Codes and conventions of music videos
Conventions are usually considered by a music director when planning a music video, these conventions all depend on the genre of the music. However, despite some genres having different conventions, all genres music video will most likely always be either narrative or performance.
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Codes in music videos are found in narrative music videos, where messages can be encoded into the video. These codes will hold secret messages in them that will help the audience create their own opinion on the narrative. These codes can be through things such as camera angles, but most likely mise-en-scene. One section of mise-en-scene, lighting, is a big factor in the narrative of a music video because having a light, bright room gives the message that everyone is happy. Whereas, if the lighting is very dark, as an audience we know that the mood isn't very good which could lead to the message encoded in the video. This can also be achieved through the use of props. You can see that in my analysis of the music video 'Stubborn Love'. The dream catcher used begins to question why the lady is driving somewhere, maybe to follow her dreams.
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Music videos based around performance, will always feature the artist and nobody else. The shots will be varied as well as sometimes capturing the artist at their last gig. It will also feature the instruments used in the song being played usually when there is a break in the song and a instrumental performance.