Research Task 8) Conventions of a music video

The conventions of a music video are the elements which are needed in order to to create a good music video.

• Long shots of the band/solo artist - this is vital because the audience would want to know who is performing in the video.
• Close ups of music instruments - this is needed in music videos to show what the artists are using
• Cuts to the beat - dictates the speed of music video/duration of each shot
• Props - change in costume, concept and location: this is vital otherwise the video would be boring and pointless.
• Cutaway - montage editing variety - doesn't show the full story
• Muted footage with soundtrack
• Camera focusing mainly on vocalist - audience gets "moments of pleasure"
• Narrative may be told, but the concept of video is more necessary.
• Actions and patterns flow with the beat
• Performance - instruments, dancing, singing
• Lots of cuts - lots of footage; cutting should be very rapid
• Constant match on action - continuity through singing
• Camera always on the move - dynamic; energetic; performers are active
• Overlaying of images, performance, types of editing
• Refers to lyrics - story, concept, performance, location
• Video should relate to the genre; and how the singers are dressed to fit into the genre
• Duration of video is normally 3-4 minutes long.