Media Codes and Conventions Quiz

Media Codes and Conventions

• Media codes and conventions are fundamental building blocks within media
• All media messages are constructed using a set of codes and conventions
• Media codes are technical, written, and symbolic tools used to create meaning in media products.
• Media conventions are generally accepted rules for constructing media products. These rules can be categorized as form, story and genre conventions.

Symbolic Codes

• These codes reveal underlying meanings beneath the surface of a media product
• Symbolic codes represent reality, rather than showing it directly
• Examples of symbolic codes include setting, mise-en-scene, acting, and color

Setting

• Setting encompasses time, location, and additional factors like weather, and the behaviour of people within it
• It can be a small place like a room, or a large place like a city
• Setting provides crucial context, understanding and answers for an audience.

Mise-en-Scene

• Refers to the totality of visual elements within a frame.
• Elements can include costume, makeup, lighting, space and shot selection.
• Blocking- placement and movement of actors on set
• The look and style of a scene reflects the overall mood and atmosphere

Acting

• Acting is how actors portray characters in a media product
• Acting contributes to the development of the character and helps create the narrative.
• It encompasses visual elements such as appearance, gestures, and facial expression and auditory elements such as expression, and audio effects
• The actor's portrayal impacts the narrative through facial expression, and body movements, vocal qualities, and their overall body language

Color

• Color is a significant code used to establish mood and convey meaning
• The use of contrasting colors and symbolism plays a key role in a media narrative
• Colors carry associated meanings, some examples include:
  • Warm tones- (e.g., gold) often used for Westerns,
  • Cool tones- (e.g., grey) often associated with colder environments
• Color choices influence audience interpretation and perception

Technical Codes

• Technical codes are specific to a given form of media
• These codes hold definite meanings and connotations within a specific medium
• Technical codes, do not exist outside of that medium
• Examples of technical codes include camera work, editing, audio, lighting, visual composition, and special effects

Camera Work

• Refers to how the camera is operated, positioned, and moved to achieve specific effects.
• Camera angles and movement, along with lens choices and their framing can help tell a story.
• Factors involved in camera work include- angles, pans, movement, frames and lens choices

Editing

• Arranging images and sounds to create a natural illusion of progression in a narrative
• Includes graphic edits, rhythmic edits, spatial edits, and temporal edits

Audio/sound

• Sound provides crucial added emotional depth to enhance realism in a film
• It can include diegetic and nondiegetic elements

Special Effects

• Refers to visual illusions and tricks used in media products (e.g., visual effects or CGI) to simulate events
• Special effects are applied to enhance specific aspects of the scene.

Written Codes

• Written forms- such as written language, are essential elements of a media product
• Examples include typography which communicate a variety of meanings through fonts and design
• Typography establishes emphasis through font size and type

Conventions

• Conventions are established ways of using codes expected by an audience
• The conventions can include form conventions, story conventions, and genre conventions

Form Conventions

• Refers to the typical arrangement of codes in a media product
• The beginning arrangement conveys expectations to the audience

Story Conventions

• Common narrative structures in media products such as cause and effect and character construction.

Genre Conventions

• Conventions typical of a particular type of genre- such as using tropes or settings that have become closely linked with the expectations of the audience.