Conventional elements of a music video.

Editing:

Editing in music videos is done conventionally in time with the music. The beat for example in No Church In The Wild shows the scenes cutting in time with the beat, enabling the director to have long slow motion takes of the anarchy that takes place across the video. Editing is also done in time with the lyrics, for example Instant Crush see much of the videos editing pace going up at the chorus when the song is faster, but during the verses, shots are much slower. The lyrics are sung in a slow deep voice meaning the editing goes well with the song.

Mis-en-scene:

Music videos can have very unique and original settings, costumes, and make up. However certain genres will have conventional elements in their videos. For example Dance music can have music videos set in raves and parties for example #STUPiDFACEDD by Wallpaper. Parties and raves are used as the song will be primarily played at these events. Rap videos tend to follow the conventional idea of wealth, with many rappers such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz and Big Sean to wear large gold chains, rings, expensive clothing, drive expensive cars and drink expensive champagne. Rapper do this to show power and try to look (As they call it) H.A.M, or in other words untouchable. Music videos on the whole do have conventions such as backing dancers and crowds cheering. The reason for this is they want the same energy in the music video heard in the single. Slower songs, can have montages of peaceful, less energetic activities for example daily routines in human life such as walking and sleeping, this can be done to connect with the audience, especially if it’s a powerful love song that many can connect too.

Camera:

All types of music videos share certain camera angles, which are very recognisable in the research I have done looking at music videos. Low angle shots are used a lot in portrayal of the singer to show her importance. Music videos that are done in front of a live audience for example In Paris by Jay Z and Kanye West shows viewers their view of a crowd into their perspective, with first person shots and eye line matches. This enables audiences to feel part of the music videos. In fast paced videos the shots of the band/singer tends to be done at a canted angle to give the impression of the energy given off by the music video.

Sound:

Many music videos tend to have diegetic sound at the sound at the start before playing the song, this is done to set the scene and location, for example if the wind and trees are heard, the audience can get the impression the area the music video is being set is very remote and isolated. Many videos use this time to add titles such as the name of the song, the artist(s) and the director, as the audience will be focused to what’s going on in the screen before the song starts. The music being played is conventionally the same version to the single being promoted, although many will have a pause at the start with the diegetic sound unlike the single. Most music videos follow the same version of song to the single they are promoting.

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