Introduction To Music Videos

What is a Music Promo?

A music promo is a video that accompanies a song to either tell a story or to carry the song


When making a music promo you must think about;

• Camera
• Editing
• Mise-en-Scene

Technical Conventions

• Band shots/performance clips
• Shadows, mise-en-scene reflects atmosphere , equal division of shots upon band members
• High lighting
• Bright lighting
• High angle/low angle shots
• Special lighting effects
• Close ups/extreme close ups
• Animation and video special effects (CGI, green screen)
• Colour effects. Often monochrome/black and white
• Zooming in and out
• Montage
• Fast pace editing  (editing to reflect music)
• Mainly straight cuts
• Panning
• No real sound effects
• Dubbed Sound

Narrative

Does it amplify the lyrics?

Does it focus on a specific lyric?

Does it contradict?

Intertextuality

One media text may take ideas from another existing text: Post Modern

Representation

• Glamour/popstar lifestyle
• Playing out 'popstar' lifestyle within video
• Mean and moody men
• Seductive poses from female artists
• Anti-establishment activity
• Deserted locations
• Guitar solos
• Voyeurism
• Dancing      

Disjuncture in a music video is when the actions and screen play in the video have nothing to do with the lyrics that the song contains.

No Surprises - Radiohead 








Amplification is when the lyrics in the song relate directly to the video.
Hero Of War - Rise Against

Illustration in a music video is when the video concentrates on a specific part of the lyrics and portrays them in the video.

Lighthouse - Mallory Knox