Media Studies AS

1. CONVENTIONS OF
A MUSIC VIDEO
L A U R E N S W I F T

2. WHAT ARE CONVENTIONS?
• Codes and conventions of music videos are the different
techniques used to construct meaning in them.
• These techniques can be divided into two different sub-types;
technical and symbolic.

3. TECHNICAL TECHNIQUES
• How meaning is conveyed using technical equipment e.g. the
way camera angles are used, different types of shots, sound
(diegetic or non-diegetic), the pace and style of editing and
the genre.

4. SYMBOLIC TECHNIQUES
• Symbolic techniques are a way of showing meanings beyond
what you can see. For example through facial expressions,
gestures, poses and mise-en-scene.

5. WHY DO WE NEED CONVENTIONS?
• The audience can become familiar with a particular genre, and
this allows them to become familiar with different conventions
within a genre.
• It provides a structure that the audience can understand.
• To ensure the lyrics of the song fit in with the nature of the
video.

6. EXAMPLES OF CONVENTIONS
• Conventions of a music video can vary depending on the
genre of the song. However, generally, they include:
• The style
• The camera
• Editing techniques
• The sound (diegetic, non-diegetic)
• Mise-en-scene (props, lighting, costume, hair & makeup,
locations/setting, colour schemes)
• Notions of looking (stereotyping)

7. STYLES OF MUSIC VIDEOS

8. PERFORMANCE
• When the video consists mainly of the artist performing. A good example of this is
Ariana Grande’s ‘Focus’ video:

9. NARRATIVE
• A narrative music video follows a story line. There are two types of narrative; linear and
fragmented.
• Linear starts a story from the beginning and goes right through to the end, whilst a
fragmented narrative is one that doesn’t.
• An example of a linear narrative is a-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ video:

10. MIXTURE
• A combination of performance and narrative.
• An example of this is in Britney Spears’ official video for ‘Everytime’

11. CAMEO
• When a band or artist features in the narrative but does not perform.
• For example, Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time video:

12. TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS
• Very long shot – emphasis is very much on
the setting.
• Low angle shot – Where the subject is shown
from below, giving them the impression of
being dominant.

13. TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS
• Close up – This shows the artists face close to
the camera, has a very personal feel and
brings the artist closer to the audience.
• Medium close up – Shows the artist’s
shoulders, neck and head.

14. TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS
• Extreme close up – Shows the artists’ face
very close to the camera. Can have the effect
of showing the audience their thought or
feelings.
• Over the shoulder shot – often used in
narrative videos, usually when the artist is
acting and speaking to another person in the
video. Or also when the character is being
followed, or leading, the camera.

15. TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS
• Eye level – normal view point, audience meets
eye level with the artist.