Music video conventions

Music Video Conventions

Camera shots

• Music videos tend to use a variety of camera shots in order to emphasise key components e.g. close ups can be used to identify the lead characters and portray their emotion. It also allows a reflection of the lyrics having the camera focus on the character/characters singing and therefore a match between the sound of the music and the movement of the lips.

• Other Shots such as wide shots or even long shots can help establish the scene, the atmosphere and general mood. Mood is key throughout as songs are based on mood and feeling, a crucial component to a successful video.

Camera Movement and editing

• Camera movement and editing is also important when trying to create mood and feeling that fits in with the tone of the song. Exotic camera movements such as the pin wheel effect and whip pans may highlight excitement, happiness etc. however it is dependent on the editor and the camera work they wish to use to emphasise the key components of their video.

• Camera cuts are usually contingent with the beat of the song matching the pace. This allows a more effective video as it is more visually appealing.

Mise-En-Scene

• Mise en scene consists of a number of elements known as clamps: Costume, Lighting, Actors, Make up, Props and Set. All of these are considered when creating a music video, however it is genre specific e.g. A rock video may consist of a performance style using a set such as a stage, whereas a pop video may use a narrative style and therefore be set in a studio. The links below portray examples of this. The importance of Mise-En-Scene helps to portray hidden messages/metaphors that are specific to what the director is trying to get across e.g. Low key lighting may present a level of despondency whereas high key lighting may present excitement or happiness.

• Miley Cyrus-Pop video • David Crowder Band-Rock Video