Codes and Conventions

Write down what you think codes and conventions may mean.

An array of messages that tip the scales of the way people think.

CODES DEFINITION

Codes are signs within a media text that give clues to the text’s meaning.

Texts are constructed through codes.

The elements of construction we analysed at last week were mostly codes.

Three categories of CODES

1. Technical
2. Audio
3. Visual
CONVENTIONS DEFINITION

Conventions are a widely recognised way of doing something.

To do with content, style and form.

VISUAL CODES

Clothing Tells us about the person wearing it and therefore we

understand the role of the character.

Expression Expressions can help us easily understand the message of a

text.

Gesture Gesture is a non-verbal communicator. It tells us about a

character and their role and may even tell us the genre of the
game

Use of colour Colour means a lot to us and it’s easy to convey meanings
quickly by using them.

Technique The way in which a text is put together may carry connotations.
Think about black and white photography. Does it suggest
sophistication?

Iconography This means when an object DENOTES something larger than

itself. It becomes an ICON. Think of Big Ben, does it make you
think of a clock or of London.

Images Images are a great way analyse who the target audience may
be.

Graphics These are always important and will often convey meaning
about the narrative/story and style of text. Typography may
also give clues about genre.
The title is a mix of the
American and Korean flags
which shows there is conflict
but the Korean flag is pushing
into America’s territory which
could mean the Koreans are
taking over.
The Korean flag wrapped
tightly around the man’s head
could suggest that he has been
captured and is possibly being
brain washed.
He is wearing army cloths
which symbolises a war.

The flag display is connotative

There are Korean flags on the to the way Nazis displayed
golden gate bridge and the their flags.
Transamerica Pyramid.
Signifying that the Koreans
have already taken over but
the Americans are fighting
back.
Technical CODES - Print

Camera shots The choice of a shot will help communicate meaning. It may
convey the story and the genre of a game or the position of the
person.

Lighting Lighting within any images may set the mood for a text

Layout and The use of colour, font style and text positioning all contribute to
design the overall style of a text.

Post production Images will be manipulated and enhances digitally for effect.
techniques This allows the producer to really show the main features of the
game they think will entice audiences.
 Technical CODES – Moving Image

Camera shots There is a wide range of shots used in

moving image texts

XCU CU MS LS XLS

Camera angles The angle of the camera may convey

meaning. Low angle shots will show the
subject as powerful, whereas high
angle shots will show them as weak.

First person This is used to make the gamer feel like

their immersed in the world of the
game.

Third person There are many different types of third

person camera perspectives and all
serve to suit the needs of different
games and the needs of their audience.

MAX PAYNE ANALYSIS

He has moved to try and get away from something

There are multiple versions of him implying that he drinks a lot.

He throws a photo implying that he could have lost someone close to him. He could be drinking a lot to forget the
person.

He is smoking implying he needs to relieve stress.

Audio CODES

Dialogue How character talks to you or other

characters and the lexis they use can
anchor a text to a specific genre.

Sound effects Add realism, explain genre and support

action.

Music Suggests genre and helps manipulate

audience feelings.

Voice-Over Easy way to establish genre through

explanation and lexis.

Outlast ANALYSIS
TASK
Roughly sketch out a design for the cover of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Annotate what codes and conventions you are using/have chosen and briefly explain
your choices.
You can complete the task by hand or on the computers.
This is just a practice exercise your drawings don’t have to be top notch!!!