SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Codes and conventions of
'alternative indie' music videos
By Molly McGee 12C
Costume, hair and makeup
• The clothing worn is often connected to the narrative, making it easier for the audience to
understand the implications of the song/the plot of the video. This is usually achieved using
fashionable pieces for the era of the video, presenting the artists as aspirational figures.
• The colours worn within this genre vary, as they are chosen respectively to help reinforce the
meaning behind each song and set the mood. However, the ones chosen are usually block colours,
meaning they would be achievable for the audience to recreate.
• Makeup is minimal in order to concentrate attention on narrative, but again enough to be
achievable for the audience
^ As the World Caves In, 2017 –
the protagonists can be seen wearing
black, connoting a sense of loss or
mourning
↓ Sign of The Times, 2017 – Harry
wearing smart clothes connects to the
lyrics 'hope you're wearing your best
clothes' creating a cohesive narrative
^ Love, 2017 – Lana wearing
minamilistic makeup, like a simple
cateye which can be seen here, which
can be easily replicated
Use of props
• Props are used to clarify the narrative that the video is aiming to convey to the audience
• Props are also useful to ensure audience engagement, sometimes providing a glimpse into what can
be expected from the artist in their other work
^ As the World Caves In, 2017 – the use of
a microphone as a prop addresses the
viewers personally
^ Everything Has Changed, 2013 –
the boy can be seen reading The
Notebook, which reinforces the
romantic narrative
Representation
• In indie-alternative videos, I noticed that the artist of the song always has a cameo, which creates a
strong brand image and an even stronger fan-artist relationship as a result
• There is always representation of different social groups, and ones that I was able to observe were
race, gender and age, showing how a wide audience may be able to relate to these songs
^ Everything Has Changed, 2013 – both
Taylor and Ed, who is featured on the track,
feature as the parents of the protagonists.
^ Cigarette Daydreams, 2014 - the
whole of the band Cage the Elephant
feature in certain clips throughout the
video
Shot type and camera movements
• The videos often open with long shots or a horizontal pan to establish the setting for the audience
• Smooth, tracking shots are used to follow the artist and make the narrative feel more coherent and
easier to understand. This also helps with removing the feeling of stagnation, and so maximises
audience engagement
• (Extreme) close ups are used to highlight small details that may have otherwise been missed, to add
depth and interest to the narrative
• Over the shoulder shots are sometimes employed to make the audience feel as though they are part
of the story and keep the narrative visually interesting
• A variety of low angle/eye level/high angle shots were employed subject to the narrative and
whether the person was portraying the protagonist or antagonist
• The use of deep focus allowed the attention to mainly be kept on the main actor to ensure the
narrative flowed and didn't become misdirected
Lighting
• Backlighting is used in some videos to add dimension into the video, however it also helps with
guiding the audience's attention to the main subject, as well as removing the status of the actors so
the viewers feel more equal and represented by those they are seeing on screen
• Natural lighting is used atleast once in most of the videos, and it helps to create a more easy and
relaxed watch, making the music video feel less cinematic and intense for the viewers
• A variety of high and low-key lighting is used across the videos within this genre, and the choice is
entirely dependent on the mood that the song or video is trying to convey. For example, in As the
World Caves In, low lighting is used to create a sombre mood, whereas in Sincerity is Scary, high
key lighting is used because the song is more upbeat
^ Everything Has Changed, 2013 -
an example of how backlighting is
used to focus on main characters
^ Sincerity is Scary, 2018 -
combination of natural light and
white room create high-key lighting
effect
^ As the World Caves In, 2017 –
low candlelight creates
melancholia
Editing and sound
• Diegetic sound is used to make the narrative feel more realistic to the audience
• Transitions between scenes are sometimes carried out using items that are present in the video
already, to keep the video flowing more naturally and keep the viewers interested
• Mostly the scenes of these music videos match the lyrics of their respective songs, making it easier
for the audience to understand and visualise the meaning
• These videos generally feature either a green screen animated segment, or employ the use of a film
camera to give the video a more vintage feel – here we can see two varying approaches in how the
artists' target demographics are catered for
• The pace of the editing matches the beat of the music, especially when there is a montage of clips
• Most of these videos feature atleast one clip using slow motion
Other codes and conventions
• Location – the videos are usually set in a small number of places so as not to lose the storyline, and
these places are often ones that the viewers will somehow be able to resonate with. Small details in
these environments are often focused on, for example yellowing grass in Sign of the Times, to
reinforce the narrative
• Credits – the end of the videos tend to cut or fade to a black screen, which features a copyright
logo and the name of the record label. Some videos feature the name of song and the band at the
beginning, like Cage the Elephant, or some feature it as part of the video, like The 1975
^ Cigarette Daydreams, 2014 - credits are
physically typed to appear onscreen in a
simple font
^ Sincerity is Scary, 2018 - band name is
credited as part of the setting, does not
detract from narrative

