Further look into the conventions of mise en scene and editing techniques used in the production of music videos.

1. Conventions of my
sub-genre:
Pop Acoustic

2. I have previously looked at the shot
types, lighting and length of shots in my
Textual Analysis blog post.
Therefore, I will explore the other
conventions of my genre: Editing and Mise
en Scene.
I will use screen shots from a variety of
music videos by Acoustic pop singers in my
genre such as: Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding,
James Blunt and Lorde.

3. MISE EN SCENE
COSTUMEThe male costumes are very casual and laid-back every day
wear. Plain t-shirts and basic clothing allow the audience
to empathise as they feel the singer is ‘normal’. Also,
through-out acoustic videos, the music is focused on the
lyrics and music instead of an exaggerated over-dramatic
image.
The female clothing
in Ed Sheeran’s
songs are very
basic, baggy,
ripped almost
giving the
implication the
female is poor,
This is further
reflected through
the lyrics.
Due to the bedroom scenes,
female lingerie appears in many
music videos. However usually to
express undying love instead of
a sexual appeal. The large
amount of bare skin on show
reflects the narrative actress
being stripped of their mask,
down to their true raw self.
The female in this video wears
a white dress, connoting
purity and an angel. Once
again, the simplicity of
costume is reflected.

4. MISE EN SCENE
MAKEUP
The makeup is normally
very basic and natural.
With clear, pale skin,
either a nude lip or
deep maroon, natural
eye brows and black
eyeliner.
Lorde has a very distinct
makeup- deep red lip, black
winged eyeliner and curly hair.
The hair is commonly long, naturally
messy ‘bed hair’ with loose waves.

5. MISE EN SCENE
SCENERY
Out-door shots of abandoned,
empty scenes is very common in
our genre. Whether that be the
environment, or simply a street
lit with lights. There is
usually meaning/emotion behind
them and they link with the
lyrics.
The indoor shots are
usually bedrooms or simple
rooms with white
backgrounds and light
colours. The low level
lighting changes the
atmosphere. It is common
for the performance
setting to be the same as
the narrative, however
different lighting,
atmosphere and a solo
singer.
Screen shots taken from James Blunt “Goodbye my Lover”

6. MISE EN SCENE
PROPS
Duvet/sleeping bag- implies
little belongings, homeless
Angel wings- connotes cupid
(lyrics in song), purity,
saviour, magic and power
Empty, un-made bed implies someone woke up
in a rush, never returned, had a bad nights
sleep, missing person
Old-fashioned camera
Electric razor
suggests he’s
creating a new
identity, shedding
past self/bad
memories
Boxing gloves
relate to fighting,
violence, need to
survive
Smoke machine/bombs

7. MISE EN SCENE
COLOUR
Ed Sheeran’s ‘A Team’
is completely
monochrome. All other
music videos I have
looked at are in
colour, however never
brightly coloured,
normally neutral shades
with lots of white.
Ellie Goulding’s Figure
8 begins black and
white and transitions
into colour during this
close up shot lasting 3
seconds.

8. EDITING
Focus Pull
Time lapse
Slow motion
Effect of misty
lighting reflection
Overlaying images

9. PERFORMANCE
0:00-0:19- Performance scene 1
0:19-0:24- Performance scene 2
0:24-0:41- Narrative
0:41-0:52- Performance scene 2
0:52-1:03- Narrative
1:03-1:10- Performance scene 2
1:10-1:18- Narrative
1:18-1:34- Performance scene 2
1:34-1:41- Narrative
1:41-1:58- Performance scene 2
1:58-2:06- Narrative
2:06-2:27- Performance scene 2
2:27-2:42- Narrative
2:42-2:52- Performance scene 2
2:52-2:58- Narrative
2:58-3:09- Performance scene 2
3:09-3:19- Narrative
3:13-3:31- Performance scene 2
3:31-3:46- Performance scene 1
Seconds:
19
5
17
11
11
7
8
6
7
17
8
21
15
10
6
11
10
16
15
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’

10. PERFORMANCE
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’

11. PERFORMANCE
The performance shots usually
last a longer duration on screen,
with fewer shots. This example
begins with an extreme close-up,
to a close-up then a long shot.
The camera gradually distances
itself from the singer before
switching to the narrative.
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’

12. NARRATIVE
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’

13. NARRATIVE
The narrative scenes have many
more shots, this example with 8.
I believe this is because the
shots must build a story and
meaning. The scene begins with
extreme close-ups of body parts,
giving mystery and tension. The
same image is taken from two
points of view- an artistic
approach, this later happens
again, the second image zoomed in
further.
Analysis of Ellie Goulding’s ‘Breaking Heart’