Codes and Conventions of Chosen Genre

2.What are codes and conventions?
A way of constructing meaning in media texts.
Can be divided into two separate categories: Technical and Symbolic.
Technical: - How equipment and technology are used to construct meaning. - Camera – different angles, shots… - Editing – pace, style… - Sound – Diegetic / Non-diegetic, genre...
Symbolic: - Meaning created beyond what is obvious to see. - For example, specific facial expressions. - Mise-en-scene.
3.The reason for codes and conventions…
Codes and conventions are a firm set of rules / way of doing things.
Can slowly adapt.
Shouldn’t be challenged on too great a level.
The reason for them:
1 st , it allows the audience to become familiar with a certain genre as they become accustomed to seeing certain things.
2 nd , it ensures that a certain text works well and fits into it’s genre.
4.Codes and Conventions specific to Music Videos… >>>
5.Styles of Music Video
Music video’s can be categorized in terms of style.
These are:
Performance – Band / artist playing.
Narrative – Includes story.
Mixture – Both performance and narrative based.
Cameo – Band / artist features in the narrative but doesn’t perform. (Foo Fighters)
Animation – Digitally (flash) / Stop-frame.
6.Camera
Variety of shots depending on the style
A lot of CU’s (especially in performance music videos). - Perhaps even ECU of lips, guitar strings being strummed, etc…
Crane shots – hovering over stage.
Low-angles.
LS and ELS.
Pans / tilts – move from different performers.
Tracking.
7.Editing and Sound
There are many different editing techniques used in music videos.
Music videos usually feature jump cutting.
Footage is usually edited to match the music.
Split-screens / CGI
Choosing to include Diegetic sound.
Change in levels of sound.
8.Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene can vary greatly depending on the genre of music and the type of music video.
Props – performance equipment, band merchandise.
Costume – certain outfits.
Location – concert halls, venues, streets…
Facial expressions.

Georgia Angove