Basic Codes and Conventions: Mis En Scene

The elements of mis en scene normally depend on the genre and style of the music video.

Lighting

The lighting of a music video allows the audience to recognize what type of genre it is.

• Examples include how Country music videos are normally lighter whereas grunge style is darker

The angle and direction of light can also determine the genre as well as the time of day.

• Can be used to show a passage of time

The lighting of a music video can change to depict different scenes connected to the lyrics

Props

Props are used to link the lyrics of the song to visuals and to help tell the story in the narrative

• Add to the entertainment value and can be used in a fun and imaginative way

Costume

Costumes are used to represent certain characters in different ways

• Different artists wear different clothes to represent what they are portraying in the video

Location

The location often represents the genre and shows where the artist is, FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SONG

• Locations on the beach, in a car, or a party are reflective of the Dance Pop Genre 

•  Locations in a house, on a street, or in a warehouse are reflective of Grime/Hip Hop/Rap genres 

Color 

Color can affect us psychologically and physically, often without us being aware, and can be used as a strong device in the video.

• Desaturating a scene can create a depressed and isolated mood
• Over Lighting and the use of bright, happy colors can create a happy and uplifting mood
• Red is known to raise blood pressure
• Blue offers a calming effect
• Teal/Orange reflects nostalgia
• Black-White color scheme is reflective of the "film noir" time period