Codes & Conventions

Main Execise

The titles & opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of 2 minutes.

Conventions

Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something, and in the case of media texts, they are generally accepted patterns of code that communicate a particular message.

There are general conventions in any medium, such as the use of quotes in a print article, but conventions are also genre specific. For example, in Westerns fights scenes are generally shot from a low angle, the setting is usually dusty and desolate, and even the sounds used within the scene are conventional, such as castanets, or some sort of whistle.

For Example-

The Title of the film/show:

Or The name of the studios behind the movie/show:

The purpose: 

The purpose of a film opening is to show action and begin the viewers interest so they get immediately hooked into the film. The film opening will also clearly state the genre of the film, you will also most likely see either the protagonist or antagonist.

Timing conventions:

Most film openings are around 2 minutes long. However major blockbusters may be up to 5mins

Set the scene

(year of setting, location etc.)
•Introduce the key characters: Protagonist, Antagonist, sidekick etc.
•Introduce pre plot or beginning of the narrative. Establishes platform/ scene.
•Key credits such as production company, logos and director.•Usually starts with equilibrium. A key event will occur.                                                         

Codes

Media students identify three categories of codes that may be used to

convey meanings in media messages:

Technical Codes 

which include camera techniques, framing, depth of field, Mise en scene, editing,  lighting and sound; 

Symbolic Codes 

which refer to objects, setting, body language, clothing and colour.

Written Codes

in the form of headlines, captions, speech bubbles and language style.

Harry Potter & The Prisoner Of Azkaban - Code & Conventions:

Purpose: the purpose is to entice the audience to watch the movie & to become engrossed with the film that is hugely influenced by fantasy elements like magic.

Timing:  1:37minutes.

Sets the scene: A pitch black night where a close up shot zooms in through the darkness. After entering a window the audience discovers Harry Potter practicing his magic under his duvet.

Introduces key characters: Harry Potter.

Key Credits: There are no Key Credits for cast members in this example. However it does display the  title of the movie.

Equilibrium: The mystical/magical element of the movie is introduced by Harry casting a spell to illuminate the covers.

Introduces pre-plot: We know that Harry Potter is an important character with some sort of relevance to the main plot due to the two movies before this one. The fact that he is the first character introduced further supports this.

Codes -

Technical: Starts with a light from Harry's wand. The contrasting light spell cast by Harry & the darkness that surrounds him foreshadows his fate - meaning that he will defeat evil since due to the connotations surrounding light, darkkness, good & evil.

Symbolic Codes: Harry is placed in the only bright light in the opening.

Written Codes: the reconcilable Harry Potter lettering and titles shows at the end of the opening. Written in silver typography.