Setting

Setting generally refers to the environment in which a media product is taking place e.g. a house, in the woods etc. It is quite an important aspect of film making and can make or break the product, depending on how fitting/well-made/well-chosen it is.

In terms of music videos, often the genre of the song is what decides on the setting. Sometimes even the lyrics of song can decide the setting, depending on how strong its narrative is.

Pop



 

This song by Bruno Mars is definitely a pop, upbeat song. The song is quite repetitive and catchy, the lyrics refer to the idea of a rich man and a player and so the video certainly fits with this idea since they are all in Vegas in lavish cars and hotels surrounded by girls. Generally we can say that Vegas is the setting for this video. I would say this does fit into conventions of pop videos as barely dressed girls are involved and there are fancy cars.

 

Rock/Metal

 

 

The conventions of this genre of music tends to be the band playing in a gloomy warehouse/somewhere derelict. There tends to be focus on the band and a lot of slow motion. Mainly, in terms of setting, everything tends to be gloomy and grimy.

 

I would say that genre can influence the setting of a video, but perhaps not as much as the lyrics of the song. Often the lyrics can lead the narrative. Setting is hugely important in creating mise en scene as creating a setting can lead to a completely different atmosphere/lighting etc. If a song was sad but the setting lead to an upbeat, light mise en scene, this may confuse the viewer. If the song is sad and the setting is a dark place, this is going to create a better understanding for the viewer.