Codes and conventions of music videos

Codes and conventions of music videos 

This post has influenced the orientation of my music video, as I have analysed different codes and conventions which are typically seen in music videos giving me a more general idea in what to include. 

Further on I will post some of the typical codes and conventions which are used in my genre.

Codes and conventions: Codes are the tools used to create and construct meaning. Conventions are repeated features which over time, have become accepted by the audience. Codes and conventions can be divided into two types; technical and symbolic. 

Why are codes and conventions needed? 

Codes and conventions allow the audience to identify a genre just by looking at the video, it helps establish a structure to the video. Furthermore, it creates expectations among the audience and gives a deeper understanding of the narrative. 

Conventions of music videos in general

Codes and conventions are not the same within every video, as they vary depending on the genre. However,  here are some examples of features that can be found in these; 

The editing techniques -  

• Cuts 

• Transitions

• Pace (fast/slow) 

Camera - 

Camera Shots: 

• Extreme close up: allow the viewer to enter the character's personal space, revealing traits and emotions

• Close up: Close-ups draw the audience's attention to the main characters and communicate the importance of their presence,

• Medium shot: used to emphasize both the actor and their surroundings by giving them an equal presence on screen. 

• Long shot: shows the subject from a distance, emphasizing place and location

Camera Movements: 

• Track camera: any shot in which the camera physically moves sideways, forward, or backward through the scene. 

• Dolly Camera: the camera moves towards, away from, or alongside your subject

• Zoom: making a subject appear closer or further away in an image.

• Crane Camera: a shot taken by a camera on a moving crane

Camera Angles 

The most common camera angle seen in music videos is the “eye level” shot. 

However we can also commonly appreciate 

• Low angle shot

• High angle shot 

• Shoulder - level shot 

Sound effects

• Non - diegetic: any type of sound that does not specifically exist within the world of the film itself.

• Diegetic:  Diegetic sound is any sound that emanates from the storyworld of the film

(Depending if the video has narrative)

Mise en scene 

Props: Objects that function as parts of the sets or as tools used by the actors

Lightning: It creates a visual mood

Costume: Used to convey a character's personality or status, and to signify these differences between characters.

Hair

Locations: It will help establish the world, the characters and even add more context to the story.

Overall, all of these codes and conventions help create meaning and make it look professional. However, as mentioned before, each music video genre has different codes and conventions.