Research: Carol Vernallis Theory

Carol Vernallis study is specifically based around 'media language' however, in the case of music videos this breaks down into the 3 elements of Mise-en-scene, Camerawork and Editing.

Vernallis' theory suggests that editing and camera especially are used in more detail in a music video in oppose to a film. Mise-en-scene is simply focused on 'what do we expect to see in the video of that genre?' For an example, in a R&B music video as a audience we may expect to see the focus on the main performer, back dancers, a possible love interest along with an acting scene which would portray the singer as a narrator as well.
Camerawork is in a similar context to mise-en-scene but is much more 'broad'. 'What camerawork do we expect to see in a music video?'
Carol Vernallis studied that we would expect to see a repetition of extreme close ups/ close ups and medium shots of the main performer. Camera movement such as panning and tracking shots as well as the artist making continuous eye contact with the camera to engage with the audience.
Lastly, editing is interpreted as the most significant in a music video.
The main elements that define editing for a music video are:
- Jump cuts
- Slow motion
- Special effect editing
- Use of base tracks
Vernallis' theory is that all of these elements are normally used collectively to produce a 'successful' video.
The use of base tracks is defined to be a 'master shot' which is frequently used to give the video structure. The following video Rihanna- Where Have You Been contains the elements of Carol Vernallis' theory.



As the video begins with a wide shot, at 0:04 we see the effect of slow motion as the artist is moving through the water.
At 0:22, the slow motion continues however the previous wide shot is then followed by an extreme close up of the artist's face, moving towards the camera.
Obvious use of editing appears at 0:28, where we see a split screen of the artist 'mirrored' as if she is looking at herself. Alongside the use of slow motion and special effects, jump cuts and base tracks are used continuously throughout which structures the video to match the tempo of the song.