Generic Conventions of Music Videos
Common iconography
A lot of music videos share similar qualities and share a
lot of iconography. Things such as camera shots, mise en scene, and lighting particularly.
All of these things are used in a particular way in music videos
Shots
There will sometimes be close up shots of the instruments
and the main artists face. Long shots and establishing shots are typically used
in the beginning to show where the location is. Mid shot usually make up most
of the video as it focuses on the artists.
Most editing shots would be continuity cuts as the music videos are quite short so they need to fit a lot in. If it's a narrative based video then shots will often from between the musician(s) and the actors
MES
Instruments, most of the time guitars and drums, especially
if it’s a band. Musicians would usually be wearing certain clothing, chosen
especially for the music video. Most of the time it either costumes made
specifically for the video and clothes chosen out to be worn.
Lighting
Most music videos usually have normal bright lighting to show everything clearly. Dark lighting is used sometimes if it's suitable for a narrative music video or if it fits with the concept. High contrasting lighting may reflect a darker mood.
Pop
Common conventions for pop are bright colours, elaborate costumes. Some of the shots will use a dolly to create professional and cinematic.
- The lighting in pop music videos are either use high key or low key lighting. If low key lighting is used there will typically be bright lights in the background or something to focus on.
- Simple camerawork is used so it doesn't take the focus off of the musician(s). Close ups and tracking shots also
-
Rap
Rap music videos usually have the main artist rapping, facing the camera. Common features include low angle shots to show they are tough, powerful etc. Close up shots on faces to make the video more dramatic. for example in Straight Outta Compton there is a close of someone with a slow moving shot to make it dramatic.
- Pretty women wearing revealing clothes
- Artists will sometimes wear sunglasses
- High contrast lighting
- Artists are sometimes in their cars to show off their wealth
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