This document discusses how meaning is constructed in media texts through technical and symbolic elements. It describes how music videos can be categorized by style, such as performance, narrative, or mixture videos. The document also outlines common technical elements of music videos, including shots, editing techniques, sound, and mise-en-scene choices that help construct meaning.

2.  A way of constructing meaning in media texts.
 Can be divided into two separate categories: Technical and symbolic.
 Technical:
-How equipment and technology are used to construct media meaning.
-Camera – different angles, shots.
-Editing – pace, style.
-Sound – diegetic/non-diegetic, genre.
 Symbolic:
-Meaning created beyond what is obvious to see.
-For example, specific facial expressions.
-Mise-en-scene.

3.  Music Video’s can be categorized in terms of style, these are:
 Performance - Band / artist playing.
 Narrative – Includes a story.
 Mixture – Both performance and narrative based.
 Cameo – Band / artist features in the narrative but doesn’t perform.
 Animation – Digitally (flash) / Stop-frame.

4.  Variety of shots depending on the style.
 A lot of CU’s (especially in performance music videos)
– Perhaps even ECU of lips, guitar strings being strummed etc.
 Crane shots – hovering over stage.
 Low-angles.
 LS and ELS.
 Pans / tilts – move from different performers.
 Tracking.

5.  There are many different editing techniques used in music videos.
 Music videos usually feature jump cutting.
 Footage is usually edited to match the music.
 Split-screens / CGI
 Choosing to include diegetic sound.
 Change in levels of sound.

6.  The mise-en-scene can vary greatly depending on the genre of
music and the type of music video.
 Props – performance equipment, band merchandise.
 Costume – certain outfits.
 Location – concert halls, venues, streets…
 Facial expressions.