Analysis of ‘Always where I need to be – The Kooks’

Conventions

Camerawork Conventions

There are many close-ups at the instruments the band members are playing. On the guitars the strumming pattern is in sync with the music.

Most of the camerawork is based around the lead singer of the band.

There are low angled shots to show the importance of the lead singer.

If the music is fast and upbeat, like this song, quick zooms are used.

The camera in music videos such as this one pans around the lead singer.

There are master shots to show all of the band members together.

Editing Conventions

Focus is used to contrast to things for the audience to look at. For example in this video the first shot focuses on the setting outside the window then the instrument.

Shot reverse shot is used in relation to the speed of the music. In this video the S/RS’s are fast and frequent as the tempo of the music is upbeat.

Cutting in music videos is used to usually cut away from the band playing the song to a different narrative.

Eye line matches are used to show the perspective of the lead singer, which has the effect that the audience are stepping into perspective of the lead singer.

All the different shots are edited to make it look like they are actually playing the song. Timing of shots in relation to the music is key.

Sound Conventions

The sound is meant to be diegetic when the band are playing the song. (Although its edited

in afterwards, it’s still meant to give the impression to the audience the band are playing

the song).

When the scene cuts away to the narrative of the story the sound of the music is intended

to be Non-diegetic.

The music sort of becomes a sound motif to the narrative. For example in this video the

music is upbeat and fast when they are having fun at the fair and at the beach.

Mise-en-scene conventions

Camerawork is strongly related to the Mise-en-Scene of a music video for example the Close-up along the floor shows the lead singers Indie style boots as a part of his costume.

The costume the band members are wearing in general are very indie related such as the glam fluffy parker coat the lead singer wears and the black hat the lead guitarist wears. The tight jeans also contribute.

The costume is a key element of promoting the genre of music as the audience usually focus on what they are wearing when the first see the video.

The costume sets the overall theme of the music video and all the costumes are different but are the same sort of style in relation to the genre.

The setting in indie/rock videos are usually run down and a bit scruffy. In this video the setting appears to be a rundown apartment.

The setting is usually show by the master shot with the band, or the establishing shot of the setting.