Andrew Goodwin's Theory -

Andrew Goodwin's 6 Features of Music Videos - 

Andrew Goodwin is the author of the book 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory'. In his book Goodwin identifies characteristics and features that can be found in music videos. 

1) Music Videos demonstrate genre characteristics.

• E.g. Boy/Girl band videos often contain a choreographed dance routine.

2) There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images.

• Either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting.

3) There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music.

• Either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting.

4) The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work.

• A visual style.

5) There is a frequent reference to notion of looking and a particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

• Screens within screens, mirrors, stages, etc.

6) There are often intertextual references.

• To films, tv programmes, other music videos, etc.

From Andrew Goodwin, Dancing in The Distraction Factory, 1992.