What are Codes & Conventions?

There are many codes and conventions used within modern day music videos that allow an audience member to become more attached or admire the band associated with that product, for example the video. Conventions are aspects of the video that a viewer would expect to see in a video although they are not paramount and a necessity. An example of this can be alternative camera work. Breaking the rules of continuity editing, visible use of lighting and the importance of close ups. However, you then realize codes within music videos that are almost like rules but they are compulsory needed in the industry to make a music video. These codes can include; the use of performance, narrative, symbolic or thematic material and must be at least three minutes long.