Conventions of Music Videos

The main conventions of music videos include the camera shots used, camera movement, the mise-en-scene, editing, lighting, sound, props, costume and colour. I will make sure to apply these conventions carefully to my music video.

Camera Shots

Music videos often include many close up shots, long shots and mid shots. These are used to create emphasis on the artist and their emotions and the location.

Camera Movement

The movement of the camera is used to follow and trace the artist or band. Camera movements includes tilts, pans, tracking, and crane shots.

Mise-En-Scene

This refers to the positioning of performers and props on stage or in a scene for a production for a music video or any other media text. Mise-en-scene puts importance on the representation of something.

Editing

Jump cuts are the most used form of cuts used in music videos. This is because this cut allows a sudden change from scene to the next. Similarly, transitions such as fade and dissolve are very common in music videos as they create a different effect to cuts.

Lighting

Some music videos are black and white which helps to create a certain dark atmosphere. Also, some artificial lighting which puts the artist/s in an enhanced sight.

Sound

Sound is mainly the vocals or the song, but in some cases such as Michael Jackson - Thriller, is set as a short narrative.

Props

These are a vital aid to add to the scene and create significant on particular objects or people.

Costume

This goes with the scenes in the song and reflects the genre. Costume is an important factor because it has a slight influence on how the viewers will dress as they use the artist/s as a role model.

Colour

Colours tend to set the mood of the song through creating an atmosphere.