Understanding codes and conventions

• What are the three main categories of media codes according to the image?

  Technical codes, written codes, and symbolic codes
• How do codes and conventions work together in media texts?

  They make media texts understandable and engaging
• How do the three main categories of media codes differ from each other?

  Technical codes deal with the technical aspects of media production, written codes deal with textual elements, and symbolic codes deal with the symbolic and representational aspects
• What two faded old scars does the study material mention Joker has on his mouth?

  Almost forming a smile
• What are media codes?

  Systems of signs that create meaning
• How do media codes and conventions work together in the Lego castle analogy?

  • Media codes are like Lego bricks.
  • Conventions are like instructions for building.
  • Together, they create an understandable structure.
• What is the analogy used to define media codes?

  Lego bricks
• What does clothing signify in visual codes?

  It indicates character and status
• What is the difference between on-screen sound and off-screen sound?

  On-screen sound is the source of the sound visible on the frame, while off-screen sound is the source of the sound outside the frame
• What is non-diegetic sound?

  Sound added in post-production
• How does off-screen sound help move the narrative forward?

  • Suggests events happening outside the frame
  • Builds suspense and anticipation
  • Provides context and background information
• What is off-screen sound?

  Sound that is heard but not seen
• Why is Joker's black hair matted down?

  He's trying to get it under control
• What are the characteristics of diegetic sound?

  • Part of the film world
  • Includes on-screen and off-screen sound
• Why does Joker's threadbare gray scarf hang loose?

  It's from years of use and hangs loose
• What are the key details about Joker's appearance described in the study material?

  • Close on Joker (30's)
  • Tears in his eyes from laughing so hard
  • His black hair is matted down
  • Wearing an old, faded red hooded zip-up sweatshirt
  • Threadbare gray scarf hangs loose from years of use
  • Two faded old scars on his mouth, almost forming a smile
• What is the race of the woman Joker is sitting across from?

  African American
• What are the elements of visual codes and their functions?

  • Setting: Background/environment
  • Props: Objects in scene
  • Lighting: Mood/focus
  • Color: Emotion/effect
  • Clothing: Character/status
• What is the name of the character described in the study material?

  Joker
• What are the key elements of form conventions covered in the image?

  • Form and structure
  • Elements of page layout
  • Paper stock for print
  • Titles and credits sequences
  • Hyperlinking, mounting and framing of images
• What are the two main types of sound?

  Diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound
• What does the setting represent in visual codes?

  The background of the story
• How do the three main categories of media conventions (story, genre, and form) relate to and build upon each other?

  The story conventions establish the narrative, the genre conventions shape the structure and character arcs, and the form conventions determine the presentation and delivery of the media
• How can lighting affect the mood of a story?

  Bright lighting feels cheerful, dark feels spooky
• How does color function in visual codes?

  It conveys emotion and effect
• What do codes and conventions do in media forms?

  They work together to convey meaning
• What is on-screen sound?

  Sound that is visible
• What color is the hooded zip-up sweatshirt Joker is wearing?

  old, faded red
• How do conventions affect the presentation of codes in media?

  They create consistent experiences for viewers
• What do visual codes communicate through?

  Image elements
• What is the relationship between Joker and the African American woman described in the study material?

  • Joker is sitting across from the woman
  • She is sitting behind a desk, fitting to end
  • She has been through subsides
• What are the key elements of genre conventions covered in the image?

  • Generic structures
  • Character and story arcs
  • Story principles
• What can be inferred from a run-down office in visual codes?

  It may suggest neglect or poverty
• How do conventions help in the interpretation of media content?

  They help audiences decode messages effectively
• What is Joker's emotional state and behavior described in the study material?

  • Tears in his eyes from laughing so hard
  • Trying to get his matted down hair under control
  • Takes a deep breath, pauses to see if it's over
• How do the spectrogram and audio waveform visualizations differ in the information they provide about the audio signal?

  The spectrogram shows the frequency content, while the waveform shows the amplitude over time
• What are media conventions?

  Established rules or practices in media
• How does off-screen sound help move the narrative forward?

  It helps move the narrative forward by suggesting events happening outside the frame
• What are the three main categories of media conventions covered in the image?

  Story conventions, genre conventions, and form conventions
• What do Joker's clothing and office suggest in the image?

  Poverty and mental instability