Media Codes and Convention in Media Info

Media codes and conventions are the rules, techniques, and elements used by creators to communicate meaning and engage audiences in films, television, print, and digital media. Codes refer to signs and symbols—such as camera angles, lighting, or sound—that help convey ideas, while conventions are the commonly accepted ways these codes are organized within a genre or format. Together, they guide how audiences understand and interpret media messages.

1. Media Codes and Conventions: Building Blocks of Communication

2. Introduction: The Power of Signs and Symbols How many signs and symbols can you identify in one minute? Exercise: 56 signs and symbols shown Question: How many did you identify? Purpose: To introduce the concept of media codes and conventions

3. What are Media Codes and Conventions? Codes: Systems of signs that create meaning when combined Conventions: Accepted ways of using media codes Think of them as building blocks of all media around us Question: Can you think of any examples of codes or conventions you've seen in media?

4. Types of Media Codes 1. Symbolic Codes 2. Technical Codes 3. Written Codes Question: Which type of code do you think is most important in movies? Why?

5. Symbolic Codes: Language of Symbols Include language, dress, actions of characters Iconic symbols easily understood Example: Red rose symbolizing romance Colors have cultural and strong connotations Example: White representing purity

6. Symbolic Codes: Setting and Mise-en-scène Setting: Time and place of the narrative Can be as vast as a galaxy or as small as a room Mise-en-scène: Everything within the frame or on stage Includes set design, costume, and props Question: How do these elements contribute to storytelling?

7. Symbolic Codes: Acting Actors portray characters in media products Contribute to character development Elements of acting: Facial expressions Body language Vocal qualities Movement Body contact

8. Technical Codes: Camera Work Refers to how the camera is operated, positioned, and moved Creates specific effects Includes: Camera angles Shot types Camera movements Question: How can different camera angles affect how we perceive a scene?

9. Technical Codes: Editing Process of choosing, manipulating, and arranging images and sound Crucial for creating narrative flow and pacing Techniques include: Cuts Transitions Montages How does editing impact your viewing experience?

10. Technical Codes: Audio Expressive or naturalistic use of sound Three aspects: 1. Dialogue 2. Sound effects 3. Music Question: How does audio enhance visual storytelling?

11. Technical Codes: Lighting Manipulation of natural or artificial light Used to selectively highlight specific elements of a scene Can create mood, atmosphere, and direct audience attention Types: High-key, low-key, natural, artificial

12. Written Codes: The Power of Words Formal written language used in media products Includes: 1. Spoken language (dialogue, song lyrics) 2. Printed language (text visible within the frame) How it's presented matters (font, style, placement) Question: How do subtitles or on-screen text impact your viewing experience?

13. Conventions: Audience Expectations Accepted ways of using media codes Closely connected to audience expectations Example: Title at the beginning, credits at the end of a film How do conventions help you understand different types of media?

14. Story Conventions Common narrative structures and understandings Examples include: Narrative structures Cause and effect Character construction Point of view Question: Can you identify a common story structure in your favorite movies or books?

15. Genre Conventions Common use of images, characters, settings, or themes in a particular type of medium Can be formal or thematic Help audiences quickly identify and understand the type of story Examples: Western, Romance, Sci-Fi, Horror

16. Importance of Media Codes and Conventions Create shared understanding between creators and audience Allow for efficient communication of ideas Provide framework for creativity and innovation Enable analysis and critique of media products

17. Analyzing Media Using Codes and Conventions Identify the codes used (symbolic, technical, written) Recognize conventions employed Consider how they work together to create meaning Reflect on their impact on the audience Question: How might understanding codes and conventions change how you view media?

18. Breaking Conventions Artists sometimes intentionally break conventions Can create surprise, shock, or new meanings Requires understanding of existing conventions Examples: Experimental films, avant-garde art How can breaking conventions lead to innovation in media?

19. Cultural Context of Codes and Conventions Codes and conventions can vary across cultures What's understood in one culture may be misinterpreted in another Important for global media consumption and creation Question: Can you think of any cultural differences in media conventions?

20. Applying Your Knowledge Start noticing codes and conventions in media you consume Analyze how they contribute to the overall message Consider how you might use them in your own media creation Discuss with others to gain different perspectives

21. Conclusion: The Building Blocks of Media Literacy Media codes and conventions are essential tools for understanding and creating media They shape how we perceive and interpret messages Understanding them enhances our media literacy Question: How will you apply this knowledge to your media consumption and creation?