More Related Content

Similar to Codes and Conventions of 'Indie-Alternative' Music Videos.pptx

Media evaluation
Media evaluationMedia evaluation
Media evaluation
Becki Lloyd
 
Types and Conventions of Music Videos
Types and Conventions of Music Videos Types and Conventions of Music Videos
Types and Conventions of Music Videos
Miles Capp
 
Indie pop genre presentation
Indie pop genre presentation Indie pop genre presentation
Indie pop genre presentation GiellianeAlthea
 
Indie Pop Genre Presentation
Indie Pop Genre Presentation Indie Pop Genre Presentation
Indie Pop Genre Presentation GiellianeAlthea
 
Conventions of music videos
Conventions of music videos Conventions of music videos
Conventions of music videos nchivers
 
Evaluation question 1
Evaluation question 1Evaluation question 1
Evaluation question 108lanee
 
Conventions of music videos
Conventions of music videosConventions of music videos
Conventions of music videosdale17
 
Question 1 Evaluation
Question 1 EvaluationQuestion 1 Evaluation
Question 1 EvaluationRaylott
 
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro formaMv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
OliviaWaller2
 
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro formaMv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
OliviaWaller2
 
What is a music video? (types and conventions)
What is a music video? (types and conventions)What is a music video? (types and conventions)
What is a music video? (types and conventions)
hsaunders6969
 
Music video
Music video Music video
Music video
OliviaWaller2
 
Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)
Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)
Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)
CoombeMedia1
 
A2 Evaluation Question 1
A2 Evaluation Question 1A2 Evaluation Question 1
A2 Evaluation Question 1
MorganClarke1
 
G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1
G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1
G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1
aaa_melia
 
Codes and conventions of music videos1
Codes and conventions of music videos1Codes and conventions of music videos1
Codes and conventions of music videos105knotwelllau
 
Music video work
Music video workMusic video work
Music video work
OliviaCrossley
 
Presentation forms and conventions
Presentation forms and conventions Presentation forms and conventions
Presentation forms and conventions
Sophie-Blank123
 

Similar to Codes and Conventions of 'Indie-Alternative' Music Videos.pptx (20)

Media evaluation
Media evaluationMedia evaluation
Media evaluation
 
Task 1
Task 1Task 1
Task 1
 
Types and Conventions of Music Videos
Types and Conventions of Music Videos Types and Conventions of Music Videos
Types and Conventions of Music Videos
 
Indie pop genre presentation
Indie pop genre presentation Indie pop genre presentation
Indie pop genre presentation
 
Indie Pop Genre Presentation
Indie Pop Genre Presentation Indie Pop Genre Presentation
Indie Pop Genre Presentation
 
Conventions of music videos
Conventions of music videos Conventions of music videos
Conventions of music videos
 
Evaluation question 1
Evaluation question 1Evaluation question 1
Evaluation question 1
 
Conventions of music videos
Conventions of music videosConventions of music videos
Conventions of music videos
 
Question 1 Evaluation
Question 1 EvaluationQuestion 1 Evaluation
Question 1 Evaluation
 
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro formaMv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
 
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro formaMv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
Mv assignment 01 2019 pro forma
 
Media Evaluation
Media Evaluation Media Evaluation
Media Evaluation
 
What is a music video? (types and conventions)
What is a music video? (types and conventions)What is a music video? (types and conventions)
What is a music video? (types and conventions)
 
Music video
Music video Music video
Music video
 
Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)
Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)
Introduction to GCSE Media - pt2 (Year 11)
 
A2 Evaluation Question 1
A2 Evaluation Question 1A2 Evaluation Question 1
A2 Evaluation Question 1
 
G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1
G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1
G324 EVALUATION QUESTION 1
 
Codes and conventions of music videos1
Codes and conventions of music videos1Codes and conventions of music videos1
Codes and conventions of music videos1
 
Music video work
Music video workMusic video work
Music video work
 
Presentation forms and conventions
Presentation forms and conventions Presentation forms and conventions
Presentation forms and conventions
 

Recently uploaded

Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........
Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........
Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........
SocioCosmos
 
7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy
7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy
7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy
Digital Marketing Lab
 
SluggerPunk Angel Investor Final Proposal
SluggerPunk Angel Investor Final ProposalSluggerPunk Angel Investor Final Proposal
SluggerPunk Angel Investor Final Proposal
grogshiregames
 
Your Path to YouTube Stardom Starts Here
Your Path to YouTube Stardom Starts HereYour Path to YouTube Stardom Starts Here
Your Path to YouTube Stardom Starts Here
SocioCosmos
 
Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......
Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......
Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......
SocioCosmos
 
Multilingual SEO Services | Multilingual Keyword Research | Filose
Multilingual SEO Services |  Multilingual Keyword Research | FiloseMultilingual SEO Services |  Multilingual Keyword Research | Filose
Multilingual SEO Services | Multilingual Keyword Research | Filose
madisonsmith478075
 
Social Media Marketing Strategies .
Social Media Marketing Strategies                     .Social Media Marketing Strategies                     .
Social Media Marketing Strategies .
Virtual Real Design
 
Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..
Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..
Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..
SocioCosmos
 
Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...
Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...
Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...
AJHSSR Journal
 
Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...
Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins  Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins  Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...
Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...
SocioCosmos
 
The Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing Agency
The Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing AgencyThe Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing Agency
The Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing Agency
Digital Marketing Lab
 
HOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa Credito
HOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa CreditoHOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa Credito
HOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa Credito
ClarissaAlanoCredito
 
快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样
ryxqoswi
 
LORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAM
LORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAMLORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAM
LORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAM
lorraineandreiamcidl
 
EASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANE
EASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANEEASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANE
EASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANE
Febless Hernane
 
SluggerPunk Final Angel Investor Proposal
SluggerPunk Final Angel Investor ProposalSluggerPunk Final Angel Investor Proposal
SluggerPunk Final Angel Investor Proposal
grogshiregames
 
Surat Digital Marketing School - course curriculum
Surat Digital Marketing School - course curriculumSurat Digital Marketing School - course curriculum
Surat Digital Marketing School - course curriculum
digitalcourseshop4
 
Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...
Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...
Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...
AJHSSR Journal
 
Project Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docx
Project Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docxProject Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docx
Project Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docx
zeqirielmedina8
 

Recently uploaded (19)

Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........
Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........
Grow Your Reddit Community Fast.........
 
7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy
7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy
7 Tips on Social Media Marketing strategy
 
SluggerPunk Angel Investor Final Proposal
SluggerPunk Angel Investor Final ProposalSluggerPunk Angel Investor Final Proposal
SluggerPunk Angel Investor Final Proposal
 
Your Path to YouTube Stardom Starts Here
Your Path to YouTube Stardom Starts HereYour Path to YouTube Stardom Starts Here
Your Path to YouTube Stardom Starts Here
 
Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......
Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......
Your LinkedIn Success Starts Here.......
 
Multilingual SEO Services | Multilingual Keyword Research | Filose
Multilingual SEO Services |  Multilingual Keyword Research | FiloseMultilingual SEO Services |  Multilingual Keyword Research | Filose
Multilingual SEO Services | Multilingual Keyword Research | Filose
 
Social Media Marketing Strategies .
Social Media Marketing Strategies                     .Social Media Marketing Strategies                     .
Social Media Marketing Strategies .
 
Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..
Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..
Unlock TikTok Success with Sociocosmos..
 
Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...
Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...
Improving Workplace Safety Performance in Malaysian SMEs: The Role of Safety ...
 
Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...
Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins  Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins  Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...
Buy Pinterest Followers, Reactions & Repins Go Viral on Pinterest with Socio...
 
The Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing Agency
The Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing AgencyThe Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing Agency
The Evolution of SEO: Insights from a Leading Digital Marketing Agency
 
HOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa Credito
HOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa CreditoHOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa Credito
HOW TO USE FACEBOOK _ by Clarissa Credito
 
快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样
快速办理(BCR毕业证书)加州大学河滨分校毕业证文凭证书一模一样
 
LORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAM
LORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAMLORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAM
LORRAINE ANDREI_LEQUIGAN_HOW TO USE TELEGRAM
 
EASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANE
EASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANEEASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANE
EASY TUTORIAL OF HOW TO USE G-TEAMS BY: FEBLESS HERNANE
 
SluggerPunk Final Angel Investor Proposal
SluggerPunk Final Angel Investor ProposalSluggerPunk Final Angel Investor Proposal
SluggerPunk Final Angel Investor Proposal
 
Surat Digital Marketing School - course curriculum
Surat Digital Marketing School - course curriculumSurat Digital Marketing School - course curriculum
Surat Digital Marketing School - course curriculum
 
Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...
Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...
Exploring The Dimensions and Dynamics of Felt Obligation: A Bibliometric Anal...
 
