Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Research: Conventions of Contemporary Music Video

I have chosen to do a music video for my project, therefor I now need to research in depth connotations of a music video and the history behind them, to make my video appear to follow and challenge typical music video ideas.

There are 3 types of music videos:
  • Performance based - live band performances
  • Narrative based - where a storyline is evident
  • Abstract/ Artistic - creative and artistic
Codes and Conventions
They vary on the genre of the music, but generally the conventions are:
  • There is the artist performing the song, this can be interpreted into the narrative or a previous performance
  • The song lyrics influence what is shown in the video, this should therefor make sense to the viewer
  • The pace of the music fits to the pace of the editing
  • The codes of dress should reflect to the mood and tone of the song
Technical Codes of a Music Video
  • Camera Shots - should cut between LS, CU and ECU primarily the main generic convention for a music video is the CU of the singer's face also the ECU should be used on the lips for lip syncing
  • Camera Movement - pans, tracking and overhead crane shots are used to follow running, walking or dancing of performers, also the used of vertical tilts.
  • Editing - jump cutting is the desired effect to feel as though you are 'jumping' from location to person to instrument, the beat/rhythm of the music determines the editing movements, the fast pace creates the need for viewing repeatedly
  • Digital Effect - in particular split screens which are seamlessly used along with colourisation and slow motion
  • Lighting - expressive lighting is a key feature it's used to create a bleaching effect on the artists faces making them appear ageless. The use of switching from colour to black and white or sepia is used to indicate a shift e.g. from chorus to verse. Lighting effects such as strobes and flashing this is used particularly in dance videos to enhance the atmoshpere.
  • Mise en scene - this the overall look at the artistic concept in the video, there should be a theme and there is a need for authenticity in the performance


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