Codes & Conventions of Music Videos

Camera Shots: Long shots, close-ups and extreme close-ups are constantly used. Close-ups are 

usually used in music videos as it puts emphasis on the artist or bands face for promotional reasons 

and their lips to show the lip-synching.

Camera movements: Pans, dolly track shots, crane shots and tilts are used to follow the movements

of the singer/band or dancers.

Editing: Jump cuts are the most commonly used as its purpose is to jump from a scene of the 

location to the artist to the instruments and vice-versa. Reaction shots are used with music videos 

with narrative as it expresses the relationship between two or more people. The pace of the editing 

is always in synch with the beat of the track.

Mise-en-scene: Is associated to the inter-textual link of the music video, therefore it depends on 

the representation. For example, a video based on a sixties film (Madonna – “Matiral Girl” Is based 

on “Diamonds are a Girls best friend” from a Marilyn Monroe film performance) would use iconic 

staging, characters, costumes and so on to represent the time. Mise-en-scene is also reflected 

through:

Lighting: Extreme artificial lighting is the most common type of lighting used in music videos as it 

helps to enhance the look of the artist or band through making them seem ‘ageless’, this is 

commonly used in pop music videos. Lighting switches help to indicate a shift from the chorus to 

verse and vice-versa. Finally, lighting also enhances the atmosphere as it can be used to give a 

bright and upbeat feel particularly in dance music videos or a dark and eerie feel which is used 

mostly in rock music videos. For example, Cheryl Cole’s video for “Fight for this love” uses the 

lighting to show her flawless complexion.

Props: Props are essential in music videos

Costume: Reflect the genre of the music and the style of the artist; therefore costumes are 

essential because they compliment the artist. For example, Lady Gaga has specific clothing to show 

off her fashion, this is evident in her “Poker face” video.

Colour: colour represents the mood of the song for example; bright colours are usually used in ‘feel 

good’ pop songs, a good example is Kylie Minogue’s “In your eyes” video

Sound: usually the sound is the music and vocals; however some music videos are similar to short

films with acting, therefore in these clips there are various sounds which can be heard such as

diagetic and non-diagetic sounds.

Hip-Hop Videos

• Usually includes the artist
• Normally set in a club or a party environment
• Usually no storyline
• Typically women dancers or models.
• Provocative.
• Features jewellery, alcohol and sport cars.
• Features mansion and branded clothing.
• Usually other famous artists are featured in the video.
• Features product placement (e.g. Beats by Dre).
• Artist example: Nicki Minaj.

Rock Music Videos

• Usually dark/deep colours
• Displays the band performing on stage
• Usually no narrative
• Eerie/weird videos
• Uneasy camera movements
• Hand-held shots
• Usually no use of special effects
• Artist example: Rolling Stones.
  

Pop Music Videos

• Colourful
• Close up of artists – shows innocence
• Fun and light hearted
• Appeals to younger target audience
• Shows artist/band involved in dance routines
• Good mood – location – happy for example a beach/friends house.
• Teenager scenario ( having a crush )
• Video usually has narrative
• Artist example: Madonna.

Indie/Rock Music Videos

·        

Shows artist or band throughout the video

·         Some special effects

·         Usually calm setting, but changes when         beat kicks in

·         May be black and white

·         Sometimes has a narrative

·         Close up of artists and characters shown in video

·         Shows band performing

·         Artist example: Kings Of Leon.

Dance Music Videos

• Dance routines
• Sometimes narrative
• Location – Clubs or party
• Upbeat and fun videos
• Women dancers usually half naked
• Bright colours
• All dancers wearing similar costumes
• Artist example: Lil Mama.

R’n’B Music Videos

• Usually a narrative
• Artist/band always shown
• Usually dance routine
• Close up of artists
• Usually set in calm locations such as houses, beaches
• Hardly no performance
• Women usually wear revealing clothing
• Money portrayed positively.
• Alcohol and party scenes
• Use of special effects
• Artist example: Beyonce.