This document contains research and planning for an A2 Media Studies coursework on analyzing meaning in film through symbolic and technical codes. It includes links to YouTube videos about facial expressions and how they communicate emotion in films. It also discusses how color, costumes, and lighting are used symbolically to represent meaning. The document emphasizes understanding how directors implement meaning through these codes to convey their intended messages and meanings to audiences. It then provides examples of exploring meaning around concepts like reality vs stereotype, moral panic, character archetypes, and three-act story structure. Links are also included for Venom social media pages and a YouTube video.

1. A2 Media Studies
Coursework
Research and Planning
Rayan

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv93covb53w&t=3s

9. https://www.youtube.co
m/watch?v=wH4cNrUB4
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https://www.youtube.co
m/watch?v=5m7SGjJo7
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https://www.youtube.co
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12. Facial expressions and movements such as a smile or a nod are used to
communicate emotions or as conversational cues. In films, facial
expressions give an audience an obvious overview of a character's feelings
and reaction to different situations. The smallest detail in a character's
facial expressions could create a whole new meaning for a scene.
Louis Litt

14.  A color itself has meaning, such as red could symbolize danger or sometimes romance.
This also means that meaning would also be created through the way filmmakers use the
colors. Through costumes, lighting and even the color of an object, audiences would be
able to identify what exactly is being represented, whether it’s in a movie poster or an
actual scene.

22. It’s important to understand the meaning
implemented on scenes through the use of
symbolic and technical codes, that enable the
director get across the right meaning and
messages to the audience. The detailed
research on meaning will help me know what
I could add to my trailer to send the message I
want to the audience. As it is also important
for the audience to understand the preferred
meaning I am trying to deliver.

35. Reality vs stereotype

44. Some like it hot was a movie made in 1959 and was an
American black-and-white romantic comedy. It starred one
of the most famous Hollywood actress known to this day,
Marilyn Monroe. This goes along the stereotype that
women are sensitive, disorganized and difficult. In today’s
date, many movies such as Supergirl are made that go
against this type of representation.

45. vs

53. Moral panic
Moral panic is the feeling of fear. People would feel that the well-being/ values of
society or a community is being threatened. Media could play a big role in causing
moral panic as they would exaggerate events, making them seem worse and more
fearful than they are. Media could also be biased and choose to attack their opposing
side which could also create feelings of fear to audiences.
A well-known example of moral panic
that occurred in the past

69. Propp argued that stories are character driven and that plots develop from the decisions and actions
of characters and how they function in a story. He claimed characters could be classified into certain
roles that progress a story. He proposed ways of grouping characters and their actions into eight
broad character types or ‘spheres of action’. One character may be in more than one sphere of action.
The prince
The ugly stepsisters
Gus and Jaq
Fairy godmother
His death was spoken about in the
beginning of the film
Example from Cinderella
Cinderella

70. Lion king- example

71. Tangled- example

74. Three-act story structure divides a story into three distinct sections, each anchored around
one or more plot points that drive the overall action. Over the course of the three acts, a
complete story unfolds.

80. Venom Instagram page

81. Venom Facebook page

84. https://youtu.be/ORFWdXl_zJ4