This document discusses various elements that go into creating effective music videos, including narrative structure, choreography, iconic moves, pre-production elements like props and location, costumes, makeup, post-production editing and effects, lip syncing, sound design, camera shots, and common styles for different genres. Key elements that help viewers engage include narrative, visual interest, authenticity in lip syncing and sound, and stylistic choices that match the genre and lyrics.

1. By Tara Caple

2.  The narrative is a tale or story
told so that the elements are
structured and organised in such
a way that it makes sense to the
audience; most likely because
what you see coincides with the
lyrics. Cee-lo Green – Forget You
 It can be essential when trying to
make your music video
effective, as it keeps the viewer
interested as it can be more
visually pleasing and more
exciting to watch than a person
spotlight for three minutes. Katy Perry – Hot ‘n’ Cold

3.  This is mainly a
choreographed dance routine,
like many of Lady Gaga’s
extravagant music videos,
where she is usually backed
by twenty other dancers. Lady Gaga – Just Dance
 However iconic moves in
music videos can last forever,
like Michael Jackson’s
‘Thriller’ zombie moves and
Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ pristine
poses.
Madonna - Vogue

4.  This is an important feature in pre-
production, that sets the scene for the
genre of music and the performer.
 Props – This can enhance the viewing
experience by making the music video
seem more eccentric or small things that
are needed to complete a set to a
believable standard.
 Location – Sometimes green screens can
Lady Gaga - Telephone offer exciting backgrounds, however
some tend to be places people can
recognise and relate too (eg.
Beach, school, street etc.)
 Costumes – This can depend on the
genre, presumably gold chains for rap
and black clothes for rock. The outfit sets
the tone for the video and can reflect the
character or the lyrics.
 Make-up – This can be common in glam
Busted- What I Go To rock or extravagant pop stars. It makes
the music video more exotic and exciting
School For to watch, as the star looks so fascinating
and different.

5.  Post-production is editing and
special effects and this can take a
long time, especially if you film on a
green screen.
 Lip synching is essential in making
the music video look authentic and
not an amateur production.
 You can also put movement into Aerosmith – I Don’t Want
slow-motion, speed it up or play it
backwards; in order to get your To Miss A Thing
desired affect.
 Split screens are also effective to
show comparison, or opposing
forces.
 CGI effects can make the music video
look sophisticated as they use
modern technology.
Coldplay – The Scientist

6.  It is very essential, as it can
add extra effects to the
vocals and
instruments, through post
production.
 In some occasions the sound
can be faded or paused, for Black Eyed Peas –
I Gotta Feeling
an artistic effect.
 There can also be at either
the beginning or the end of
the video diegetic sounds;
like traffic or people
talking, which can help the
authenticity of the music
video if it is a narrative. Lily Allen - LDN

7.  (Extreme) Close ups – focusing on the artists mouth when
they are singing the lyrics. Or on their face, to reveal their
facial expressions which can depend on the genre as Rock
or Metal can be quite aggressive. There are also shot of
props, to give the audience a different view of the
performance than if they were at the gig.
 High angle shot – Shot from a high level, looking down,
sometimes a birds eye view angle.
 Low angle shot – From a low level, looking up at someone,
shows power and authority sometimes.
 Tracking shots – Following the artist around if they have a
big dance routine or in a flowing narrative.
 Tilts or Pans – Can be used to show the location by moving
left and right or up and down from a fixed point.
 Crane shots – Are most likely used in live performances, as
it can get above the artist and get different angles without
being in front of the artist.

8.  Tends to be black and white.
 A lot of shots of the artist/band throughout.
 Dark mysterious locations.
 Close-ups of lead singer and occasional other
group members playing instruments.
 Occasional use of special effects.
Kings of Leon – Sex on Fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF0HhrwIw
p0

9.  Vibrant and colourful.
 Close-ups of singers faces, to highlight facial
expressions.
 Aimed at teenage audiences, mainstream
followers.
 Upbeat, cheerful tunes.
Katy Perry – California Gurls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F57P9C4SA
W4

10.  Use of alcohol or reference.
 Exotic locations; clubs, bars, beaches and
parties.
 Expensive props; cars, designers
clothes, jewellery, sunglasses.
 Attractive women – minimal clothing;
bikinis, small dress etc.
Taio Cruz – Dirty Picture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgnXl7fz0B
c