Main exercise

Main exercise: 
the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of 2 minutes.

Codes and Conventions in Media

Codes:Media students identify three categories of codes that may be used toconvey 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.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. 

Film openings: T h e p u r p o s e a n d c o n v e n t i o n s .

      •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.

• Antagonist, 

Timing conventions: Most film openings are around 2 minutes long. However major blockbusters may be up to 5 minutes.•Set the scene (year of setting, location etc.)•Introduce the key characters: Protagonist,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.