pop music video conventions
TRANSCRIPT
Pop Music Video Conventions
BY: KLAUDIA GIL
Representation
Representing these artists in the media is always with male and female gaze.
The artist is always the main focus and there is always some sort of close up/medium shot.
Video editing is usually done at a fast pace to match the beat of the music video.
MISE-EN-SCENE
Setting, Lighting, Make-up, Costume, Props,
Setting
The setting is fun and exciting, colourful with the artist usually smiling and being joyful.
A lot of money, time and teamwork is put into the videos. Set on beaches to denote rich and wealthy as well as fun lifestyle.
Lighting
There is often high key lighting used and a white background to make the artist stand out and ‘pop out’ so you can see the contrast between the background and them, making the artist (whether they are female/male) stand out.
Make-up
Females in videos are usually wearing very heavy makeup. Their makeup is meant to enhance their beauty because they are
mean to be aspirational to their audience and portrayed to be ‘perfect’.
Costumes
Pop artists are established to be bright and colourful and some are recognised for their unique and originality with the way they portray and express themselves. E.g. Lady Gaga
Clothing is quite revealing often showing the ‘feminism’ of females and the ‘masculinity’ of males. Such as Beyoncé and Nick Jonas. Clothing is figure hugging following the male gaze.
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Props
Artist tend to use ‘sunglasses’ to make them appear ‘cool’. - e.g. Christ Brown and Pitbull - Fun Wealth and richness if often portrayed as the key part of their music videos. These videos are often sponsored by known brands exposing
the product with the artist using them in some sort of form. - e.g. Becky G – Break A Sweat (core water) Featured known personas/celebrities/actors/artists
etc. - e.g. Fergie – M.I.L.F. $ (Kim Kardashian, Ciara and Chrissy Teigen etc.)