Project Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docx
Project Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docxProject Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docx
Project Serenity — 33% Life-time Commissions.docx
 

Codes and Conventions of 'Indie-Alternative' Music Videos.pptx

  • 1. Codes and conventions of 'alternative indie' music videos By Molly McGee 12C
  • 2. Costume, hair and makeup • The clothing worn is often connected to the narrative, making it easier for the audience to understand the implications of the song/the plot of the video. This is usually achieved using fashionable pieces for the era of the video, presenting the artists as aspirational figures. • The colours worn within this genre vary, as they are chosen respectively to help reinforce the meaning behind each song and set the mood. However, the ones chosen are usually block colours, meaning they would be achievable for the audience to recreate. • Makeup is minimal in order to concentrate attention on narrative, but again enough to be achievable for the audience ^ As the World Caves In, 2017 – the protagonists can be seen wearing black, connoting a sense of loss or mourning ↓ Sign of The Times, 2017 – Harry wearing smart clothes connects to the lyrics 'hope you're wearing your best clothes' creating a cohesive narrative ^ Love, 2017 – Lana wearing minamilistic makeup, like a simple cateye which can be seen here, which can be easily replicated
  • 3. Use of props • Props are used to clarify the narrative that the video is aiming to convey to the audience • Props are also useful to ensure audience engagement, sometimes providing a glimpse into what can be expected from the artist in their other work ^ As the World Caves In, 2017 – the use of a microphone as a prop addresses the viewers personally ^ Everything Has Changed, 2013 – the boy can be seen reading The Notebook, which reinforces the romantic narrative
  • 4. Representation • In indie-alternative videos, I noticed that the artist of the song always has a cameo, which creates a strong brand image and an even stronger fan-artist relationship as a result • There is always representation of different social groups, and ones that I was able to observe were race, gender and age, showing how a wide audience may be able to relate to these songs ^ Everything Has Changed, 2013 – both Taylor and Ed, who is featured on the track, feature as the parents of the protagonists. ^ Cigarette Daydreams, 2014 - the whole of the band Cage the Elephant feature in certain clips throughout the video
  • 5. Shot type and camera movements • The videos often open with long shots or a horizontal pan to establish the setting for the audience • Smooth, tracking shots are used to follow the artist and make the narrative feel more coherent and easier to understand. This also helps with removing the feeling of stagnation, and so maximises audience engagement • (Extreme) close ups are used to highlight small details that may have otherwise been missed, to add depth and interest to the narrative • Over the shoulder shots are sometimes employed to make the audience feel as though they are part of the story and keep the narrative visually interesting • A variety of low angle/eye level/high angle shots were employed subject to the narrative and whether the person was portraying the protagonist or antagonist • The use of deep focus allowed the attention to mainly be kept on the main actor to ensure the narrative flowed and didn't become misdirected
  • 6. Lighting • Backlighting is used in some videos to add dimension into the video, however it also helps with guiding the audience's attention to the main subject, as well as removing the status of the actors so the viewers feel more equal and represented by those they are seeing on screen • Natural lighting is used atleast once in most of the videos, and it helps to create a more easy and relaxed watch, making the music video feel less cinematic and intense for the viewers • A variety of high and low-key lighting is used across the videos within this genre, and the choice is entirely dependent on the mood that the song or video is trying to convey. For example, in As the World Caves In, low lighting is used to create a sombre mood, whereas in Sincerity is Scary, high key lighting is used because the song is more upbeat ^ Everything Has Changed, 2013 - an example of how backlighting is used to focus on main characters ^ Sincerity is Scary, 2018 - combination of natural light and white room create high-key lighting effect ^ As the World Caves In, 2017 – low candlelight creates melancholia
  • 7. Editing and sound • Diegetic sound is used to make the narrative feel more realistic to the audience • Transitions between scenes are sometimes carried out using items that are present in the video already, to keep the video flowing more naturally and keep the viewers interested • Mostly the scenes of these music videos match the lyrics of their respective songs, making it easier for the audience to understand and visualise the meaning • These videos generally feature either a green screen animated segment, or employ the use of a film camera to give the video a more vintage feel – here we can see two varying approaches in how the artists' target demographics are catered for • The pace of the editing matches the beat of the music, especially when there is a montage of clips • Most of these videos feature atleast one clip using slow motion
  • 8. Other codes and conventions • Location – the videos are usually set in a small number of places so as not to lose the storyline, and these places are often ones that the viewers will somehow be able to resonate with. Small details in these environments are often focused on, for example yellowing grass in Sign of the Times, to reinforce the narrative • Credits – the end of the videos tend to cut or fade to a black screen, which features a copyright logo and the name of the record label. Some videos feature the name of song and the band at the beginning, like Cage the Elephant, or some feature it as part of the video, like The 1975 ^ Cigarette Daydreams, 2014 - credits are physically typed to appear onscreen in a simple font ^ Sincerity is Scary, 2018 - band name is credited as part of the setting, does not detract from narrative