Conventional features

There are many conventions used in music video producing.They usually consist of certain things.

1)To create intimacy with the audience, the band or the actors will be introduced throught a variety of closeups to make the audience feel more involved.

2)Fans that recognise the reference in the video, from another text will generally get a greater pleasure out of watching the video, because they understand the reference. They can also use these to relate to themselves for example some ideas on fashion and clothing.

3)Camerawork - Camera used circling’ of the band/artist is usually given to create a more energetic association with the audience.The angle, movements and shot distance would change depending on the music. Up beat tones are more likely to require more active camerawork.

4) The Lyrics – The lyrics play a huge part in the visuals of the song but there is rarely a full interpretation and sometimes the lyrics do not directly correlate with the music video, it may just be the tone or mood of the lyrics which is conveyed in the music video.

5)Editing - The editing helps to establish the mood. Also, In the process of filming the person responsible for the camera must film to edit. Most videos are different but some music videos would feature fast cut montages in the beginning as seen in a music video analysis that I did of a song by the arctic monkeys – when the sun goes down. However in rare occasions there is a use of random images. This then encourages repeated viewings in case the viewer missed anything the first time.

6)Music – Different instuments are used for different parts in most songs. Some specific sounds may be emphasised on the screen. A good example of this is if the video was fully performance based them there would be a great emphasis and close ups of drums. (Similar to what we did in our music video). The tempo of the song should match the video for example slow paced music should reflect slow paced editing.


7)Genre - Each genre carries its own codes and conventions, a viewer would expect to see. This would be reflected in the mise-en-scène, the camera work and editing style.