CODES AND CONVENTIONS

ROCK

CODES & CONVENTIONS FOR ROCK• Predominantly performance based

• Mostly low key lighting • There is always a spotlight on the band members• Quite fast pace editing, to match the beat of the song• Dark, rebellious outfits e.g. leather jackets • Always a dark setting e.g. in the streets or an industrial studio• The lead singer always has an expressive face- passionate • Always an energetic performance • High angle shots are used to establish the setting of the video• Constant close-up shots of both members of band and their instruments• Group shots to show the band together • Low angle shots to capture the lead singers and allowing them to dominate the

screens• Mid shots are used to show detailed movements of people in the video e.g. drumming• Long shots are used to capture an overall image of the narrative of the video

POP

CODES & CONVENTIONS FOR POP

• High key lighting

• Very colourful backgrounds

• Sometimes includes dance routines

• Artists are normally clothed in fashionable, stylish outfits

• Artists are portrayed as happy, and enjoying life

• Artists express the unity associated with teens, which is the main target audience

• Stereotypically associated with young people enjoying partying, clubbing and dancing

• Sometimes abroad, with a holiday theme

DANCE

CODES & CONVENTIONS FOR DANCE

• Concept & Performance based

• High key lighting

• Colourful

• Usually set in a club, house party or streets

• Fast pace editing

• Artists are clothed fashionably

• Stereotypically represents a teenagers life e.g. sexual desires

• Fun atmosphere

• Spotlights

EXTENSION TASK: ROCK (1980-1990)

The conventions of rock seems to have remained almost unchanged with their videos mainly performance based through concert footage and backstage clips. This would show that in comparison to rock music videos in the past there has only been a development in technology that has made the videos from before show a slight difference as it still holds the conventions of low key lighting, semi-casual clothing and long hairstyles on men.