My codes and conventions

The codes and conventions in media can be separated into 3 distinct groups:  Technical (camera techniques & shots), Symbolic (i.e. clothing, colours) and Written and audio (music etc.)

The codes and conventions of film trailer are a trailer will attract an audience into watching the full film this can be done through the setting of the genre of the film which can be linked to ideology, it may also be that if your friend has mentioned the film you may go to see it with them because it looks good, and creates a feel for the setting. A film trailer makes a suggestion of storyline this is done through the editing which may be fast/slow paced, also jump cuts, shot length, distance and colour whether it is in/ out of colour depending on the genre of the film.  The film trailer also introduces some of the main characters, cast and crew through a few credits at the end of the trailer. Film trailers draw the attention of the audience by displaying attention grabbing footage mainly action or the ‘best bits’ of the film to create an audience and a profit. Another convention slowly builds from beginning to an exciting end usually containing graphics like the film title and opening dates. Trailers may include music/ voiceover so bands can promote a song for the film. Production company logo and also the use of stars as a review can also affect the audience, as a company logo can affect an opinion and also use of stars also creates an ideology before viewing the film which creates a large or small audience.

The mise-en scene of my hybrid genre (love and action) includes big cities, romantic but usually dangerous areas as seen within the trailers on my blogger. There may also be the use of the colour red which can represent love and danger, usually a strong bond between characters which can be shown through the use of clothing and props such as flowers. However because it is action there may also be a sense of secrecy which can also be shown through clothing, makeup, props etc.

 The sound for a film trailer differs depending on the genre; the sound for my film trailer will be fast paced and also slow paced using different instruments and sound effects to create my hybrid genre of action and love. The slow paced sound will be to show the relationship between my main characters and will be fast paced during the action part of the film to attract an audience. My film trailer will also include sound effects such as a gun, maybe an explosion to create an action packed trailer. The sound for the love side of my genre within my trailer will be shown through the sound of birds tweeting, and violins to create a calming sound within my trailer.

The editing for my trailer will be a mixture of fast and slow paced to create an attention grabbing trailer, with my genre being hybrid the audience is wider because it doesn’t focus on one specific genre which can go against the codes and conventions. The editing techniques will vary throughout my trailer I will also use jump cuts to create confusion and also I will need to think about the shot length depending on the section of the film I will be focussing on. These editing techniques are very important because it sets the pace of the film and creates emotions within the audience which makes the involved and wanting to see the film.

Cinematography is very important for film trailers, I will be using close up to show emotions on the faces of my characters and also, establishing shots to create and environment for the audience, also I can use tilts and zooms to create confusion for the audience. The cinematography for the trailer will be combined with editing, and I will make sure the shots fit in with the sound and work well to create a trailer that will be watchable by an audience. I need to think about shots that will fit in within both types of genre, close-ups and medium close-ups will be used to show the relationship between the characters through body language and also emotions that will be shown on the faces of the characters. The tilts and zooms will be used within the action side of the trailer to show the struggle of finding a loved one which has been taken hostage.

I am going against the codes and conventions as I will be using a female as the ‘hero’ rather than a male being the most dominant character within the film. The codes and conventions will also be broken by the clothing worn by the female she will be wearing manly clothing rather than being portrayed as a ‘sex symbol’ which usually happens within a film/film trailer.