music video codes and conventions

1. Musicvideocodesandconventions
Myla wright

2. What are codes
and
conventions
• Codes and conventions of music videos are the
different techniques that can be used to construct
meaning
• There are two techniques
1.Technical
2.Symbolic

3. Technical
techniques
How meaning is showed through the use of technical
equipment
• Camera angles
• Camera shots
• Diegetic or Non diegetic sound
• Pace of editing
• Genre

4. Symbolic
techniques
Showing meaning non directly from what you see
but what may be interpreted
• Facial expressions
• Gestures
• Poses
• Mise-en scene

5. Why do we
need codes and
conventions
• Allows the audience to become familiar with
genres through recognition of previously used
conventions in other music videos.Therefore the
audience can clearly see the similarities of videos
within the same genre.
• Links to lyrics of the song and shows how they fit
into a video along with audience expectations
• Gives a video and clear structure not only for the
audience but for the creators also

6. General music
video codes
and
conventions
• Style
• Camera
• Editing techniques
• Sound(diegetic/non digetic)
• Mise en scene – props, costume, lighting, hair and
makeup, colour schemes and location and setting
• Stereotyping

7. Style of music
videos

12. The camera
• Use of camera is a critical component when creating a
music video as
It helps create a different effects or moods through the
different angles and movements
Music videos usually include and wide variety of shots,
movements and angles helping to portray the use of
different techniques
Can make a video unique

13. Camera shots
• A variety of camera shots are featured in music
videos, reasons being ; allowing relation with
audience, expression, feelings.Also can show what
is happening more clearly.

20. Editing
techniques
• Includes
Cutting scenes down
Adding special effects
And track to the video

21. sound
• Two forms of diegetic sound
1. Non Diegetic sound = sound that can be edited
in.
2. Diegetic = sound which is already present in the
film.
Sound is an essential element in any music video.
Sound parallel sound = when the music matches the
mood of the video.
e.g. = sad song = sad video
Happy song = happy video

22. Mis en scene
• Focuses on lighting, props, costume, hair and makeup,
location and colour.All these elements depend on the
style and genre of the music video.They are used to
show representation of characters and the artists.
• Props = band merch and performance equipment
• Costume = outfits
• Hair and makeup = style of the artist
• Location = street, woods, studio, concert hall etc.
• Colour = specific to represent the artist and mood of
the song or go with a specific scheme.