Music Video Conventions.

Music videos can be classed as a genre. As they can be labeled as a genre, then this means that they must have certain conventions to certify them -
- The band singing along or performing
- The story being told through the video about the lyrics
- The action matching the lyrics
- Miming/lip-syncing
- The use of mise-en-scene
- Instruments being used
- The use of backing singers or dancers (extras)
- Special effects
- Fantasy sequences
- Setting the mood of the video
- Face pace of editing
- Eye-catching colours and scenery

However, not all music videos have to have these conventions included in them; otherwise the video can seem unnecessarily cluttered and too 'busy' for the audience to watch.

The purpose of a music video is to mainly promote a band/track. The video should catch the interest/attention of the audience to make them want to carry on watching the video. This, therefore, causes the audience to listen to the whole song. It must grab (audiences attention), entertain and advertise.

Task

The task we have been issued with is to create a music 'promo' video that lasts for up to 5 minutes. Alongside this we have been asked to produce a website homepage for the band (which sings the song), a cover for its release on DVD and then a magazine advertisement to promote this DVD.

This year I will be working with Karly Knight and Nichola Pritchard in my group.