Carol Vernallis - Functions and meanings of music in editing

"Quick editing on the beat":

• Every cut or edit in a music video needs to be in sync with the music - look out for clear examples
• There is a 'rhythmic' basis closely connected to the song

Editing:

• "Edits in music videos come far more frequently than in film"
• "Music video editing bears a far greater responsibilty for many elements than does classic Hollywood film editing"
• There are lots of very short, quick edits in music videos. These build up a montage and often tell the story of the video (progress the narrative)

Balance:

• "The editing in music video works hard to ensure that no single element (the narrative, the setting, the performance, the star, the lyrics and the song) gains the upper hand"
• When I come to creating my own music video, I must focus on creating a balance between my images and the song itself
• The video cannot distract from the song but must also grab the audiences attention

Dolly shot:
"Most music videos make such extensive use of the dolly that a static shot seems anamalous. The dolly shot keeps the video moving; it starts almost invariably as soon as the video begins, and only ceases at the end. It provides a simple way for a music video to catch and sustain a song's momentum".

Low angle shots:
"Low angle ahots are used more extensively in music videos, partly becasue they reproduce relations among the audience, performer and stage. Such shots confer authority upon performers and assert their sexual charisma, often crudely, by highlighting the erogenous zones of performers. High angle shots in music video, as in film, give the viewers a sense of power and mobility".