Codes and conventions essay:

I am creating a music video for Roxie Hart a song from the musical Chicago. The genre of my music and music video is musicals. In each genre within music videos there is a strict set of rules and conventions that should be followed to make a music video successful. When considering codes and conventions there are three important elements which are: technical codes, written codes and symbolic codes. Even the simplest elements may be iconic to that specific genre.

Having analysed Britney Spears Circus, Moulin Rouge and Hurt by Christina Aguilera it is clear that there is a distinguished set of codes and conventions involved with this genre of music. Bright lighting is always contrasted with dark lighting this creates a theatrical look to the set. The artist is always the main focus of attention and often has other characters surrounding her to highlight her importance for example makeup artists, back up dancers. Jewellery is often highlighted in some way for example in Britney Spears circus diamonds are repeatedly highlighted as she gets ready in her dressing room, in Moulin rouge servants bring over jewels. Red is a common colour used in set design and makeup. This is because the colour connotes lust and also theatrical success for example the red carpet and is an intertextual reference to Marilyn Monroe as she was very much a show girl. Top hats are repeatedly used on females to symbolise their power on stage and also represent elements of magic.

there is always a stage of some kind were the artists performs. This gives the audience voyeuristic pleasure to see the artist perform. Candles and fire are often used to dramatise. Having looked at various music video the same props occur in each video for example the artist usually wears gloves, their clothing consists of sequins, knee high sock and top hats. All of these items of clothing are iconic and recognisable to this particular genre.

As for the set there are always stage curtains this again is iconic and often used to represent the beginning and end of the music video just like it does in a theatre production. Chairs are often used and the artist will use the chair as a prop in a dance routine, although this is commonly done it always works and looks effective and again connotes this show girl/dance image. Clothing material is also extremely important in Hurt the clothing was of chiffon material which looks expensive and connotes wealth in the other music videos the sequins and dimontys represent glamour and also the power to stand out. Animals are commonly used this represents circus shows and magic just like the top hats do, although the context is not the same it works well because it is the same genre.

Having looked closely at the common shots used i noticed that silhouettes were repeatedly used. This again is something commonly used in the music industry as is looks effective and sophisticated. In this genre it can represent intimacy between the audience and the performer and draws the attention of the audience in. Low angle shots are used to make the artist look more powerful, the artist will often look down into the camera and sing.

There is usually more than one location used you often see the artist get ready, perform and flashbacks are sometimes featured. In doing this it creates a narrative of the artists story. There is always a strong beginning and end which is clearly recognisable.

Whenever the artist is accompanied by other characters shallow depth of field is used to ensure they are the main focal point. On average shots should not last any more than 3 seconds. Having watched various videos I noticed shots only last split seconds at times at that it is important because the audience want to see something visually new all the time otherwise they loose interest.

The dominant shot throughout is usually close ups on the artist this is because again is gives the audience voyeuristic pleasure to see the artist perform. Establishing shots are always used to introduce a new location. Long shots are used often when the artist is dancing. Audience members are often featured and this makes the viewer feel part of the audience as though the music video is a show they are watching which as a viewer is effective. Wide shots are often used when there is a lot of action taking place for example if there is more than once dancer and the dancing is at a fast pace. The artist is at some point lifted into the air by backing dancers again this looks theatrical. Shots usually cut from one to the other which makes it look like continuity editing and creates realism for the audience. The pace at the end either picks up pace or slows down this signals to the audience that the video is about to end.

White is often used to contradict the innocent pure connotation it usually has just like top hats are worn by females instead of males. By breaking these stereotypical connotations it creates an almost rebellious image and creates attitude within the performers image.