I have chosen to research and produce my own music video
within the Alternative Genre. In order
to begin my journey, I have decided to research the conventions of this genre
focusing on the mise-en-scene.
Camera
The camera
tends to follow the artist.
-Goodwin
argues that music videos present 'star image' and multiple close-ups of the
artist shows the artists 'star' quality.
The most
conventional shots are close-ups and mid shot, these allow the audience to see
the emotions of the characters, often linked to the lyrics or just simply the
mood portrayed in the video.
Non-narrative
music videos usually show the artist playing the song featuring close-ups of
instruments or/and the artist emotionally lip syncing.
Long/establishing
shots and medium shots are used, which give more detail or background story for
the audience.

Setting
Alternative
artists commonly feature places that can be accessed easily, typically public
places. However, these public areas can also and may be quite secluded. These
types of settings create a sense of mystery, as the audience are not yet
familiar with the character and will gain some knowledge from the choice of
location.
Sound
Sound is
very important, especially for a non-narrative indie music video. For example,
when the audience are presented a 'live' performance from the artists. A music
video that adopts a story-line, it may contain diegetic sounds that create a
link between the narrative and the track. Diegetic sounds are mainly heard at
the beginning, before the vocals. It helps establish the setting and atmosphere
of the music video/narrative.
Lighting
Natural and
Low-Key lighting are the two common types of lighting that is mostly associated
with music videos within this genre which allows for scenes to take place in
locations such as clubs, alleyways, dark rooms for example.
Although
High-Key lighting is sometimes used when the convention is being challenged.

Props
Props are
commonly used in Alternative Rock Videos, due to the fact that normally the
band’s music includes: Guitars, drum kits, microphones, speakers etc. Not only
this but they are also going to be surrounding props in the background of the
scenery depending on where the video takes place (For example if they were in a
venue there would be posters). This is done to create slight realism for the
music video.
Narrative
Most
Alternative Rock videos have some segment of their videos based on a story. The
narrative is normally based on messages such as bad pasts/pain/drugs/generally
negative issues, the narrative depicts both the bad and good side of a
situation.
-Many music festivals now have specialist stages for Alternative Rock acts and fans, and some festivals are even dedicated to the genre and other similar genres, such as Reading and Leeds Festival, The Green Man, and Truck Festival.-
-By understanding and researching the conventions of my chosen genre it gives me more knowledge in order to follow when deciding my narrative and influences such as lighting and the props I will use in order to follow these conventions, not only this but if my group and I decide to challenge any conventions I will be able to understand a great deal of information within that section in order to choose the perfect convention to challenge-
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