Conventions of music videos (2)

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Music Video Research

Transcript of Conventions of music videos (2)

Music VideoResearch

Why do weuse music videos?

The original purpose of the music video is to advertise the Artist’s specified song in order to boost its sales as well as the artist’s reputation.

The music video provides a different source of musical entertainment through the use of visuals and at times is also used to reinforce the outrageous and sometimes flamboyant image of the artist. For example Lady Gaga.

The development of musicIt is not known when music videos were first introduced into the world; however there is reference to many of its earliest forms. The illustrated song technique was first utilised in 1864 for the song ‘The little lost child’, where 15-16 images were hand painted onto glass and then projected onto screens in theatres and played.

As the years went on the Soundies and Talkies influenced musical films leading to the songs withinthe movies being used as movie clips in themselves.For example the song ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ became a hit and as well as advertisingthe actress involved (Marilyn Monroe and JaneRussel.

Conventions of a music video

Most music videos have similar conventions to one another the only thing that makes them different is the genre of music they belong to.

Camera shots:Music videos tend to include many long shots, close ups and mid shots. This is to create emphasis on the artist, location and emotions. Also, close ups are used not only to show emotions but to reflect the words of the song.

Camera Movement:The movement of the camera is used to follow and trace the artist or band. Camera movements include tilts, pans tracking and crane shots.

Mise-en-scene:This refers to the arrangement of performers and props on stage or in a scene for a production of a music video or any other type of media. Mise-en-scene involves reflecting the mood of the song through feature in the video such as lighting and colours.

Editing:Jump cuts are mainly used within the editing of music videos this is because it allows a sudden change from one scene to another. Similarly transitions such as fade and dissolve are very common in music videos as they create different effect cuts.