Music video conventions

Narrative
This is when the song involves a narrative and where the lyrics is acted out. For example 'Telephone' By Lady Gaga and Beyonce as the narrative is following on from Lady Gaga's previous song 'Paparazzi' as Lady Gaga killed her boyfriend by posioning him and got arrested. This is following on with Lady Gaga in prison and Beyonce breaking her out. The lyrics fit with the narrative.

Performance
This is when the artists is performing in the video in one or more settings. A performance cliche is the artist walking down a street. It can be instrumental, song or dance performance. For example 'Nothing Compares To You' by Sinead O'Connor is a singing performance. It is only set in one location.

Animation
Some music videos will have animation edited in to make the video look more creative. For example in the music video 'Californication' by Red Hot Chili Peppers. In this video they are taking part in a 3D game which is all animated.

 















Mise-en-scene
Props: Depending on the genre of the video and what type of song it was props will be used. For example in a performance video instruments and stages may be used.
Costume: Depending on the genre of the video the artists costume will vary so they can represent the genre to the audience. For example in a R&B video females may wear minimal clothing whereas in a soul music video they will be dressed sophisiticated.
Location: Locations for music videos are important as it sets the scene for the narrative. There are usually more than one location in music videos.

Cinematography 
Close ups: Close ups are used on instruments and significant props. They are also used to show the emotion of the artist for example in Rihanna's 'California King Bed' video a close up is used to show she is sad and to make it more personal for the audience.

- Crane shots
- Pans/tilts
- Tracking shots
- Low angles
- Establishing shots
 
Editing
- Jump cutting
- CGI
- Split screen
- Fades


Sound
Diegetic sound: This can be added into the video for example in the narrative someone may be listening to the radio.