The document defines codes and conventions used to interpret visual and cultural symbols. It explains that codes are visual, audio or technical elements that imply meaning based on what audiences have learned. Conventions are recurring elements that group together to form genres. Codes have both a denotative literal meaning and connotative symbolic meaning. The document provides examples of visual codes like facial expressions and location, and technical codes like camera angles and music. It includes links to example movie trailers to analyze codes and conventions.

1. Codes
On the Interpretation of Visual/Cultural
codes

2. Aims & Objectives
• Lesson Aim:
o To define the system of Codes & Conventions
o To apply this system to a number of images and movie trailers to reinforce
understanding.
• Lesson Objective:
o To ask a number of questions about visual symbols
o To create a table of visual, audio & technical codes

3. Codes & Conventions
• The system we use for ‘reading’ the media is a
combination of CODES and CONVENTIONS.
• A CODE is a visual, audio or technical element that
an audience has learnt to imply meaning.
• Conventions are recurring elements that group
together to make a GENRE.

4. A useful metaphor?
• Codes are like words in a language
• Conventions tell the audience what language is
being spoken

15. Codes
• All codes have a denotation and a
connotation.
• The denotation is the literal meaning of a code
• The connotation is a symbolic meaning of a
code

16. Interpreting Visual Codes
• Facial Expressions
• Body Language
• Physical Appearance &
Clothing
• Props
• Location
• Colours
• Graphics
• Famous Stars / characters
All of these visual codes are
unconsciously ‘read’ by
audiences who then use them
to understand things like genre
and narrative

17. An Example

18. Another Example

19. Technical / Audio Codes
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Camera Angles
Camera Movement
Mode Of Address
Lighting
Editing techniques
Special Effects / CGI
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Music
Accents
Sound Effects
Voiceover
Diegetic / Nondiegetic sounds

20. Examples
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UMMGNxg1L
g
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu6IWnN-XKo