Conventions Of A Music Video

All music videos vary, and none are the same, but most follow a certain number of conventions, this is what makes a music video.

Camera
In music promos there are many different shot types. Close-Ups are regularly used. They are used to show the artist singing or playing instrument, this is to 'show off' how good they are. Establishing Shots are used to show the setting of the music video, and often to show the whole band in one shot. Low Angled Shots are used to shot to make the band look famous, and inferior to others. Its to show there importance and status. If others are in the video there are usually reaction shots of what they think of the musicians. I also found that the camera in Never Still, and is always moving in some way. This is so the video is enticing and then keeps the audience intrigued. It also makes the promo look more interesting.

Editing
In music promos, i have found that there are always loads of Fast Cuts. This is because there are usually lots of things to put into a music video, and fast cuts look interesting. The cuts are also With The Beat which is effective cause if emphasises the beat of the song and compliments it. These cuts are also more than likely Straight cuts. Yet lots of people use Fades. This is simple but effective, and works really well with music promos. Visual effect can be involved to compliment the mood of the song. This can also allow people to be Creative with the effects, shots and editing techniques.

Mise-en-scene
This can vary with the genre of the music and is very Dependant on the mood of the song. Locations are key to a music video, but again they link strongly on what the genre and song is all about. Props are always used in music videos. For a band set up, obviously there props will be there instruments. All together the Mis-en-scene should Reflect the atmosphere of the song.

Technical Conventions
There are many Technical Conventions that can be used. Lighting is key is a music video. The lighting will compliment the song and the mood that is portrayed in the song. Lighting can be used in many different ways, and can create different elements. Close ups of the main members with in the group (obviously if they are a solo artist) as that is what the people want to see. Colour is also increasingly important. This can also change the whole feel of the song if the wrong colour is used.

Narrative
The narrative is dependant on the song, and it can be anything you want. There are three main conventional ways you can do Narrative.

• The narrative could Illustrate the lyrics, and have the narrative going along with what the lyrics are.
• You could pick one specific lyric and Amplify this throughout the song
• You could contradict the lyrics - Disjuncture, and do what ever feels best

Intertextuality
Lots of music videos include Intertextuality. This is because it Includes the audience and makes them feel Included. Saying this, not all intertextual are Understood. The term used for constructing something that has already been done is 'Post Modern'.