Close-ups are used frequently to establish the artist for the audience and create a sense of importance of the artist. Establishing shots are used sparingly compared to in film for example as there are less locations within the video but rather repeats of the same location, say in the chorus for instance. Therefore the audiences are already comfortable with the whereabouts of 
the artist. More often then not the artist(s) will perform a dance routine or bands may include a short sequence from an on-stage performance. This requires the use of a long shot so that each movement and performance can be viewed by the audience in order for them to get the best voyeuristic pleasure. The angles are mainly straight-on, however in particular parts of the song in relation to the lyrics it may require the depiction of the artist to be of authority and in power and therefore a low angle is used. Just as if when they are being portrayed as inferior and powerless then a high angle is called for. If the video shows the artist being very active and moving around then tracking shots are used, although this is not apparent in most videos as the majority are still shots, but make use of the zoom function. Zoom in can often create a sense of intimacy and being brought closer to the artist. The zoom out function is not commonly a technique used within cinematography, as it can 
create a disoriented effect, however this can be useful if is this tone you want the video to adapt.
the artist. More often then not the artist(s) will perform a dance routine or bands may include a short sequence from an on-stage performance. This requires the use of a long shot so that each movement and performance can be viewed by the audience in order for them to get the best voyeuristic pleasure. The angles are mainly straight-on, however in particular parts of the song in relation to the lyrics it may require the depiction of the artist to be of authority and in power and therefore a low angle is used. Just as if when they are being portrayed as inferior and powerless then a high angle is called for. If the video shows the artist being very active and moving around then tracking shots are used, although this is not apparent in most videos as the majority are still shots, but make use of the zoom function. Zoom in can often create a sense of intimacy and being brought closer to the artist. The zoom out function is not commonly a technique used within cinematography, as it can 
create a disoriented effect, however this can be useful if is this tone you want the video to adapt.In addition to this I noted that the main focus (the artist) was placed slightly off centre in relation to the central frame, because this actually brings greater attention to them. Placing an image in the centre of a frame makes it visually inactive, in the relation to how the audience views it. You want the audience to have to scan the image, this relates to the rule of thirds, creating intersections to where the human eye is drawn. Therefore by placing images around the frame you encourage concentration from audience.
The dominant sound in music videos is the featured song. This diegetic sound remains central for the duration of the music video as the artist is constantly responding to the music within the video. However after conducting my analytical research of existing music video’s I have found that there is often a non-diegetic piece of music at the beginning of the video and occasionally at the end. As music videos often have narrative behind the video the sound that is played before the song starts is key to help set up the narrative, to adapt the tone and film noir. For example in ‘Sweet Dreams’ a unearthly and menacing lullaby is played in the run up to the song. This immediately connotes danger to the audience giving them an idea into the meaning behind the lyrics.
Once the video has been filmed the making of it happens in the post production stage of editing. A sign of good editing is that to the audience it appears invisible by creating continuity. Because the soundtrack is running underneath all the changes the action appears continuous. Short and fast shots are used which cut to the beat creating a sense of rhythm that
heightens the power of the scene/song. For example as the tempo drops the shots are long, keeping the pace slow. As tension builds in the song, perhaps leading up to the main vocals in the song, shots become shorter to build energy. I have noticed that inter-cutting is sometimes used as this conveys tension and emotion for the audience. Fades are used to create the sense of a passing of time. It was made apparent that fades are frequently used at the end of the video to signify closure usually fading to black. And depending on the song context dissolves are used most commonly found to signal the beginning or end of a dream sequence, I will take this into consideration particularly in relation to my song choice as it primarily focuses upon dreams.
Lighting plays an important role within the mise-en-scene as this helps to establish the film noir which the video is aiming to create. This is things like mood and tone. A contrast in lighting can often be used to represent a binary opposition within the narrative or to represent the lyrics. Say if the representation of a busy city needs to be portrayed then lighting can be used to create
these effects. Lyrical interpretation can often be established through lighting also, for e.g. if the video employs an abstract tone. Props play a big role within music videos, to help create authenticity within the video and also through lyrical representation. These props may play a key role within the song in order for the audience to readily accept the narrative and video as a whole. Within the mise-en-scene as an entirety, if there is little effort made with it then it will be difficult for your audience to be able to engage within the filmic world.
I have learnt that many artists use their music video as a chance for the audience to grasp a better and deeper understanding of the song and the lyrics behind it. It is no longer just a song that you can dance and sing-a-long to, but a story that the lyrics tell as you watch it unfold in front of you. I have also found that within many videos the artists tend to play on the typical stereotypes of which we perceive them to be like. However at one point throughout the performance in the video they try to convey a message to their audience that underneath all lights, camera and action they are normal people, with normal feelings. This allows the viewer to feel more valued in the sense that they can relate to the artist on a more personal level. I aim for my music video to employ this technique.
