a mini movie.
Camera
•Low angled shots are normally used to make the artist look
powerful and big.
•There are constant close ups of the members of banded or
the artist and their instruments
•Extreme close up to show artists emotions and facial
expressions
Many establishing and long shots are used in performance
based shots.
Mise en Scene:
• Artist or band member normally wear dark
coloured clothing and accessories
( leather)
•Most rock bands usually have outdoor
locations. Therefore they use natural lighting
however the indoor locations normally use
artificial lighting to enhance the songs
“mood”.
•Normally female artist wear dark make up
and have messy /short hair.
•The artist normally wears modern, but
unusual clothing. Female artist normal wear
slightly more revealing clothing.
•Rock music locations are usually set in an
abandoned/unusual setting.
•Normally every rock music video used
instruments as props. E.g. guitar
I have found out that most rock music video are more performance based than narrative. I also found out that most
music video are based on the image and the personality of the artists/band . Rock artists normally make unusual and
entertaining music video due to the fact that they used unusual and deserted locations. The two main convention of
the rock music genre are: dark clothing/ makeup and performance based shots.(long shots)

7. What I have learnt
• This task has helped me realise how many conventions and technique go
into making a music video. Therefore this task has benefited me hugely as
I will now incorporate what I have learnt into the music video that I will be
making it in the near future. Hopefully this will benefit me and the quality
of my finished product.
• This research will also give me ideas on what features to include within my
music video and ancillary texts. Conforming to these conventions will help
me to improve the realism of my work.