media Unit 2 AOS 1

Types of Codes

Symbolic Codes – These are understood in real life and outside media.

Examples:

• Colour (sets mood)

• Acting (facial expressions & body language)

• Mise en Scene (everything in the frame: set, costume, props, lighting)

Technical Codes – Unique to media and shape how we interpret films/photos.

Examples:

• Lighting (highlights elements, sets tone)

• Audio (dialogue, sound effects, music—can be part of the scene or added later)

• Camera (angles, movement, framing—impacts storytelling)

• Editing (fast or slow, dramatic)

Types of Conventions

Form Conventions – The expected structure of media.

Examples:

• Film title at the start, credits at the end

• Newspapers: masthead + big news on the front

• Video games: tutorial at the beginning

Story (Narrative) Conventions – Common storytelling techniques.

Examples:

• Structure – 3-act format (beginning, middle, end)

• Characters – React to and drive events, shaped by camera, acting, lighting, etc.

• Setting – Time, place, environment influencing the story

Genre Conventions – Expected themes and elements in specific genres.

Examples:

• Horror films = jump scares & eerie music

• Sitcoms = laugh tracks & recurring characters

Difference between historical and cultural context

Historical context refers to when a story is set and the major events or social conditions of that time. It influences the plot, themes, and characters by showing how people lived, what they feared, or what they hoped for.

Example: War-themed movies in the 1930s–1950s reflected global conflict and fear of invasion.

Cultural context refers to the beliefs, traditions, and customs of a specific group or place. Shapes how characters behave, how communities interact, and what values are most important.

Example: Black Panther showcases African traditions, community pride, and debates about global outreach.

Impact on Consumption

Media is now watched on phones, tablets, and streaming apps like Netflix, so people can choose when and where to watch. Creators adapt by making content easier to binge, enjoy on-the-go, and interact with across multiple screens.

Impact on Production

Media creators carefully design content to keep audiences interested, using new platforms like streaming services, video games, and social media. They often add cliffhangers, player choices, and connected stories across different media to make the experience more exciting and engaging.

Impact on Distribution

Media companies use platforms like Netflix and social media to deliver content where audiences spend the most time. They also use data to recommend shows people will enjoy and keep viewers coming back for more.

Impact on Construction

Media creators shape their stories based on what audiences like, using feedback to change things like characters or plot. They also connect with fans through social media and fan communities to make the experience more exciting and engaging.

Wes Anderson (codes and conventions related to poison)

Wes Anderson is known for his unique filmmaking style, using colourful visuals, symmetrical shots, and quirky characters to tell emotional and humorous stories. His films often feel nostalgic and whimsical, making them easily recognisable and engaging for audiences.

🛠 Technical Code – Camera framing and movement: Anderson uses precise camera placement and slow, deliberate pans to control the rhythm and emphasize character isolation or tension.

🎨 Symbolic Code – Colour: The use of muted tones and stark lighting reflects emotional restraint and highlights key symbolic moments (like fear, suspicion, or detachment).

🎬 Form Convention – Title at the beginning, credits at the end: Like most short films, Poison follows this expected media structure, reinforcing its identity as a polished cinematic piece.

Audience engagement (type of engagement and impact on audience)

Audiences engage with stories in different ways—by thinking, feeling, reacting, and even participating in the media. This engagement helps shape how stories are made and shared, making them more meaningful and personal.

🧠 Cognitive Engagement: Thinking deeply about the story, like analysing characters or themes.

❤ Emotional Engagement: Feeling connected—happy, sad, scared, or empathetic.

🤸‍♂ Behavioral Engagement: Physically reacting, like laughing, crying, or talking about it.

🗣 Social Engagement: Discussing the story with others in person or online.

🎮 Interactive Engagement: Participating in the story, such as playing a game or making choices in an interactive format.

🤔 Reflective Engagement: Thinking about how the story relates to your own life, beliefs, or experiences.

Style - Key Elements (what is is?/ways to recognize and slight examples of Anderson)

Style is the distinctive look or tone of a film that sets it apart—Wes Anderson’s is easy to spot through symmetrical framing, pastel colour palettes, and quirky, composed characters. You’ll often see slow zooms, flat camera angles, and neat title cards that make his movies instantly recognizable.

Conventions of short film?

Short films typically run under 30 minutes and use concise storytelling, with minimal titles and credits to quickly set the tone. Their structure includes a fast-paced setup, sharp conflict development, and a brief yet meaningful resolution—often leaving space for interpretation or surprise.

Codes and conventions of poison

🎧 Sound Codes Sound builds atmosphere and tension—like crickets at night or the ‘click’ of headlights turning off. These ambient sounds not only suggest isolation but also highlight emotional beats, like the quiet before a reveal or the suspense of waiting.

🎭 Acting Codes The actor (Benedict Cumberbatch) shows emotion through subtle movements—eye flickers, facial tension, sweating, and powerful dialogue. These physical cues help communicate fear and stress, giving the audience insight into the character’s inner state without dramatic action.

🎬 Form/Narrative Conventions The short film follows a 3-act structure, uses minimal locations, and includes opening titles and narration. These choices help create a complete, compelling story within limited screen time, often relying on visual and audio cues to replace longer explanations.