M5: Language of Media Flashcards
Systems of signs which create meaning
Codes
Physical elements that the audience experiences, which bring the narrative conventions to the media form
Media Codes
Formal written language used in a media product
Written Codes
Typography, images, layout, framing, white and black
Codes in Print
Ways in which equipment is used to tell the story: Camera, lighting, acting, color grading
Technical Codes
How the camera is operated: Positioning, movement, framing,
Camerawork
Filming technique to add drama, depth, and atmosphere
Lighting
Location that the light source is placed
Direction of lighting
The light source is placed in front of the subject
Frontal lighting
The light source is placed on either side of the subject (right or left)
Sidelight
The light source is placed behind the subject
Backlighting
Light source is placed underneath the subject and shines upwards
Underlighting
The light source is placed above the subject and shines downwards
Top lighting
Clear, crisp shadows and contrasts
Hard/Harsh Lightning
Very little to no shadow and low contrast
Soft / diffused lighting
Creates low contrast and nuetral effect
High-key light
Main source of light
Key lighting
Create stronger contrasts like chiaroscuro
Low-key lighting
Secondary to the key light: “Fill in’ in the shadows in a shot
Fill light
Yellow and orange tones; Happy feeling
Warm lighting
Blue tones; Cold, gloomy, and lonely atmosphere
Cool lighting
White light; Neutral and doesn’t evoke strong emotions
White lighting
Tint the lighting with different colors; To set a mood
Colored lighting
Show what is beneath the surface if what we see such as objects settings, clothing, color
Symbolic codes
Setting and Location
Visual Codes
Media codes are the physical elements that the audience experiences, which bring the narrative conventions to the media form.
Media Conventions
Included wardrobe choices and make-up that is used to convey a character’s status or personality
Costumes
Set design can be seen as realistic or stylistic
Settings
Short for property; Borrowed from the theatre
Props
Refers to how elements within the frame have been arranged for a particular effect
Staging and Composition
