Wednesday, 9 September 2009

the conventions of music videos

Music videos are alot more complex than i thought in a sense that they use many different conventions. Usually the conventions fit in with the genre for example, if the video was for a heavy rock or metal band then the video is more likely to be made in a dark lighting in the setting of a warehouse or similar room or setting. The cimematography in a heavy rock music video is also likely to be more simple with close-ups of instruments and panning out to see the whole band which will more than likely be on the screen most of the time. Some are weaved with narrative to fit in with the mood and lyrics but most are more plain. However i personally feel that the cuts and changes in cuts made, tend to be a bit slower, making the videos seem slightly longer than other genres of a music video.

On the other hand, in (for example) an R and B music video, Things seem to be clearer. They use alot of mise on scene in their videos, if a girl was wearing skimpy clothes and dancing in a crude manner, it would be very typical as the storyline is usually about "gettin' sexy girls". The cinematography is a little more complicated with more camera angles being used in general to see what's put on the screen. More close-ups, extreme close-ups etc, but less promoting of the band or singer. More editing, more cuts and changes of scenery and the lighting is varied alot more.

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