Codes and conventions media presentation

By Yousma Khan

1. Codes and Conventions Made By: Yousma Khan

2. What is a film opening sequence? - A film opening sequence is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, by making use of sound and conceptual visuals. -The opening sequence of a film basically captures the entire theme of the story and its purpose is to entice the audience to carry on watching the film. Elements of an opening sequence: Production house title 9.Storyboard Opening sequence/establishing shots 10.Soundtracks 2-3 shots sequence 11.Dialogues Title of the film Credits List of props List of characters Screenplay

3. What are codes and conventions? Codes : Are the technical, written and symbolic tools used to construct or suggest meaning in media forms and products. Media codes include the use of camera, acting, setting, mise en scene, editing, lighting, sound, special effects, typography, color, visual composition, text and graphics. Conventions : Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something. They are the rules of informing meaning in media products including story principles, form and structure, generic structures, character and story arcs, cause and effect, point of view, the structuring of time, elements of page layout, paper stock for print, titles and credits sequences, hyperlinking and mounting and framing of images.

4. SYMBOLIC CODES Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, a character's actions show you how the character is feeling. -Color: All colors have connotations depending on their context e.g. white symbolizes good, and black is often used for evil. E.g. of film, Avatar. -Clothing: Assists in creating characters and era. -Setting: Creates a sense of time and place. -Objects/Props: Used to further the plot or as a symbol for something. TECHNOLOGICAL CODES Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text, for example the camera work in a film.

5. 1.Flashback (Convention) Is the scene of a film that describes or shows something that has happened in the past. For example; -War Dogs - Deadpool

6. 2.Planning of establishing shots(code) This helps notify the audience where the film is taking place and helps set the scene in a proper manner. For example; -Harry Potter -Star wars iv: a new hope

7. 3.Narration Is a technique which helps give the background information relating to what has been happening or who the characters are in the film. It is an effective way of getting the audience involved in the film. For example; -Matilda -Snow white and the huntsman: Winter’s War

8. 4.Action scene(convention) Is a fast paced opening scene in the film attracting the audience right from the start in order to create interest for them, making them want to carry on watching the film. Building an interesting element in the film helps create suspense for the audience. An action scene in an opening sequence also helps notify the audience about the genre of the film. For example; -Doctor Strange 6 -The Expendables 2

9. 5.Chase Scene(convention) A chase scene is quite similar to the action scene, as this also catches the attention of the audience, creating a suspense element. This scene helps build a suspense element for the audience to continue watching the film. For example; -Baby Driver -Bullitt

10. 6.Production logos(code) A production logo is used by movie studios and television production companies to brand what they produce and to determine the production company as well as the distributors of the film or TV show. For example;

11. 7.Title Sequence(code) They are designed to tell the audience the names of the people and the organizations involved with the making of the film. For e.g Batman : The Dark Knight rises.

12. 8.Animation(convention) Animations involve individual drawings, paintings, or illustrations which are photographed frame by frame(stop-frame photography).This technique is used to show the start of a film in a creative way and visibly show the difference between the film itself and the opening sequence. For example; -Enchanted -Mary Poppins (2019)

13. 9.Compilation of photographs(convention) This technique makes use of photographs to portray the theme of the film to the audience. For example; - Skyfall -Memento

14. 10.Narrative Content(convention) This involves the whens, wheres and whos of a film opening sequence. When-when did the event take place? Where-the location of the scene Who-who were the characters in the scene?

15. Example of narrative content

16. 11.Soundtrack(code) This involves the use of tone, volume, tempo, and pitch in a film opening sequence. A soundtrack helps develop the theme of a film. For example; -Raging Bull -The Sound of Music

17. 12.Enigma(code) Enigma codes are used to help create curiosity in the minds of the audience. This code helps keep the interest of the audience, enticing them to continue watching the film. This helps maintain the attention of the audience right from the start of the film. For example; -Woman in Black -Dead Silence