Codes and conventions in media refer to the symbolic and technical elements that construct meaning. Symbolically, there are implied meanings that are not directly visible. Technically, elements include camera shots like close-ups, editing styles that cut between footage and music, and sound elements both diegetic and non-diegetic. Music videos can be categorized by style as performance, narrative, or animated videos. Camera shots in music videos commonly use close-ups of faces and objects relevant to the lyrics, while editing focuses on smoothly transitioning footage to the rhythm of the music. Mise-en-scene considerations include costumes, props, locations, and facial expressions that establish genre and narrative.

1. What are codes and
conventions?
By: Abbie Shaw

2. The definition:
• ‘The way of constructing meaning in media texts’.
• Two topics can be associated with this : Symbolic and Technical.
• The technical part of this consists of:
- Camera Shots – different angles and shots.
- Editing – Pace and Style.
- Sound – Diegetic sound, un-diegetic, genre.
• The Symbolic part consists of:
- Meaning that you cant see but it is obvious.
- Mise - en - scene.

3. Music video Styles.
• Music videos can be categorised by style –
• Performance – Band / Artist playing.
• Narrative – Has a narrative running through the song.
• Animated – Has an animated music video not consisting of the real band
members but computer generated ones.

4. Camera Shots -
• The music videos include a lot of close ups – for example of facial features,
the narrative images such as : If someone is singing about the time a zoom in
of the clock.
• A crane shot – Over the head on stage making it more interesting.
• Tracking – Following them walking etc.

5. Editing.
• Cutting – freely jumping.
• Footage and music cohesion.
• Change in levels of sound.

6. Mise – en – Scene.
• Costume – Certain types of outfits depending on the genre.
• Props – Performance equipment.
• Location – Gig location, narrative locations.
• Facial expressions.