Codes and Conventions of Music Videos

What are codes and conventions?
1. Codes and conventions are the techniques used in order to communicate certain ideas or construct meanings. Codes are systems of signs which create meaning and conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something. There are two types of codes – technical and symbolic. Technical codes are the technical elements of the video including camera angles and shots, sound, lighting and editing. Symbolic techniques are how the meanings are conveyed through the use of body language, mise en scene and actions of characters/artists.
General Codes and Conventions
1. - Camera angles/shots/movements - Sound Lighting - Mise en scene (props, costume, makeup etc) - Editing
Camera Shots
1. The way that the camera is used is key in creating a music video. The camera is able to create different effects through the use of different camera angles and shots and can create meaning and show the artists/bands emotions.
2. Close-ups – this focuses closely on the artists face
  1. Extreme close-ups – this focuses very closely on the artists face (e.g. to show them lip syncing to the song as well as showing their emotions)
    1. Wide shot – this could be used to show a lot of people (e.g. in a club) and shows the artists in the shot
      1. Long shot – this is used to show the whole body of the artist
        Mid shot – this shot focuses on the artists from the waist upwards
        Over the shoulder shot – this is used to show a conversation between two people (e..g the artists and another person). It is mainly used in narrative based music videos.
        Cut in – this shot can be used to indicate something that the lyrics may be saying
        Establishing shot – this shot is used to show the location/setting of the music video. They are mainly used in narrative based music videos.
3. Camera Angles
  1. High Angle – this angle looks down on a person to show a sense of vulnerability on a character, this action
    1. Low Angle – this angle looks up at a person to show a sense of authority
      1. Eyeline – this is angle which shows the artists as we would expect to see them in real life
4. Camera Movements
  1. Pan – this is the horizontal movement of a camera in order to follow something significant
  2. Tracking/Dolly – this is where the camera is placed on a track and is then pushed down the track to follow the person’s actions
Editing
1. Editing is the crucial part of music videos and the editing usually matches the beat of the music video. Editing allows you to add in special effects as well as adding non-diegetic sound into the video. It is important that the editing is effective and consistent in order for the video to look professional and entertaining.
2. The main types of editing used within music videos
  1. Continuity editing – cuts that flow and take us logically from one scene/sequence to another
  2. Parallel editing – this is where it alternates between two or more scenes that are happening at the same time but in different locations
  3. Jump cuts – where the cuts used are fast in order to show frantic action etc
  4. Montage – this is series of short shots that are edited into a sequence to reduce space, time and information (e.g. showing the happy and sad times of a relationship)
Sound
1. Sound is the vital part of music videos because this is reason people listen to the music. Sound can be edited in order to give the viewer a better experience. The sound in music videos can be parallel meaning that the music matches the mood of the video and this also means lip syncing which is when the lip movements match the word of the song exactly.
2. There are two types of sound – diegetic and non-diegetic; diegetic sound is the most common sound used in music videos:
  1. Diegetic sound – this is sound that already exists in the reality of the video (e.g. a gunshot)
  2. Non-diegetic sound – this is sound that is added during the editing process of the video
Mise en-scene
1. Mise en scene covers a range of aspects such as props, location, lighting, hair, make-up etc. These elements are used to convey a message or meaning of the video as well as representing the artist in a certain way (especially with the use of costume and make-up).
2. Lighting
  1. Lighting is a micro element of music videos and this creates a mood/atmosphere as well as indicating the thoughts and feelings of the artist. Due to how the video/scene is lit; the audience are able to distinguish the genre of the music video. The use of high key lighting signifies a fun and joyful video. This is able to happen from the use of natural lighting. It is very common for pop/hip-hop music videos to be brightly lit; rap videos tend to have low key lighting, this is mainly due to context/genre.
3. Props and Costume
  1. Props are used to illustrate the narrative of a music video and help the audience to understand the messages behind the lyrics of the song. Props can also add to the entertainment and creative aspect of the video and they can be used a marketing technique.
  2. Costumes help to identify what the music video is about and are used to represent artists in a certain way. Different artists wear different styles of clothes to represent their own character and the role they play within the video.
4. Hair and Make-up
  1. An artists hair and make-up is done for a certain purpose; it can be reflective of the personality of an artists or can attract the audience. Hair and make-up also sets fashionable clothing trends.
5. Location
  1. The location/setting of a music video shows the audience where the artist/s and video is allowing them to have an understanding the context of the music video and the story that it will be revolved around. The location of music videos allows the audience to distinguish the genre.

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	Creado por Damita Dickerson hace alrededor de 8 años