It is important to the artist that they are able to represent themselves to the viewer. Costume can play a very big part in the depiction of character. I have noted that the majority of artists, mainly females I might add like to entice the viewer with a little added sex-appeal. It is necessary for the artist not to come across as raunchy or face criticism for their fashion flaws in the sense of revealing too much. Many have great voices and maintain a strong subjectivity throughout their songs or performances. Artists such as Whitney Huston and Aretha Franklin are rarely criticized in this sense; the sole factor being is that they do not need to be vulgar or raunchy. They have been around for quite sometime and are respected on the merit of their talents alone. They have proven themselves. It is the younger generation of singers that are the most troublesome. I will therefore make sure that my video strays away from any excessive sex appeal.
I feel confident now that I am familiar with the codes and conventions which are expected within the music video. I will be able to use my knowledge of these aspects and put them into the makings of my own production in order for it to be a success.
The dominant sound in music videos is the featured song. This diegetic sound remains central for the duration of the music video as the artist is constantly responding to the music within the video. However after conducting my analytical research of existing music video’s I have found that there is often a non-diegetic piece of music at the beginning of the video and occasionally at the end. As music videos often have narrative behind the video the sound that is played before the song starts is key to help set up the narrative, to adapt the tone and film noir. For example in ‘Sweet Dreams’ a unearthly and menacing lullaby is played in the run up to the song. This immediately connotes danger to the audience giving them an idea into the meaning behind the lyrics.Once the video has been filmed the making of it happens in the post production stage of editing. A sign of good editing is that to the audience it appears invisible by creating continuity. Because the soundtrack is running underneath all the changes the action appears continuous. Short and fast shots are used which cut to the beat creating a sense of rhythm that
heightens the power of the scene/song. For example as the tempo drops the shots are long, keeping the pace slow. As tension builds in the song, perhaps leading up to the main vocals in the song, shots become shorter to build energy. I have noticed that inter-cutting is sometimes used as this conveys tension and emotion for the audience. Fades are used to create the sense of a passing of time. It was made apparent that fades are frequently used at the end of the video to signify closure usually fading to black. And depending on the song context dissolves are used most commonly found to signal the beginning or end of a dream sequence, I will take this into consideration particularly in relation to my song choice as it primarily focuses upon dreams.Lighting plays an important role within the mise-en-scene as this helps to establish the film noir which the video is aiming to create. This is things like mood and tone. A contrast in lighting can often be used to represent a binary opposition within the narrative or to represent the lyrics. Say if the representation of a busy city needs to be portrayed then lighting can be used to create
these effects. Lyrical interpretation can often be established through lighting also, for e.g. if the video employs an abstract tone. Props play a big role within music videos, to help create authenticity within the video and also through lyrical representation. These props may play a key role within the song in order for the audience to readily accept the narrative and video as a whole. Within the mise-en-scene as an entirety, if there is little effort made with it then it will be difficult for your audience to be able to engage within the filmic world.I have learnt that many artists use their music video as a chance for the audience to grasp a better and deeper understanding of the song and the lyrics behind it. It is no longer just a song that you can dance and sing-a-long to, but a story that the lyrics tell as you watch it unfold in front of you. I have also found that within many videos the artists tend to play on the typical stereotypes of which we perceive them to be like. However at one point throughout the performance in the video they try to convey a message to their audience that underneath all lights, camera and action they are normal people, with normal feelings. This allows the viewer to feel more valued in the sense that they can relate to the artist on a more personal level. I aim for my music video to employ this technique.
It is important to the artist that they are able to represent themselves to the viewer. Costume can play a very big part in the depiction of character. I have noted that the majority of artists, mainly females I might add like to entice the viewer with a little added sex-appeal. It is necessary for the artist not to come across as raunchy or face criticism for their fashion flaws in the sense of revealing too much. Many have great voices and maintain a strong subjectivity throughout their songs or performances. Artists such as Whitney Huston and Aretha Franklin are rarely criticized in this sense; the sole factor being is that they do not need to be vulgar or raunchy. They have been around for quite sometime and are respected on the merit of their talents alone. They have proven themselves. It is the younger generation of singers that are the most troublesome. I will therefore make sure that my video strays away from any excessive sex appeal.I feel confident now that I am familiar with the codes and conventions which are expected within the music video. I will be able to use my knowledge of these aspects and put them into the makings of my own production in order for it to be a success.
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