Music videos typically use fragmented editing with the artist in different locations and outfits over time. Shots are usually longer than film trailers to tell a story rather than build intensity. Cameras focus on mid shots and close ups of the artist for lip syncing and wider shots showcase impressive scenery. Camera movement is smooth, panning or tracking with the artist. Lighting depends on the genre but is used to draw focus and set mood, with pop being brighter and electronic dance more colorful. Mise en scene also establishes mood through themes like lone artists for sad love songs or crowds for upbeat electronic dance songs.

1. Conventions of a Music Video
By Maddison Ely

2. Editing
o The editing in music videos are usually quite fragmented. 3 or 4 settings are used where the
artist will be in various locations and wearing different things. They may also be taking place in
different times within the narrative (parallel editing).
o The editing however usually remains fairly slow to medium paced. This way it let the camera tell
a story rather than building intensity.

3. Camera Shots
o The camera shots are usually longer than other short films like Film trailers as they are trying to
help tell a story, rather than build suspense and intensity.
o There are a lot of mid shots and close ups, especially if there is lip syncing involved. So that they
audience can see the emotion in the artists expression.
o Very wide shots are used to focus on location. They are especially used in videos with
impressive scenery where the artist wants to show off their lavish environment.
o The movement of the camera is smooth and focuses on the artist.
o The camera will pan with the artist as they move around in the shot, or a track will be used if the
same angle needs to be maintained.

4. Mis en scene
o The lighting is very dependant on the genre of the song. Most pop music videos
have brighter natural lighting, whereas electronic dance music is usually more
colourful and artificial.
o Lighting is also used to draw focus onto the artist, and set a mood for the video. This
can help show the emotions that correspond with the song.
o The mise en scene also sets the mood for what type of song is playing. Sad love
songs usually feature the artist and one or two other people to represent the
heartache talked about in the song. The colours are darker and the shots are less
colourful and more empty. Electronic dace songs are more colourful with lots of
people in them. They show lots of people having fun and living an exciting life. This
helps to show the upbeat mood of the song.