What are codes and conventions?

By: Abbie Shaw

The definition:

• ‘The way of constructing meaning in media texts’.

• Two topics can be associated with this : Symbolic and Technical.

• The technical part of this consists of:

- Camera Shots – different angles and shots.

- Editing – Pace and Style.

- Sound – Diegetic sound, un-diegetic, genre.

• The Symbolic part consists of:

- Meaning that you cant see but it is obvious.

- Mise - en - scene.

Music video Styles.

• Music videos can be categorised by style –

• Performance – Band / Artist playing.

• Narrative – Has a narrative running through the song.

• Animated – Has an animated music video not consisting of the real band members but computer generated ones.

Camera Shots -

• The music videos include a lot of close ups – for example of facial features, the narrative images such as : If someone is singing about the time a zoom in of the clock.

• A crane shot – Over the head on stage making it more interesting.

• Tracking – Following them walking etc.

Editing.

• Cutting – freely jumping.

• Footage and music cohesion.

• Change in levels of sound.

Mise – en – Scene.

• Costume – Certain types of outfits depending on the genre.

• Props – Performance equipment.

• Location – Gig location, narrative locations.

• Facial expressions.