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Codes and Conventions Of Music Videos

Camera Angles

Technical

Techniques

Why do we need

codes and

conventions?

Examples of codes and conventions

Different

Music Videos

Definition

The way the camera is used is extremely important in producing meaning within a music video. The way it is used, for example, angles and movements, can help to create different effects. The shots are what make the video unique, below are different shots and movements.

  • A very wide shot is used to show the audience where the artist is, but the emphasis is still on the artist in front of the setting or location.
  • Wide shots are usually focussing on the artist but the audience are still able to see the location of the video.
  • A mid shot shows the artist from their waist and head which focusses mainly on the subject but still gives the audience a feel for the location and setting.
  • A medium shot is halfway between a mid shot and close up and shows the audience the artists chest and head.
  • Closeups shows the artists face or an object within the frame in detail, this shot can give more away about the mies-en-scene as facial expressions, colour and makeup can contribute towards the video.
  • Extreme close up will be focussing on the artists face closely, for example, eyes, nose, lips, to identify something or to add meaning and effect to the video. It can also be to show that the video is lip synced.
  • Over the shoulder shot is a good shot to use in a narrative based music video as it gives the perspective of the artists view whilst still including them in it. It can also be used as a shot reverse shot if the artist is having a conversation with someone.
  • Cut ins are often used to match the lyrics within the music video. If something is said within a song, for example an object is described, the object may then come in to view.

It is very important to have codes and conventions within music videos as it allows the audience to be familiar with particular genres as sub consciously they will eventually recognise the different conventions within the genre. It provides a structure to the video that the audience will understand and the video relates and suits the lyrics in some sort of way.

Technical techniques is how the meaning is conveyed using technical equipment. This may include things such as how the camera is used including types of angles and movements, different sound within the shot, whether its diegetic or non diegetic, whether its fast or slow editing and the genre of the song. Symbolic techniques are they ways of showing meanings beyond what is obvious in front of you. It could be through the mist-en-scene including facial expressions, body language, posture, etc.

Codes and conventions are different things used within music videos to construct messages and meanings.These techniques can be divided into two types; technical and symbolic.

Codes and conventions within music videos vary depending on the genre of music. The most general codes and conventions within music videos include:

  • The style (performance, concept, narrative)
  • The camera
  • The editing techniques (transitions, fast, slow)
  • The sound effects (non diegetic, diegetic)
  • Mise-en-scene (props, lighting, costume, hair, makeup, locations, setting, colours)
  • Representations (stereotyping)

There are three different types of music videos, Performance, Narrative and Concept. I have analysed these video styles and the codes and conventions in 3 other blog posts.

Editing

Sound

Continued...

Mise-En-Scene

Camera Movements

Conclusion

There are two different types of sound within music videos, diegetic and non diegetic. Diegetic sound is sound that is already present within the video and non diegetic sound is sound which can be edited in. Sound can be edited to create different effect and variations to the vocals apparent by the artists. Sound parallel is when the sound matches the mood of the video. For example if a song used pathetic fallacy such as rain and darkness, as well as slow editing, then it is likely the theme and sound of the song will be sad.

When editing there are many different editing techniques which allow the video to feel different and professional compared to how it was when being shot. Things can be added in such as transitions such as fade to black, green screen can be edited, lighting, contrast and brightness can be changed, lights can be added as well as different effects such as shattering glass and fire. Editing can be cut fast or slow, fast editing creating a action and dramatic effect, and slow to create a more suspenseful and relaxed feeling. Often the video is cut to the beat within the song.

Different camera movements can be used to add effects to music videos. Examples of camera movements are:

  • Pans which is when the camera scans the scene horizontally. The camera is usually placed on a tripod, and the camera is turned to follow the object which is usually situated in the middle of the screen.
  • Dolly or tracking shots is where the camera is mounted on a cart which travels along a smooth track.

Overall, mise-en-scene, camera movements, angles and shots and sounds all contribute towards making the music video look professional. However, each different styles of music video, e.g performance, concept and narrative, as well as different genres, which all have different codes, conventions and representations.

Eye level shots are used to create a real life effect and as if we are seeing the artist in the real world.

  • A high angle can be used to show the subject from above and can have an effect of them being less powerful and less significant.
  • Low angles are shot from below the artist making them appear powerful or dominant.
  • A Birds eye view is a angle that shows the artist directly from above. It can add a dramatic effect and spatial perspective. It can also show the positions of subjects and motions differently, enabling the audience to see things within the shot that the artist cannot.
  • Slanted shots, also known as Dutch angles, is where the camera is tilted to the side purposely. It can be used to dramatise the shot and is creative.

The mise-en-scene for music videos differs depending on what the genre of music is. The components of the mise-en-scene are. It is used to convey the importance of people in music videos as well as the representation of certain characters.

  • Lighting - how the scene is lit
  • Props - objects and items within the frame
  • Costume - what the artist is wearing
  • Hair and Makeup - style of the artist
  • Location - where the music video is filmed
  • Colour - specific colours representing certain moods and atmosphere
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