Codes and Conventions


Code


Code is a way in which a small element of a text is used as a ‘sign’ which ‘signifies’ a meaning or concept.

Techincal - Which include camera techniques, framing, depth of field, Mise en scene, editing,  lighting and sound
Symbolic -  Which refer to objects, setting, body language, clothing and colour.
Written - in the form of headlines, captions, speech bubbles and language style.

Denotations:

The Character has just shaved, he is preparing for a night out.

Connotations:

The Character is vain, old fashioned, expects close contact with the opposite sex.This is an example of what Fiske calls a ‘social code’ In the background, Elvis Presley is playing ‘Viva Las Vegas’. This is an example of a ‘technical code’. It could denote that the character likes the track or it could connote that the character identifies with Elvis.

Convention

Convention is the way that these signs are put together to tell a story or give information.

Conventions can be related to Narrative: How a story is told, what format or conventional method is used to tell a story. The opening sequence of a drama will often show the equilibrium state, introduce characters and hint at conflict. Conventions can also be related to Genre: The type of text and the typical textual elements that audiences expect to be in it.