Genre and Technical Codes

Learning Outcomes: 
To identify different shot types used in a film trailer. Use media studies terminology to discuss why they have been used.

Genre and technical codes

Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text, for example the camera work in a film.

How codes and conventions apply in media studies
Codes and conventions are used together in any study of genre – it is not enough to discuss a technical code used such as camera work, without saying how it is conventionally used in a genre.

For example, the technical code of lighting is used in some way in all film genres. 

It is a convention of the horror genre that side and back lighting is used to create mystery and suspense – an integral part of any horror movie. 

Shot size

It is important that you can recognise the different shot types and know why they are being used. Here are some examples and why they are used:

Establishing shot - will establish the setting for the audience

Aerial shot - A shot taken from a crane, plane, or helicopter, restricted to exterior locations.
The trailer for Psycho starts with an aerial shot of Hitchcock outside The Bates Motel.

Long shot - A type of long shot that includes the human body in full, with the head near the top of the frame and the feet near the bottom.It makes for a relatively stable shot that can accommodate movement without reframing. Marlon Brando in 'On the waterfront'.

Mid Shot (M/S): The mid shot is the most popular shot in movie-making, and includes the subject and a little bit of the environment around it. Included in the mid shot is the two-shot, which includes two actors facing the same direction in the shot, as well as the 0ver-the-shoulder shot, which is used to show a conversation with the actors standing opposite each other. This shot shows the actor who is speaking, and usually a little bit of the shoulder of the actor to whom he is speaking in order to establish spacial awareness for the viewer. Kate and Leo in Titanic.

Close Up (C/U): A close up shot, usually of an actor’s face, is used to add variety, and will often be cut to from a mid shot, at the same angle, to add dramatic effect.  The subject will take up most of the frame, so care must be taken so that the subject does not move around too much.

Extreme Close Up (EC/U): This shot is often an effect shot used to draw attention to important details such as a shot of just the actor’s eyes with tears welling up in them or to show a text message on the subject’s cell phone.

CAMERA ANGLES

Bird’s Eye: This angle is gives a direct overhead view and can be used similar to an extreme wide shot to show the entire environment from straight overhead.

Eye Level: If the cameraman were talking to someone face-to-face, and he were looking through the camera, he would have an eye-level angle. Viewers expect this angle to create a parallel between the bottom edge of the frame and the horizon, otherwise it will seem off, and will make the audience uncomfortable.

High Angle/Low Angle: These angles show the subject from above or below (around 45 degrees from eye level). This is often used for dramatic effect. For example, a low angle could be used to imply greater dominance of a physically imposing character by looking up at him. However, the high or low angle require greater planning, as a high angle could throw off the lighting or show unwanted parts of the scenery.

Dutch Angle: The Dutch angle is what you get when the camera isn’t level. The horizon will not be parallel to the lower edge of the shot, which can be used to create an unsettling or anxious effect on the viewers.

Task 1: 

Identify the different shot types used in this film trailer. Say why they have been used.

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Lighting

Low Key
Dramatic, moody - can be used to convey sorrow

High Key
Bright and exciting - can be used to convey happiness

Low contrast
Not many different colours, everyday

High contrast
Dramatic, volatile

Coloured lighting 

can convey excitement 

Film lighting, light and colour part 2 

Focus

Deep
Look at everything

Selective
Looks at most important subject

Soft
When edges blur together

Denotation and connotation

Remember to keep the actual image separate from the interpretation of it.

Denotation
What is literally in the picture

Connotation
Different interpretations which might be associated

Task 2:
Describe how lighting, sound effects, music and camera angles combine to create an effect in four scenes in the trailer below.
Use media studies language.