Codes and Conventions

Conventions are rules or generally accepted ways of constructing form and informing meaning in media products.
Codes suggest or construct meanings in media forms and products.
It can be divided into two categories- technical and symbolic

1.Technical codes( ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text)-

• camera techniques 
• framing
• depth of field
• lighting- mainly dark and dim lights to show that the scene is taking place during night and to create a sense of fear.
• exposure
• sound.

2.Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example- a character's actions reflect his/her emotions.

• In my film, the last scene after she receives the image of her back suggesting someone is behind her at that moment. I wanted to show a state of shock. I will do that by making my actor look straight into the camera with a concerned but straight face to show how she is paralysed with fear.
• when she picks up the box, she instantly goes inside without giving it a second thought or being surprised or opening it to show that she already knows what to do with it and that it doesn't seem like a suprise to her. 
• when my character is solving the puzzle by aligning the notes, her urgency will be reflected by how she is rushing to solve it by constantly trying to align it.
• When she opens the last note. She will open that note slowly to show her state of shock and time she is taking to process what is written on the note.

3.Written codes-

• Fonts
• Link to websites
• Emails
• Slogans
• Headlines
• Caption
• Speech bubbles
• Sub-titling

Music fits both categories. 

Symbolic music is used in my film, I will use an eerie and creepy song in the background throughout to create an uncanny feeling.

Technical music in my film is the notification ring on Shreya's phone. The sound of her opening the door by turning the lock.

Codes can be further divided into to:

Colour- I will use contrasting colours. Black and white. Black is associated with fear, mystery and evil whereas white will show a safe zone as the colour will become bright as soon as she goes in her room. Though when the stalker enters her room, it will be invaded by black(lights will become dull).

Clothing- clothing helps know which century it's taking place at and whether the person is rich or poor. My film takes place in the modern time and in order to show that the girl is young, outgoing, has a good fashion taste and rich, I will make her wear a modern party outfit. For example- A black elegant jumpsuit to show that she dresses classy and well. Her bag and heels will suggest that she spends on herself well which means the family is wealthy.

Conventions

consist of:

1.Studio/production company logo-These are expected by the audience to help set expectations for a film in respect to the budget and genre.   

2.Titles- They are designed to tell the audience the names of the people and organisations involved with the making of the film. This respects and gives recognition as an acknowledgement for their role within the production of the film. There is a conventional way of presenting information in the credit sequence. The format-

• Production company(distributor)
• Production company(producer)
• Filmmaker
• Film title 
• Lead cast
• Supporting cast
• Casting director
• Music composer
• Costume designer
• Associate producers
• Editors
• Production designer
• Director of photography 
• Executive producer 
• Producer
• Writers
• Director

3.Genre 

My opening sequence will be able to establish that it is thriller because of the eerie music, low key lighting to create mystery and colours such as black for a sense of darkness.

4.Themes and topics

This is the story of the film within a genre and gives the audience a hint as to what the narrative will be like.

5.Establishing Characters

Within specific films, establishing of characters help the audience identify the genre of the film as some actors are associated with a specific genre.

6.Introduction of characters
My character, will be introduced as she enters home by a long shot to first reveal her full self and then continued with close up shots.

7.Actions and events
The action portrayed in the opening sequence of a film, helps the audience gauge the speed of the rest of the film along with the genre.

8.sound
I will use non- diegetic sound to set the mood and scene in the film. This will convey my thriller genre and what to expect from the film

9.Narration/text

It is information for the audience to know what is going on in the film. Non-diegetic voiceovers gives an audience a better understanding on the film. Some films do not have narration/text to encourage the audience to imagine on their own and add some mystery to the opening sequence, like my opening sequence. 

10.Enigma
Enigma codes are used to create questions and tension right at the beginning of the film to entice the audience, and keep the audience interested in watching the film.