In order to understand the common conventional shots and performance styles used within our genre of music, we had to gather evidence from previous media texts. As a group we created the padlet below in which gathered a variety of conventional shots from a pop music video and explain how they have helped to add the narrative. In doing this it has helped us gain insight into what conventions we need to include in our music video.

Made with Padlet

Common Elements – 

From previous experience of viewing and analysing different media texts from the genre of pop, we were able to gather common conventions of narratives and performances, which benefitted us to create ideas to include within our own music video. As a group we found that within the pop genre, the repetoire of elements often included are:

Narrative Conventions – 

This genre tends to focus around love and heartbreak, emotion, power and positive, happy narratives. These common themes and narratives, allow the artist to convey their star image through performance to create a strong feeling towards their audience and to ensure their narrative is portrayed correctly.

Narrative Structure – 

Pop commonly features linear, anachronic and episodic narrative structures as well as switching between performance aspects.

Performance Styles –

Styles within this genre tend to feature the artist as the performer and the actor for the narrative. The performance within this video produces a wide variety of locations, shots, costumes and lighting. In using bright, vibrant colours the audience is attracted to the video as it is interesting and pleasing to look at. As part of the performance in this video there is a lip syncing aspect. During this aspect the artist is using direct address towards the audience as a way of involving them.

Although we have focused on these aspects of one music video, there is a wider variety differences within the pop genre which change from artist to artist as different songs contain different meanings and narratives. Cinematography and editing are crucial when developing a music video and portraying a star image. It is important that the correct repetoire of elements is used when creating a pop video, as well as a variety of camera angles which can convey different meanings and emotions. This could include: High angle, Low angle, tracking shots, close ups, mid shots, long shots and many more.

When we come to planning and producing our music video, we will remember that it is important to use the pop repetoire of elements correctly and effectively that will produce the best outcome for us as a group. We will be able to apply and reflect upon our knowledge that help us take into consideration the common conventions that our audience will want to see.