Film Codes and Conventions

Media products are designed to…

convey a point of view or specific meaning.

What is are codes and conventions?

Media codes and conventions are the building blocks of media, they generally have an agreed meaning or connotation to their audience which creators use to convey a point of view.

What are the types of code?

symbolic, written and technical

Codes have a range of different meanings dependant on…

audience and the purpose of the text, genre, society or situation they are being used in.

What are symbolic codes?

Symbolic codes have meanings that exist outside the world of the media product, and are understood in similar ways in the real life of the audience.

List some symbolic codes

setting, mise en scène, acting, colour

List some technical codes

camerawork, editing, audio, lighting

List some written codes

printed language, spoken language

List some conventions

form conventions, story conventions, genre conventions

Describe the CAMELS technique camera techniques

Framing size, angle, movement, etc, handheld, steadicam.

Describe the CAMELS technique acting

Facial expressions, speech patterns, body gestures, etc.

Describe the CAMELS technique mise-en-scene

All the elements within the frame that can be manipulated: costume, colour, set design and location.

Describe the CAMELS technique editing

The way shots are connected: extended (long) takes, rapid cuts, montages, juxtapositions

Describe the CAMELS technique lighting

Shadows, highlights, contrast,

Describe the CAMELS technique sound

Diegetic/non-diegetic sound, score, sound effects

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