FILM Codes and Convention s Codes elements used

FILM Codes and Convention s

• • Codes: elements used to construct meaning in media Conventions: accepted ways of using codes to create meaning The Wizard of Oz

• • Symbolic: objects that create meaning within an image or frame- objects, settings, body language. Written: any use of wordsthe font, titles, subtitles, credits. Audio: any use of sounddialogue, music or sound effects. Technical: use of technology to create meaning - camera angles and distances, lighting and editing. Psycho

Symbolic Codes • Objects Kill Bill, Star Wars Ep. II

Symbolic Codes • Settings Stagecoach, Bladerunner

Symbolic Codes • Body Language

Symbolic Codes • Clothing Elizabeth

Symbolic Codes • Colour Schindler’s List, Batman Forever

Symbolic Codes • Lighting

Written Codes • Print size and style

Written Codes • Headlines, captions

Written Codes • Written text on -screen Scott Pilgrim Vs The World

Written Codes • Credits

Audio Codes • Dialogue

Audio Codes • Music The Sound of Music

Audio Codes • Sound effects The Dark Knight Returns

Technical Codes • Long shot/ wide shot (LS or WS) Lawrence of Arabia

Technical Codes • Medium shot/ mid shot (MS) The Royal Tennenbaums

Technical Codes • Close-up (CU) The Leopard, Legend of the Guardian, Up, 2001: A Space Odyssey

Technical Codes • Extreme close-up (ECU) Lord of the Rings, Inception, Close Up

Technical Codes • Low camera angle Citizen Kane

Technical Codes • High camera angle Bladerunner

Technical Codes • Framing: Horizon Line Three Kings

Technical Codes • Framing: Rule of Thirds North by Northwest

Technical Codes • Shutter Speed The Fast and The Furious

Technical Codes • Natural Lighting Emma

Technical Codes • High Key Lighting The 40 Year Old Virgin, Edward Scissorhands

Technical Codes • Low Key Lighting

Technical Codes • Zoom In and Out Hero

Technical Codes • Pan Cheyenne Autumn

Technical Codes • Tilt

Technical Codes • Track or Dolly

Technical Codes • Point of View Track (POV) Cloverfield

• • • Codes and conventions are well established in the medium of film. As an audience, it is important to be aware of the codes and conventions in order to be aware as to how a particular meaning is being created. As a producer, it is important to be aware of the codes and conventions in order to use them to communicate your intended meaning. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind