Colours

When analysing the use of colour, you should look at the following elements and analyse the meaning the colour creates using its connotations:

• Colour of clothing

• What colour lights are used

• What filter effects have been used 

• Colour of scenery 

• Prop/object colours

What some colours convey :

• warmer colours – pinks and golds – are more likely to be used to create romantic or pleasurable ambiance

• cooler colours – blues and greys – are more appropriate for more sombre moods

• red – a hot colour – tends to create a harsh effect

• green – a cool colour – is more associated with the freshness of spring, unless it is a sickly green

Filters

• Filter effects are added to media texts (Film & TV) during post production. 

• They are a kind of ‘mask’ which changes the whole look and feel of the TV show.

• Different filters can be used to highlight key emotions and moods in individual scenes or they can be used  throughout the entire series.

• Most police (particularly British) dramas use blue or sepia filters to enhance the mood.