Codes and Conventions of the Pop Genre

Codes and Conventions of the Pop Genre

 

Mise En Scene

•Fun, party atmosphere

•Clubbing

•Sun, beach, holidays, boat fun

•Abroad/summer

Behaviour/Acting

•Flirting

•Jumping

•Dancing

•Drinking

 

 

Costume

Girls:

•Shades, bikinis

•High heels, short skirts – night out clothing

•Well-groomed hair

•Lots of make-up

Boys:

•Jeans and t shirts, not smart clothing

 

 

Cinematography

•Quick-paced shots

•Close ups

 

 

Other

•Dance Routines

•Bright colours

•Different locations

A typical pop video opens with a shot of the star in a foreign country, usually on a beach, around a pool or somewhere glamorous and holiday destination looking. A typical video shows the star and others having fun, mucking around and not being too serious, this is stereotypical of pop as it is meant to be fun and upbeat. The party atmosphere throughout the video also represents this. Clothes worn to support the stereotype include bikinis and shorts/skirts which obviously would be worn on holidays and also, for boys, jeans and t shirts rather than suits that may be worn in RnB videos to again represent the relaxed, fun atmosphere. As locations change it usually shows progression over a period of time, where the stars will have changed outfits into a more party time style look with heels. The quick paced shots show there is a lot going on and a lot of action which is stereotypical of a pop video. Other typical conventions include bright or florescent colours, lots of location changes and possibly a dance routine.