CONVENTIONS OF A ACOUSTIC INDIE MUSIC VIDEO Neave Redmond

VISUAL

In terms of the general conventions used in an indie rock music video, the use of props are exceptionally important. After much research I have discovered that A lot of indie rock music videos often have random props.

Such as in Bombay bicycle clubs video, there is a panda being shown which has no relevance to the video. This not only makes the music video seem more interesting but it will also attract a wider audience of individuals of all ages which will benefit the band in many ways.

The macro elements are vital in all indie rock music videos such as the use of appropriate make up, is used to support the theme of the music video.

MISE EN SCENE

Lighting is an exceptionally important aspect in this type of music video, lighting is used to enhance the mood of a music video. Such as; if there is a heavy use of hard/ dark light within a music video it would suggest that the video is sinister and evil. Whereas, if warm natural lighting was used to would create a warm, comforting welcoming atmosphere which would create a completely different mood/ atmosphere.

The colours of the band members clothing is important as it represents their individual personalities, it also represents their importance in the band. Such as the colour red would suggest that the individual is a bold character, possibly the main singer, whereas the colour white represents purity and innocents. This would suggest that that individuals is quieter.

The colours of the bands clothes is also important to help them stand out within a location and therefore help them to be noticed and easily recognised. By characters wearing bright vibrant colours in a dark urban environment helps the band stand out and be the main focus which is the purpose of a music video.

GENERAL CONVENTION

In the majority of indie/ acoustic rock performance is used heavily instead of using a story. This is to show the bands stage presents and the bands energy, which is often portrayed through their music.

CAMERA WORK

Establishing shots are always used in a typical indie rock music video this is to set the scene and allow the audience to know what is going on. This shot also establishes the relationship the between the set and the location.

Generally there is a large use of close ups in these types of music videos, this is not only to show the importance of the character but also to allow the audience to develop an emotionally attachment to each character.

Occasionally hand- held shots are used to create a home video affect this has an example of this is in Ben Howards music video hand held shots are used to add to the excitement of the video.

CAMERA WORK

Long shots are used to show the audience who is in the shot and to fit as much action in as possible. This also helps the audience to understand what is going on.

Pan shots are used to follow characters around especially the main band members, this makes a shot far more interesting and creative which helps to capture the audiences eye.

Rule of thirds is used to make a shot more appealing, this is often used to show who is the main character.

EDITING

Action match is used to create a smooth flow between two or more pieces of footage this is to make the music video more entertaining and complex. Continuity editing is always used in indie rock music videos this is to present a chronological order which represents real time rather than the past of the future. Montage is another form of editing which is often used in this genre of music video, this involves a large collection of footage from the past or from the present to tell a political or personal story.

ACOUSTIC INDIE ROCK CONCLUSION After much research the main focus in all music videos

especially an indie rock videos, is the image which is portrayed to the audience.

After looking at the general conventions I am going to include some of the general conventions in my music video such as:

Close ups Editing- montage Pan shot Establishing shot Hand held shots

I am also going to use the typical convention of the urban dark locations against the contrast of bright vibrant clothing.