Music Video Conventions

Camera Shots and movement:

Music videos tend to include many long shots, close ups and medium shots. This is primarily used to create emphasis on the artist/band, locations and emotions portrayed by the characters. Another way close ups are used is not to just see the artist, but to reflect the words of the song to the lips of the artist.

Movement of camera's are used to follow and trace the artist/band. some examples of movements include tilts; The tilt shot is similar to the pan shot, but the tilt shot moves vertically instead of horizontally, they are often used to show the vertical significance of something. A pan shot involves moving the camera horizontally to the right or left. With this technique you can track an object or follow any type of movement. Thirdly are tracking shots, tracking shots involve the use of dollies to pull the camera around a scene. A tracking shot can be done hand held, using a steady cam, but they are more commonly shot with dollies.

Mise-en-scene:

This refers to the arrangement of performers and props, and what the setting and artist/band looks like. A mise-en-scene varies between each genre of music. For example rap music video's would wear flat peeks, and track suits, whereas an rock band would focus more on the guitar and the music playing, and they would perhaps be wearing skinny jeans for example.

Editing:

Jump cuts are used often, predominately because it allows sudden change of narrative. Also special effect are used, such as fade and dissolve, to create a better effect. another example could be cut aways, to show a extra layer of greater detail.

Lighting and sound:

Some music video's are black and white, because they want to give that effect. however some are overly bright, because of the point they want to put across to the audience.

Sound in a music video is mainly vocals and the music, however there are some examples were the music video is actually a short film, such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Props:

Props are normally associated with the genre, such as a rapper would wear a gold chain, and maybe sing into a mike, whereas a rock band would have all their instruments to play on.