Media conventions

Media conventions

Rules or generally accepted by audiences of constructing meaning or organising media products. 

COPMESS

Cause & Effect, Opening, development and resolution, Point of view, Multiple storylines, Establishment and development of characters, Setting, Structuring of time

Cause and Effect

Connect events in a narrative, shaping character actions and audience engagement. A character’s traits influence their decisions, keeping the story dynamic and engaging.

Opening, development and resolution

3 stages 1. The opening introduces characters, setting, and themes, with an event triggering cause and effect.

2. The development builds conflict and character growth through rising action.

3.The resolution ties up storylines, answering the dramatic question and showing character transformation, often at the climax.

Point of view

Helps the audience connect and identify with characters, shaped by production elements

Multiple storylines

Films often feature multiple storylines, intertwining external and internal conflicts. These narratives deepen character development

Establishment and development of characters

Characters shape narratives by triggering and reacting to events.

Their traits and relationships are developed using media codes like camera work, acting, and sound, with motivations set early in the story.

Setting

Where the story takes place, shaping events and character motivations. Films may have multiple settings, sometimes holding deeper symbolic meaning.

Structuring of time

Films manipulate time to enhance storytelling, using techniques like montage, slow motion, flashbacks, and jump cuts to shape narrative flow.