Codes and Conventions of Selected Brief Essay

Codes and Conventions of selected brief

Every genre of music video has its own codes and conventions; these expected and predictable signs are read by an audience which then allows them to differentiate between media texts and identify specific genres. There are four main types of form in which music videos can be categorised, these are: performance, narrative, animated and abstract.

For my chosen brief, I have chosen the song “Going to Hell” by alternative rock band the Brian Jonestown Massacre who are signed to an independent record label. Therefore, as research to give me a greater understanding of the typical codes and conventions of the alternative genre, I looked at existing music videos and how such techniques are used within the form.

For alternative music, the most frequent and conventional form of video is a performance-related one which shows the band playing. However, whilst the cinematography used in such videos generally stays the same, the choice of mise en scene for many performance videos is always changing and quite often the band will be shown playing in an unusual location which makes the video memorable, e.g. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana in a school hall and Basket Case by Green Day which takes place in a mental asylum. The alternative rock genre stays dynamic because bands are always attempting to be more innovative with the use of location within their videos.

Illustration 1: This shot from the Basket Case video shows a close up shot of the singer and microphone which is a conventional feature of the genre.

An animated form of music video is less traditional of the genre, but can be quite effective as it goes against the audience expectation. “Shoot the Runner” by Kasabian is a good example of an animated video that still maintains the conventional cinematography and editing techniques of the genre.

Illustration 2: "Shoot the Runner" by Kasabian, showing an animated version of the band performing in a long shot.

The technical codes used within the genre such as its camera techniques serve to meet the audience expectations as they generally follow a set of rules. A variety of camera shots within a performance or montage video can keep it dynamic and interesting even if the performers are static. Within my chosen genre, medium close up shots and close up shots are used the most prominently as they show us and therefore allow us to identify the artists performing; this also can create a sense of intimacy between the audience and the performer they are viewing. Long shots are also used to capture the whole band in the shot and such shots are used less frequently; often interweaving with the other medium and close up shots. However, these camera techniques can differ between genres, for example a long shot or wide shot may be used more prominently within a video that features dancers as it allows us to experience it as a performance spectacle. Close up shots of guitar strings or a guitar being strummed are also quite common within the genre.

Illustration 3: In the "Make a Beast of Myself" video, the singer is filmed in one continuous tracking shot throughout.

Tracking shots can also be used within performance-related music videos as they create fluidity and are able to capture the whole band within the shot, however they are more conventional within videos that follow a narrative; particularly ones where the artist or performer is moving or travelling somewhere, for example within the “Make a Beast of Myself” video by Twin Atlantic.

The use of editing can differ between genres. Within alternative videos, quick cuts are always used in favour of fades or transitions as they allow for a video to use a range of different camera shots and the use of editing can serve to accentuate the pace of the song. Music videos are generally highly mimetic, and if a particular video features lip-syncing, then it will be edited in such a way that it appears seamless. Sometimes, a band's music video will be presented through a montage sequence which typically includes a range of different footage from a band's live performances along with other footage, edited together using quick cuts.

Because the performers in a music video are usually filling the roles of themselves, e.g. the singer, guitarist, bass player, drummer, they have become conventional characters. The dress codes of the band members usually reflect how they would dress normally unless the band has a particular coordinated look, such as The Hives who all wear white or black suits.

Illustration 4: This image from the song "Hate to Say I Told You So" by The Hives shows the band member all wearing matching black suits with white ties.

All of these codes and conventions are used to fulfill the audience's expectation of the genre, this means that music videos, just like all other media texts, are ideological texts which we the audience read in terms of our own ideologies. I am undecided as to the form in which I will present my own music video, however I will take into consideration when filming and editing, the codes and conventions of the genre and then decide whether I will use these or in fact work against them.