GENERAL CONVENTIONS: Overview

In order to start researching conventions in music videos, I decided to create an overview of the main conventions and understand what to look for when completing a general video analysis. 

Music Video Conventions Overview by Laura Fagan on Scribd

This is my initial presentation on genre conventions in music video, I will be using this as a guideline when breaking down any genre specific elements in my music video analysis'. 

INTRO: Thoughts on Past A2 Coursework

Bjork "Army of Me", by Chris and Alex (2022)

I think their use of green screen is very clever and saves a lot of time for setting and mise-en-scene. The costumes, hair, and makeup are all very quirky and reflect Bjork's style well. I liked the use of including lyrics within the video, as well as the speaking to each other through the lyrics. I liked the effects and transitions but I think that they made the video a lot less realistic and that some of the green screen footage is very blurry and unclear. There was also a lot of shot and angle variety within the performance element, and I like how it was combined with the narrative which is on a loop. Overall, I like the music video but I think the genre and style isn't something I would like to recreate. 

Billie Eilish "All The Good Girls Go To Hell", by Emma and Louis

I like the effects and use of colouring in the edit as I think it clearly achieved the intended style and would be easy to replicate. The varied and distinct looks and accessories show a different scene, and there is a narrative created by this as well as a series of flashbacks. The use of headphone promotion helps the video achieve verisimilitude and I also liked the different shots and zooms they used. I like this style of music video and would use a lot of its characteristics in my coursework.

Suede "Can't Get Enough", by Richard

I like the combination of both musical performance and a separate narrative he used, with the instrument playing being easily imitable. The initial editing and colouring as well as overall mise-en-scene fits the chosen genre well, as do the costumes and hair/makeup of the actors. The overlays used also help combine the two separate narratives, also seen in the final added scene which also added verisimilitude as this is common within music videos. Overall, the video was well made even if it isn't my taste and I enjoyed the absurd/surrealist elements. 

Astrid S "Bloodstream", by Evie

I really enjoyed this music video and feel like it's the most realistic one out of those I have seen. I think the shots in the water look very professional and are done well but can be easily copied. I also like how the editing speeds up or slows down according to the song. The choice of colours and lights in an urban setting fit well with the electronic genre, and a strong narrative is created within the video with a clear separation of the time, which was also helped by the variety of costumes and wigs. I like this style of music video and would use a lot of its characteristics in my coursework.

Girls Aloud "Jump", by HattieFaye

I like the setting which I think would resonate well with the target demographic of teenage girls. There is a sense of community and girlband that is also achieved well. The video is fun and matches the upbeat and lighthearted nature of the song, as well as colouring and effects in post-production. I don't really like this genre or video style but I think it was made well.