Media codes and narrative conventions - exam revision

yr 10

What are media codes?

elements that you can see on screen and hear in a narrative. They are technical, written and symbolic tools that convey meaning.

What does CAMELS stand for?

Camera, angles, mise en scene, editing, lighting, sound

What does COPMESS stand for?

causes and effect, opening/development/resolution, point of view, multiple storylines, establishment/development of character, setting, structure of time

What is included in the m.c (media code) camera?

Movement, shot size, angles and focus

What are some examples of movement in the m.c camera?

pan, track, zoom, tilt

What are some examples of shot size in the m.c camera?

extreme long, mid shot, long shot, close up

What are some examples of angles in the m.c camera?

low angle, high angle, eye level, PO

What are some examples of focus in the m.c camera?

foreground, midground, background

What does pan movement mean?

camera turns horizontally when mounted on tripod

What does tilt movement mean?

camera tilts up/down when on a tripod

What does zoom movement mean?

lens of a camera used to magnify an image

What does track movement mean?

camera follows a moving subject

what is an extreme long shot and its purpose?

a shot that frames the subject from a distance, focuses on its surroundings. used to show a large area and often used to set the scene or context

what is a long shot and its purpose?

a shot that is similar to an extreme long shot, but a bit closer. used to show the subject in relation to their environment

what is a mid shot and its purpose?

it frames the subject from the waist up and emphasises the subject while keeping their surroundings visible. used to focus the subject’s actions and expression while showing the background.

what is a close up shot and its purpose?

it fills the frame with a part of the subject, mostly a persons face. used to show emotions or important details

what is a low angle and its purpose?

frames the subject from a low camera height looking up at them. used to make the subject appear superior

what is a high angle and its purpose?

when the camera poionts down at the subject. used to create a feeling of inferiority (lower status)

what is an eye level angle and its purpose?

when the subject is at eye-level with the camera. used to mimic how we see people in real life

What does the m.c acting mean? what are some examples?

refers to the scripted and directed performance of an actor. examples are gestures, facial expressions, costuming

what does the m.c mise en scene mean? examples?

refers to everything within the frame. examples are props, colours, settings, costumes, makeup

what does the m.c editing mean? examples?

is an important contribution to storytelling and audience engagement. examples are cuts, jump cuts, montage, fade in, fade out

what does the m.c lighting mean? examples?

it is used to convey meaning in media products. examples are key light, hard light, soft light, backlight