media codes and conventions

media codes

CAMELS

Camera

Acting

Mis-en-scene

Editing

Lighting

Sound

what is a code?

Signs used to communicate meaning between producers and audiences

what are the three types of codes?

Technical, written, symbolic

Technical Code Definition

technical tools used to construct meaning

Written Code Definition

Writing itself is a system of signs

Symbolic Code Definition

objects, settings, colours and actions that communicate meaning

Camera

Shot size, Movement, Angle, Focus

Acting

Gesture, Movement, Facial Expression, Voice

Mis en Scene

Costume/Makeup, Props, Set Design, Colour

Editing

Arrangement of shots, manipulating Time, Transitions, Colour Grading, Special Effects, Graphics

Lighting

use of light and shadow, source, Quality, Direction, Temperature, Intensity

Sound

Diegetic, Non-diegetic. Includes dialogue, music, sound effects.

What is Diegetic Sound?

All sounds that can be heard in the narrative world

What is Non-diegetic Sound?

Any sound that the audience can hear, but the characters in the narrative world cannot.

Media Conventions

COPMESS

Cause and effect

Opening/resolution

Point of view

Multiple storylines

Establishment/ development of characters

Structure of time

Setting

Cause and effect

Narratives are structured by chains of events (cause and effect)
Character actions trigger consequences and drive the story forward

Opening/resolution

opening: Establishes characters, setting, tone, and conflict

Resolution: Climax and resolution of main conflict

Dramatic question is answered

Characters experience change or resolution

Point of view

Audience aligned with a character’s perspective

achieved using CAMELS

Multiple storylines

Films often include parallel, interconnected, or contrasting storylines

Examples: External vs internal conflict, Romantic subplot, mystery arc, etc.

Interwoven narratives enhance complexity and character development

Can involve:

Cross-cutting

Parallel editing

Non-linear structures

Establish and development of characters

Introduced in the narrative opening

Development includes character arc and transformation

Setting

Physical space and time in which narrative unfolds

Structuring of Time

Time is manipulated to support the narrative flow

Can include:

Linear narrative

Non-linear narrative

Time editing creates rhythm, tension, emotion, and meaning

what is a media convention

are the established, repeated ways codes are put together and organised within a specific form or genre

what do media conventions include

-genre convention (horror uses suspense and fear)

-narrative structure (beginning, middle, end)

-character types (hero, villain, mentor)

-point of view (First person ect)