Codes and Conventions

Codes

codes are systems of signs which are used to create meaning in media texts. Two categories that they can be split into are;

Technical - All ways that equipment used to film and used within the set can be used to communicate meaning. An example would be camera angles and or shot type as well as lighting. You will find mise-en-scene related to this as well regarding costumes.

Symbolic - This method shows what is beneath the surface of what we see. An example would be a characters action, facial expressions which convey the way they feel to the audience.

For some aspects of code they fit into both categories such as Music.

Conventions

Conventions are the general accepted ways that somethings are done. They are closely connected to the audiences expectations of a media product. For example in a horror movie the audience are expecting jump scares, low lighting, a fear factor. There are 3 types;

Form conventions - The certain ways we expect types of media codes to be arranged.

Story conventions - Common narrative structures and the understandings that are common in story telling media products.

Genre conventions - Point to the common use of tropes, characters, settings or there in a particular type of medium.

Conventions of a documentary

• A specific topic to stick to throughout
• Stock/archive footage 
• Narrative/presenter/ voice-over to provide information or an opinion
• Interviews - discussing the event or providing more information.
• Images
• Factual information
• A specific topic
• Actuality - film footage of the real life events, places and people
• Re-enactment (set-ups) generally provide factual information, give a sense of realism, as if the event is unfolding in front of your eyes. The documentary will indicate if the footage isn't real
• Montage - edited sequence that elicts a strong emotional connection, helps position the viewer in the context.