RESEARCH: Carol Vernallis – Editing And Camera Work In Music Videos

Carol Vernallis studied editing and camera work within music videos. Some of the observations she found were that edits come much more frequently and the editing has a rhythmic basis closely connected to the song; “Editing to the beat”.

Some of the main ideas Vernallis found were that the usual rules of continuity editing, were often broken within music videos in order to draw attention to what is being screened. This may also be used as a way to keep the audience engaged and interested.

·        The usual rules of continuity such as match cuts on action, are broken within a music video. Music videos have no continuity issues, therefore Continuity ideas such as costume, location and hairstyle can all be broken.

·        Another idea she found were that edits were really obvious in order to engage the audience, such as jump cuts, and wipes.

·        In addition, a base track is often used in order to give the video some structure and the camera may often move in time with the music.

Below are some examples of Carol Vernallis’ ideas portrayed throughout the music video, “Just Jack – Starz In Their Eyes” Edits include, jump cuts, obvious edits; including continuous circle and mirror edits.