Codes and Conventions of a Music Video

There are 5 main codes and conventions for a music Video.

Style

1. The band themselves actually performing.
2. Having a narrative.
3. A mixture - Includes both the band performing and a narrative
4. Cameo - this is when the band/artist is included in the narrative but is not performing.
5. Animation

Genre

There are many types of Genres for music. Here is a short list of Music genres.
Classical
Contemporary
Country
Club/Dance
Funk
Gospel
Jazz
Pop
Rock
Rnb - Rap/hip hop
Soul

Camera

In a music video, they have many camera shots. Their shots also depend on their genre.

Shots like Close-up and extreme close ups are used (especially for a performance). they are used on the instruments. Example: close up of stringing the guitar.

Crane shots are very useful because of its elavated angle and mobility. It also gives the shot a dynamic overview of its subject.

Many low angle shots are used for music video as it's a conventional shot of giving the band/artist power and strength.

Pans, tilts and tracking are all types of camera movements that music videos will use. This is jus to move from performer to another performer with ease.

Editing

Editing is applied to music videos alot.

Jump cutting - its a type of edit which causes the subject of the shots to appear to jump position in a discontinuous way.
footage/ cutaways are inlcuded in music videos also. This will most likely to be the narrative.

Special effects such as CGI and split screens.

Changes of sound levels and whether choosing non diegetic/ diegetic sound.


Mise en scene

Mise-en-scene will also vary depending on the genre.

Props - if its a live performance, they will have their instruments as a prop.

Costume - the costume yet again will also depend on their genre but also their narrative. For example if there song is about war and they are including a narrative, the character could be wearing an army uniform to show the viewer that it links in with the war.

Location - if its live performance - its most likely to be on a stage or in a studio of some sort. if they are including footage or a narrative, they will be on location to fit in with their song. Location wouldnt be needed if it was animated.

Facial Expressions - When a band is performing and they know they are being filmed, they will try and connect to the camera. This is to draw the audience in.
If the video has a narrative with cutaways, For example if its an emotional song, their facial expressions will be very sympathetic, or even maybe upset.