The forms and conventions of a music video.

This is me trying to explain what a music video is to someone who has never seen or heard of the concept before. I completed in just over 200 words.

James Reay: A music video is a visual representation of a song released by a band/ musician to promote said song, which in today’s society is normally featured on an album. More often than not that people behind the music feature in the video in one way or another. In some video’s they are actors and in others they just perform. Additional cast members are usually present but they play the supporting role in the video. Narrative is sometimes key in a music video; the song may have a narrative to it and the video director wants to reproduce this story in a video format. The length of a music video is usually quite short (with a few high profile exceptions) so you only have a short space of time to display; what the band are like, their style of music and their financial situation. More often than not these features are easy; it is very rare that after seeing a video with its music, you fail to get these facts. If these facts aren’t gained the director has failed in his production because all of these things are essential for a bands promotional campaign for the song/ album. Videos are often aimed at the younger age of the population so they need to be able to fit with their life style.

After writting my own definition, I seeked out other definition for the same thing.

Google: A videotaped performance of a recorded popular song, usually accompanied by dancing and visual images interpreting the lyrics.

Wiki: A short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes.

Replay Records: Music videos are visual programs designed to accompany a song or other musical composition. These videos often include the performer and may or may not contain a plotline.