A definition of codes and conventions found in media

1. CODES AND CONVENTIONS IN MEDIA

2. WHAT ARE CODES?
Codes are signs or symbols within
a piece of text that create
meaning. There are two
categories for codes – technical
and symbolic

3. TECHNICAL CODES
Technical codes are they ways in which
the equipment used to create the film is
used to tell the story. For example, this
could include the use of the camera
and the meaning that the audience
takes from its use. Technical codes
could include camera angles, sound
and lighting.

4. TECHNICAL CODES
A common use of technical codes
is lighting seen often in horror
movies to create suspense. In this
genre, side and back lighting will
often be used to create mystery
and suspense.

5. SYMBOLIC CODES
Symbolic codes show what is
underneath was it initially seen on
camera. For example, a character
dressed in black could be a symbolic
code for them mourning the loss of a
friend or family member. Symbolic
codes give deeper meaning to a text.

6. SYMBOLIC CODES
Symbolic codes include the
language used, dress, actions
and colours used in a media
format amongst other things.

7. CODES
There are some elements of film
making that fit both categories –
music for example fits into both
technical and symbolic codes.

8. CONVENTIONS
Conventions are the generally
accepted format of doing
something. There are general
conventions used in any form of
media, but some are specific to
just one genre or medium.

9. CONVENTIONS
For example, the conventional things you
would expect from a horror film would be:
blood, a damsel in distress, weapons, dark
colours, a scary setting, bad weather and
sometimes the undead or monsters.
Although not all horror films will include all
of these conventions, most horror films will
include most of these.