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
- Camera angles/shots/movements - Sound Lighting
- Mise en scene (props, costume, makeup etc) -
Editing
Camera Shots
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.
Close-ups – this focuses closely on the artists face
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)
Wide shot – this could be used to show a lot of people
(e.g. in a club) and shows the artists in the shot
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.
Camera Angles
High Angle – this angle looks down on a
person to show a sense of vulnerability on a
character, this action
Low Angle – this angle looks up at a
person to show a sense of authority
Eyeline – this is angle which
shows the artists as we
would expect to see them in
real life
Camera Movements
Pan – this is the horizontal
movement of a camera in order to
follow something significant
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
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.
The main
types of
editing used
within music
videos
Continuity editing –
cuts that flow and
take us logically from
one scene/sequence
to another
Parallel editing –
this is where it
alternates between
two or more scenes
that are happening
at the same time but
in different
locations
Jump cuts – where the
cuts used are fast in
order to show frantic
action etc
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
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.
There are two types of
sound – diegetic and
non-diegetic; diegetic
sound is the most
common sound used in
music videos:
Diegetic sound – this is sound
that already exists in the
reality of the video (e.g. a
gunshot)
Non-diegetic sound – this is
sound that is added during the
editing process of the video
Mise en-scene
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).
Lighting
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.
Props and Costume
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.
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.
Hair and Make-up
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.
Location
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.