Andrew Goodwin 'Dancing In The Distraction Factory'

Andrew Goodwin 'Dancing In The Distraction Factory' 1992

Andrew Goodwin published a book in 1992, called 'Dancing In The Distraction Factory', which featured theories about the way music videos are constructed. Goodwin created codes and conventions for music videos, and explored what they have in common.

Key Features
1) Genre Characteristics
Goodwin believes that many videos include a demonstration of genre characteristics.
E.g. A dance routine is typical of a pop girl/boy band music video, as seen in Not Giving Up by The Saturdays.

2) Lyrics and Visuals
Goodwin believes that there is a relationship between the lyrics of a song and the visuals in the music video.
E.g. The narrative of the music video, is what the lyrics are explaining, as seen in Rude by MAGIC!.

3) Music Visuals
Goodwin believes that there typically is a relationship between the music and the visuals.
E.g A music video is often cut to the beat of the music, as seen in Glad You Came by The Wanted.

4) Record Label Expectations
'The record label which the artist is signed to tends to have certain demands. They often include the needs for lots of close ups.' - A.Goodwin
E.g When an artist's reputation and music videos becomes progressively more extreme and daring, as seen in Telephone ft Beyoncé by Lady Gaga.

5) Voyeurism
'There are frequent references to the notion of looking and the voyeuristic treatment of the female body' - A.Goodwin
E.g. As seen in, Booty ft Iggy Azalea by Jennifer Lopez.

6) Intertextual references
Goodwin believes that music videos often have references to other media in them.
E.g. Music videos can reference films, as seen in Fancy ft Charli XCX by Iggy Azalea, where the film Clueless is referenced.