Codes and conventions of a Music Video

In order to create a music video to the best of our ability, we must take into account and understand the codes and conventions of a music video. It is a way of constructing meaning in media texts and can be divided into two separate categories which are Technical and Symbolic. Firstly technical, which is how the equipment and technology are used to construct meaning. For example;

The Camera – Different angles and shots

Editing – Pace and style

Sound – Diegetic /Non diegetic and genre

Secondly Symbolic which means what is created beyond what is obvious for us to see.
For example;

Specific facial expressions

Mise-en-scene

There are many reasons for codes and conventions. Firstly codes and conventions are a firm set of rules and can slowly be adapted but shouldn’t be challenged on too a great level. The reason for theses codes and conventions is because it allows the audience to become familiar with a certain genre as they become accustomed to seeing certain things. As well as this it ensures that a certain text works well and fits
into its genre.

There are different styles of music videos and they can be categorized in terms of style. These consist of Performance - the band/artist playing, Narrative – Including the story, Mixture – Both performance and narrative based, Cameo – Band/artist features in the narrative but doesn’t perform, and finally Animation – Digitally/Stop-frame.

By Sarah Panzetta