Conventions Of A Music Video

Camerawork:

Camera movements and shots in particular are usually seen to be extremely frequent and of high intensities, in order to keep audiences intrigued and enraptured with the visual aspect of a particular song. 

As expected, the shots used in a music video will be varied, depending on the setting and atmosphere that directors and artists wish to convey. It is fair to say that 'Extreme Close Ups' are a popular shot to use, as this expresses emotion (in some cases), and grabs the audiences attention. An example of this is seen in Moby's 'Porcelain', where the whole video is based around an extreme close up of an eye.

In terms of camera angles, it is fair to say that all artists and bands are always seen to vary their camerawork in order to give their video a USP, or even a stand out platform, in order to get it noticed compared to their competition. The industry is one of the most competitive industries to try and grasp a foothold in, or even try to get into. 

A low angled shot is widely seen across many music video's, as it allows the artist (or whoever is in shot) to be deemed as dominant and powerful. This can be seen in Kendrick Lamar's 'Humble' video, as seen below. 

This point can also be vouched with Stormzy's 'ShutUp', 

or even Tom Zanetti's 'You Want Me'

Editing:

In terms of transitions, in order to keep audiences entertained, it is clear that all music video editors are instructed to use a vide range of camerawork, and add fast changing and interesting transitions between each clip in order to continue to grasp audience attention. Obviously, this depends on the artist, and also the song. Interesting video's such as Coldplay's 'Yellow' are taken in one shot, and is focusing on how the sky changes colour, representing how time goes on. This is also seen by other artists such as James Blunt's 'Beautiful, where a similar idea is presented here also( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofSnsGkops). 

                                      

Bruno Mars is known for his brilliant accompanying music video's, but it is his most recent video that has personally struck me the most.

The singers video for 'That's What I Like' is my favourite video of his, as (like Chris Martin with Coldplay), it is clear that the video has been shot in one, but it is his editing that is of particular interest. Depending on the lyric, is the cartoon image equivalent around the singers movements, which I find very unique and clever. For example, when the line 'Jump in the Cadillac, girl, let's put some miles on it', a wheel and four car wheels appear around the singer.

Mise En Scene:

There are many aspects to Mise En Scene, and all of them are extremely important to artists when making a successful music video: Setting, Lighting, Costume and Make- Up, Positioning and Facial Expressions. 

Setting:


Whether it be a typical party, or even footage of a picturesque beach, setting is an extremely interesting asset to a music video, as it is the setting (usually) that opens the entire video, as it sets the scene, or mood for the video. 

An example of this is with the song 'Put Your Records On' by Corinne Bailey Rae. The setting sits extremely well with this opening scene of trees and wildlife, as her opening words of her song are 'Three little birds', meaning her setting fits perfectly with her nature theme. 

Lighting:

Similar to 'Setting', the Lighting really depends on an artist and what they are trying to convey in their video. Take a classic example such as Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. There is deliberate dark lighting, and it is set in a night scene to reiterate the Thrill he is trying to express to his audiences.  

A Light comparison to make would be Wilkinson's 'Afterglow', where it is seen that the subject is pictured to be up against a very light, white wall, empathising her natural beauty, her innocence and purity. 

Costume and Make-Up:

Gaga is who immediately springs to mind when 'Costume and Make-Up' are mentioned. The 'Modern Madonna' is an absolute style icon, and has experimented with some ground breaking and extravagant outfits throughout her career so far.

Gaga uses a range of costumes and make up inspirations to get across her message to her 'Little Monsters' that they should dare to be different and to not be afraid to show the world who they really are.

A true inspiration to all!

Gaga (in her earlier career) wore heavy sets of make-up: dark eyeliner, bold lip shades, and think and dark eyebrows. However it would appear that in her recent video's, her extravagant nature has seemed to dim down slightly, and her recent track 'G.U.Y' shows a very bare Gaga, one with limited make-up. 

Positioning and Facial Expressions:

When talking about Positions and Facial Expression, Miley Cyrus is really good current artist to use as my examples. It simply does not matter what genre of song she sings, she will always pull and create many facial expressions to suit her roles perfectly in her video's. 

In this first moving image, the singer appears to be broadcasting a rebellious nature, with the song entitled '23'. With Miley having her tongue and mouth open slightly, it promotes a promiscuous and seductive nature.

With the second image, a very natural and cute Miley is seen, taken from her track 'Adore You'. By the singer changing her appearance and facial expression for this song, it gives her audience a different perspective of her and what her music is really saying. 

Finally, the last moving image is taken from her groundbreaking hit 'Wrecking Ball'. The emotion seen in her facial expressions here promote sympathy, and again place the start in a different light.