Lesson 2 – Media Language

Learning Outcomes Know that media language relates to the ways in which meaning is communicated. Understand how media language is used to communicate with the audience. Be able to analyse the use of media language in a moving image text.

R A I L I N G: the key concepts of media R epresentation A udience I nstitutions L anguage I deology N arrative G enre

Media Language Media language relates to the way in which media texts are constructed (‘pieced together’). Media language is used to communicate messages and meanings to an audience. Think of it as the text ‘speaking’ to the audience.

WATCH As you’re watching, I want you to write down your response. What do you think is happening? How does the clip make you feel?

Responses?

Every aspect of your responses comes from the use of MEDIA LANGUAGE The text has spoken to you! What aspects of the extract do you think shaped your response?

WATCH Number 1s – focus on the use of sound (close your eyes?) Number 2s – focus on the framing of the shots (for example, close-ups and long shots), the mise-en-scene (everything you see in the shot), the setting and the editing.

Everything the audience sees Everything the audience hears

The Sweeney trailer Analyse the use of media language in this trailer. Editing – very quick, fast-paced action. Action film. Grab the audiences attention. Characters – violent! Shown shooting guns. Tough. No messing around. Differences between banker/police. Settings – major city, expensive cars, robbery, bank, office, police station Framing of the shot – focus on the main characters. Music – created pace, suspene, dramatic action. Sound effects – matched the action of the editing. Lighting – bright = full of action. Intertitles

The Sweeney trailer Analyse the use of media language in this trailer. As well as media language, genre is also a major component of media forms; it helps to communicate to the audience what kind of text they are consuming. What generic conventions are present in the trailer? (( What are the features which tell you that it is an action film? ))

The Sweeney trailer

Sound Diegetic sound occurs within the world of the text. Non-diegetic sound does not occur within the world of the text and is added in post-production. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqQ8Y9Sjp7o How does this clip use both diegetic and non-diegetic sound to build tension?

Analyse, not describe Don’t just describe what we see/hear. Consider why the producer has used this technique. What impact does it have on the audience?

New key words Media Language Framing Genre Generic Conventions Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound

Learning Outcomes Know that media language relates to the ways in which meaning is communicated. Understand how media language is used to communicate with the audience. Be able to analyse the use of media language in a moving image text.