10 Codes and Conventions used in Music Videos

This is a list of my top ten Conventions used in Music Videos

• Cross Promotion
• Locations
• Intertextuality 
• Mis en Scene
• Budget

10. Titles

Titles are used throughout the majority of music videos. The titles gives the audience information about song and gives a sense of realism. They are used in all music genres. It gives intertextuality and gives convincing production values for example "A Joe Blogs Film" creates a cinematic feel. - Nero (reaching out), Coldplay (Paradise), DJ Fresh (Earthquake).

9. Editing

Transitions are used in music videos which allows more scope and freedom to incorporate discontinuity in editing. The transition allow to change from one shot to another. Effects are usually used in music videos to make them quirky, used in the majority of rock, pop, rap and dance music videos however not in indie, opera or contemporary music. A main effect used is layering which adds a good effect to the video especially when lip syncing showing the singer from other angles at the same time. Kasabian (Shoot the Runner), White Stripes (Seven Nation Army), Eminem (Berzerk)

8. Camera Shots

The camera shots a vital part to create continuity and a sense of realism in the music video. For example the use of a hand camera shot to create a shaky shot adds a sense of realism as if its real life, also used a lot with a live performace. Music videos include shots using cranes or sliders to add a dynamic shot which gives it better quality feel and a cinematic styled shot. Blue (You Make Me)

7. The shot variation speeds up at chorus or upbeat part of the song.

This is a vital part to music videos as it adds the build up to the song giving the making parts stand out in the video making it less tedious to watch. There are more shot variations on the chorus etc to give a fast pace video when the music speeds up (Gorgon City - Real ft. Yasmin), Florence and the Machine (Rabbit heart)

6. Shot Variation

Music videos use a lot of shot variation to keep to video from being boring and tedious, and keeps the audiences attention. They use multiple locations keep it more entertaining. The more shot variations allow the viewing of the video to be seen through many ways. A counter typical example is Florence and the Machine (Rabbit Heart)

5. Mode of Address

This is when the singer looks directly into the camera to give a sense of realism that the musician are looking directly at you to show a connection between you and the band. Mattafix (Big City Life), Marina and the Diamonds (Primadonna)

4. Costume and Props

The costume and props in a music video are key element, not only do they create verisimilitude but also set the brand of band which give them credibility s musicians. The costume makes them stand out and reflects on there music. Florence and the Machine (Rabbit Heart), 

3. Narrative

The narrative to a music video is key to keep the audiences attention. In some video they follow Todderovs Theory of equilibrium and also start a journey. Without the narrative the video would have no meaning unless its just performance based which unless shot and edited well can be very tedious. Love Generation (Bob Sinclair) 

2. Focusing on the Lead Singer

Usually in the narrative or video, the camera focuses mainly on the main lead singer whether they are singing or not. This is called star treatment where they single out the lead singing by using close up shots, as well as having unique clothing. (Richard Dier)

1. Lip Syncing

It is vital that if there is lip syncing in the music video, that they are in time with the audio to create verisimilitude. Usually in the majority of music videos lip syncing occurs and works well. This gives a feel of artist more if they are singing, rather than just a narrative. It creates a connection between visuals and audio. Blue (You Make Me)