music video presentation

1. CODES AND
CONVENTIONS FOR
ROCK

2. Kings Of Leon - Sex on Fire
SETTING & LIGHTING
Most rock music videos are filmed in studios, cities, or any outdoor areas,
to symbolise that dark genre; most settings are kept simple, because
bands tend to focus on their performance more.
Their videos are mostly low key lighting, as most of their themes are quite
dark, therefore this is symbolising it. There is always a spotlight on the
band members, to emphasise their appearance.

3. The Killers - Mr. Brightside
PERFORMANCE BASED
Most rock videos are predominantly performance based, in
order to focus on the main artist. It is very common for rock
bands to include live performances, as they are normally
on tour, therefore showing actual footage from it- this then
involves the audience/fans more- for example the video on
the right. It is also popular to include a narrative, which is
cut in between the performance to give the music video
more meaning, as it would match the lyrics for example the
video on the top.
You Me At Six - Room To Breathe

4. COSTUME & PROPS
Most of their costumes are quite dark and
rebellious outfits e.g. leather jackets to
symbolise their bad persona. The props
that are mostly used would be their
instruments e.g. guitars and drums. Their
instruments are used for their
performance based clips, showing their
raw passion for music through the way
they play.
You Me At Six - Cold Night

5. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
The lead singer always has an expressive face, showing that they are incredibly passionate
about their music. On the other hand, some expressions tend to be minimal, being quite
serious at times, as they do not associate something ‘happy’ with their rebellious- sometimes
aggressive, music.

6. Franz Ferdinand - Bullet
EDITING & CAMERA MOVEMENTS
Most rock music videos are quite fast paced edited, to match the beat of the song. Effects
are normally added over the top of the video to create an old or worn out effect. The black
and white effect is very popular amongst the rock genre, as it symbolises old fashion, and
what rock was like back in the days. There are mostly high angle shots used to establish the
setting of the video, along with constant close-up shots of both members of band and their
instruments. Low angle shots are used to capture the lead singers and allowing them to
dominate the screens. Mid shots are also used to show detailed movements of people in the
video e.g. drumming. Also long shots are used to capture an overall image of the narrative
of the video.

7. CODES & CONVENTIONS
FOR ROCK
SUMMARY
• Predominantly performance based
• Mostly low key lighting
• There is always a spotlight on the band members
• Quite fast pace editing, to match the beat of the song
• Dark, rebellious outfits e.g. leather jackets
• Always a dark setting e.g. in the streets or an industrial studio
• The lead singer always has an expressive face- passionate
• Always an energetic performance
• High angle shots are used to establish the setting of the video
• Constant close-up shots of both members of band and their instruments
• Group shots to show the band together
• Low angle shots to capture the lead singers and allowing them to dominate the screens
• Mid shots are used to show detailed movements of people in the video e.g. drumming
• Long shots are used to capture an overall image of the narrative of the video