2. Pace of Editing
The pace of editing varies greatly between music videos, from slow to
fast and everything in between.
The pace of music video often depends on range of features, including
the genre and whether the video is performance based or narratve.
For example, performance based music video’s often require faster
based editing in order to make them exciting and keep the audiences
attention when there is no story line to concentrate on.
In terms of genre, pop music videos often have very fast paced
editing, mostly because the tone of the song is usually lively and fun so
the video needs to match this. Contrastingly, indie music often has a
more reflective tone so regularly has slower paced editing to match
this.
3. Here is an example of a performance based
music video the relies on fast paced editing to
help make it more exciting:
American Idiot by Green Day
The editing in this music video is very fast, with shots often lasting for
less than a second. This helps the video to be engaging – a feat which id
often difficult with performance based music videos, especially when
they are entirely performance based, such as this one.
4. Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene used in video’s contributes hugely to the overall
effect of each individual one. This includes the settings & props, hair
makeup & costumes, body language, lighting and colours, and
positioning of objects. The mise-en-scene is essential for the viewer to
identify the genre of the piece, and each genre generally inckudes
specific types of mise en scene
5. Example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA&nofeather=True
‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus
The above song is a country pop songs, and it generally conforms to the
expected conventions of this genre.
The people are dressed in cowboy boots and checked shirts feature
commonly, the lighting is bright, warm and sunny, old saloon cars are dotted
around the scenes and the location is a hot, sandy town – all of which would
be expected from a country music video.
Furthermore, the element of pop is also adhered to when dance scenes
against a bright flashing sign appear towards the end. Everyone seems happy
and the editing is fast paced.
6. Camera Shots
A huge variety of camera shots are used in music
videos, and each one can have an important
effect. Here are some examples of how a variety
of shots are use in music videos.
7. Extreme Wide Shot
Generally used to establish the main setting of
the video – commonly appears at the
beginning, perhaps even the first shot to be
seen.
Wide Shot
Artist is in the shot but the location is still
the main focus. This help to connect the
artist to the location they are in, and can
give an explanation as to why they are
there.
Mid Shot
This generally focuses on the subject
from head to waist, and has equal focus
on their actions and the surroundings.
8. Medium Close Up
This is usually from the subjects chest to
head and allows the audience to start
seeing their facial expressions so they can
gain a greater understanding of how they
feel.
Close Up
This puts a strong focus on the subject and makes
the audience take in there facial expressions. This
can help the audience to identify with how the
performer is feeling.
Extreme Close Up
So focused that only part of the face can
be seen. No background can be seen
which means the entire focus is on facial
expressions.
9. Conforming to conventions Vs
Challenging Conventions
Conforming to the expected conventions of music music's can be very
important as it helps to set the intended tone, portray the right
messages, makes sure the lyrics of the song fit with the video, provides
a structure that the audience can understand, and helps the audience
to identify genres.
However, sometimes the producers of music videos decide challenge
these forms and conventions – a risky technique that can be very
effective. This provides the audience with the unexpected, which can
be exciting and interesting, but could also lead to confusion.
