Codes and conventions of indie music videosBy Lois Baker

Technical code • Shots- wide angles for scene setting and close up’s

to make the audience focus on a particular theme.

• Camera movements- panning, zoom in- again to focus on a theme.

• Editing- fast cuts or slow cuts to reflect the pace of the music. The video normally has a filter on top to make the video look ‘vintage’ and artistic.

• Lighting- some are black and white, some have bright lighting

Symbolic code

• Colours- toned down colours, nothing bright or ‘in your face’

• Body language- most the time indie music video don’t contain people. Indie artists don’t seemed to be concerned about selling themselves as a brand but instead they want to sell their music.

• Settings- low budget settings anywhere that can accessed easily. The setting will normally be artistic

• Clothing- The clothing isn’t bright or really different, the main focus is the music.

Conventions

• Normally – 3/4 minutes long• Most the time they don’t have a clear narrative

and are more artistic• Little link between music and visuals • Little reference to artist