Media and Information Languages

• Media and Information Languages refer to how media and information are presented, structured, and interpreted
• These languages use symbols, sounds, visuals, and text to communicate messages

Media Text

• A media text is any piece of communication created and distributed through media channels designed to convey messages, inform, entertain, or persuade
• Examples of media texts:
• Print: Newspapers, magazines, posters, brochures
• Broadcast: Television shows, radio programs, advertisements
• Digital: Social media posts, websites, blogs, online videos
• Outdoor: Billboards, banners, transit advertisements
• Multimedia: Films, animations, video games

Media Language

• Media language refers to how media texts communicate meaning using codes, conventions, and techniques
• It includes visuals, sounds, colors, symbols, and written or spoken language

Types of Media Languages

• Media languages include visual, aural (auditory), written, verbal, and non-verbal language
• Visual language:
• Generates effects and meanings through images, colors, symbols, gestures, and camera angles
• A red traffic light symbolizes "stop"
• A close-up shot in a movie emphasizes emotions
• Aural (Auditory) Language:
• Uses sounds, music, and audio elements to create mood and meaning, constructing the environment
• Diegetic sounds exist within the film or media text and can be heard by the characters
• Dialogue, footsteps, gunshots or environmental sounds
• Non-diegetic sounds that do not exist within the story world and cannot be heard by the characters
• Background music, narration or voiceovers
• Written Language:
• Text-based communication including headlines, captions, slogans, and articles
• A newspaper headline summarizes a key event
• Verbal Language:
• Spoken communications like dialogue, speeches, and voiceovers
• A news anchor reading the headlines
• Non-Verbal Language:
• Uses body language, facial expressions, gestures, and posture
• A thumbs-up sign means approval

Codes and Conventions

• Codes are systems of signs used to communicate messages

Codes

• Technical Codes:
• How media is produced using camera angles, editing, lighting, and sound
• A low-angle shot makes a character look powerful
• Symbolic Codes:
• The use of objects, colors, settings, or body language to convey deeper meanings
• A black outfit in a movie may symbolize death
• Written Codes:
• The use of text, including captions, fonts, slogans, and speech
• Bold headlines in a newspaper grab attention

Conventions

• Conventions are the commonly accepted ways of presenting media texts
• Form Conventions:
• The structure and style of a media text
• An Instagram post includes a catchy caption
• Genre Conventions:
• The typical features of different media genres
• Horror movies often use eerie music and dark lighting
• Story Conventions:
• Common elements like character roles, conflict, and resolution
• A superhero movie usually has a hero and villain

Other Concepts

• Message:
• The content of media, which can be informative, persuasive, or educational
• Audience:
• The target viewers, listeners, or readers
• Producers:
• Individuals or organizations responsible for producing media content
• Other Stakeholders:
• Governments, businesses, advocacy groups, and regulatory influences

Camera Techniques in Media Production

• Camera techniques are essential in media and filmmaking to show how stories are told

Camera Shots

• Camera shots refer to how a subject is framed within a scene
• Extreme Wide Shot (EWS):
• A shot that captures a vast environment
• Used to establish a setting or show scale
• Wide Shot (WS) / Long Shot (LS):
• A shot that captures the entire subject from head to toe
• Shows a character's relationship with their surroundings
• Medium Shot (MS):
• Frames the subject from the waist up
• Commonly used in dialogues and interviews
• Medium Close-Up (MCU):
• Frames the subject from the chest up, highlighting facial expressions
• Frequently used in emotional scenes or news reports
• Close-Up (CU):
• A shot that focuses on the subject's face or a specific object
• Emphasizes emotions or important details
• Extreme Close-Up (ECU):
• A zoomed-in shot focusing on a very small detail (eyes, lips, hands, an object)
• Used to create dramatic emphasis or tension

Camera Angles

• Camera angles refer to the position from which a shot is taken
• Eye-Level Shot:
• Camera is positioned at the subject's eye level
• Creates a neutral and balanced perspective
• High-Angle Shot:
• Camera looks down on the subject from above
• Makes the subject appear smaller, weak, or vulnerable
• Low-Angle Shot:
• Camera looks up at the subject
• Makes the subject appear powerful, dominant, or heroic
• Overhead Shot (Bird's Eye View):
• Camera is directly above the subject, looking straight down
• Gives a unique perspective
• Dutch Angle / Tilted Shot:
• Camera is tilted to one side
• Creates a feeling of unease, tension, or instability
• Worm's Eye View:
• A very low-angle shot taken from the ground looking up at the subject
• Subjects look even taller and more imposing

Camera Movements

• Camera movements add dynamism, emotion, and depth
• Pan:
• The camera rotates left or right while staying in place
• Follows a subject moving horizontally
• Tilt:
• The camera moves up or down while staying in place
• Introduces a tall subject and creates a dramatic reveal
• Dolly / Tracking Shot:
• The camera moves forward or backward
• Moves with a subject for smooth motion
• Truck / Side Tracking:
• The camera moves sideways on a track
• Keeps the action dynamic without cutting
• Zoom:
• The camera lens zooms in or out without physically moving
• Focuses on a subject's details if zooming in or reveals more of the scene if zooming out
• Pedestal:
• The entire camera moves vertically up or down while keeping its angle the same
• Adjusts height to match a subject's position
• Roll Movement:
• The camera rotates around its central axis, causing the image to tilt sideways
• Creates a spinning effect
• Handheld:
• The camera is held directly by the operator without a stabilizer or tripod
• Creates a natural, shaky, or immersive effect

Common Genres of Photography

• Portrait Photography:
• Captures a person's personality and emotions
• Can be formal or candid
• Landscape Photography:
• Captures natural scenery such as mountains
• Street Photography:
• Captures everyday life in public places
• Wildlife Photography:
• Focuses on animals in their natural habitat
• Requires patience and fast shutter speeds
• Sports Photography:
• Captures fast-moving sports action
• Fashion Photography:
• Showcases clothing, accessories, and models
• Documentary Photography:
• Tells a real-life story through images using journalism and social issues
• Food Photography:
• Showcases food for restaurants, blogs, and ads using lighting and styling
• Levitation Photography:
• Creates the illusion of subjects floating or flying in mid-air through camera tricks
• Reflection Photography:
• Captures images reflected on surfaces like water
• Used to create symmetry, illusions, or artistic perspectives