Media Studies: An introduction to Media Language

KEY TERM DEFINITION QUIZ KEY TERM: Convention Definition: The expectations of a particular text KEY TERM: Code Definition: the way through which the media communicates with us KEY TERM: Semiotics KEY TERM: Signifier KEY TERM: Signified KEY TERM: Denotation KEY TERM: Connotation Definition: The study of SIGNS Definition: The sign: a word, colour or image (i.e. the colour BLUE) Definition: The concept/ meaning/ associations that sign refers to (i.e. BLUE is often associated with sadness or the sea) Definition: The surface meaning Definition: The deeper or hidden meanings and associations

 Know: what a film opening is  Understand: some of the different things a film opening is trying to achieve  Be able to: Write a film opening analysis remember to include key codes and signs By the end of the lesson I will:

Technical Codes rely on the technology of image and sound to create meaning. Symbolic Codes reflect the type of non-verbal communications we use in everyday life Written Codes rely on written communication (words) we use to create meaning Analysing Media Texts: KEY TERM: Code Definition: the way through which the media communicates with us KEY TERM: Convention Definition: the expectations of a particular text

Analysing Media Texts: A Framework We can combine the codes and conventions to help analyse a media text For instance dim The symbolic code of dim lighting is a convention of the horror genre big The written code of big headlines is a conventions of newspapers low The technical code of low camera angles is a convention of the action genre 1. SYMBOLIC Lighting & Colour Positioning Setting & Locations Facial Expressions & Body Language Objects Key Signifiers/Images Clothing, Hair & Make Up 3. TECHNICAL Camera Angles Framing (ELS, LS, MLS, MS, CU, ECU, POV) Cropping Juxtapostion (2 separate signs that together make contrasting meaning) Sound 2. WRITTEN Slogan Typeface/Font Headlines Captions Style Choice of words Emphasis of words

Film Opening Info The opening of a film provides a basis for what is to come and introduces us into the narrative. Sometimes, the plot will seek to arouse curiosity by bringing us into a series of actions that has already started. This is called opening in media res, or in the middle of things. Example: The Usual Suspects

Openings Sometimes, the film begins by telling us about the characters and their situations before any major actions occur. Some of the actions that took place before the plot started will be stated or suggested so that we can start to connect the whole story. Example: Amelie

Openings The part of the plot that lays out story events and character traits important in the opening situation is called the exposition. In general, the opening raises our expectations by setting up a specific range of possible causes for and effects of what we see.

Titles Some film openings will begin with elaborate title sequences. The very best title sequences not only succeed in putting the audience in the right mood for the movie, they transcend their proper function and venture off into the realm of something far deeper and far greater. They are the signifiers of contemporary pop culture and an art form in their own right. One famous title sequence creator was SAUL BASS ( ) who was not only one of the great graphic designers of the mid-20th century but the undisputed master of film title design thanks to his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, Otto Preminger and Martin Scorsese

What might this title suggest to the audience the rest of the movie might be about?

2011 Emmy Winner Award – Outstanding Main Title Design

Film Opening Analysis: With the importance of creating a film opening that will not only set audience expectations (such as genre conventions) or dispute them, there has been a great deal of analysis of film openings. Today you are going to analyse three film openings from different genres using the analysing a media text framework we have learnt over the past few lessons.

Film Opening Analysis: Analyse three film openings from different genres and add to your blog 1. What genre is the text and what are the genre conventions? 2. What are the key (technical and symbolic) codes in the sequence and what connotations do they create? 3. What are the key signifiers (Words/Images/Sounds) in the sequence and what do they signify? 4. What does the sequence tell us about the content of the movie? What are your expectations of the movie after viewing the sequence? 5. What audiences are being targeted and how do you know?

Homework: Codes and Conventions of Film Openings From your film opening analysis you must now add a section to your blog entitled Codes and Conventions of Film Openings. Make a note of the codes and conventions film openings share listing examples (films) as evidence. Production Logo/Distribution Logo Begin with establishing shot Title of the movie Stars shown often Genre conventions (so audience know what genre of film it is) Inter-textual references (if sequel or prequel) Cast/Credit info Use the Website: to helphttp://