Learning Media Arts
Symbolic codes are used by media producers to add depth and additional meaning to media products. These codes can be interpreted differently by the audience based on their social and cultural influences.
In the Media Study Design Key Knowledge we need to understand "the nature and function of and relationship between production elements in fictional media narrative".
In the Media Study Design Key Knowledge we need to understand "the nature and function of and relationship between production elements in fictional media narrative".
Acting |
A common mistake when student write about this element is referring to the actor and the character as the same person. When you write about this element that you refer to how the actor uses their body to create the character. When referring to the actor, we use only their last name or their full name.
Acting can be broken into several mini elements. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS Facial expression help the audience read the characters emotions. The actors' eyes are the clue to the emotions they are expressing to the audience. BODY LANGUAGE/STANCE Body Language/Stance is how the actors stand and the body language that is used to portray the feelings, thoughts, and personality of the character. An important aspect to remember is that the actor is also instructed by the director during the making if the film. BODY SHAPE Each actor was hired to play a role based on the ideal body shape needed portray that particular character. Sometimes actors gain or lose weight or muscle in order to portray these characters. VOICE/ACCENT With voice and accent, an actor can use their voice to give the audience insight into the character's background and culture. Many actors work with a vocal coach to assist them in mastering this accent. Another part of voice includes the tone/volume of voice. This can communicate emotion with the audience. |
Setting |
Setting is very important in a film. It has several functions:
It is important to remember that setting and location. |
Mise En Scene |
Mise en Scene is a French term that translates to "staged". It refers to everything we see within the frame. This includes: the set, costumes, colour, props, and overall lighting. It also refers to how these items are placed with the frame.
How the shot has been composed is a collaboration of a variety of people on set including the cinematographer, the production designer, the director, and the costume designer. Mise en Scene helps the audience to piece together the story and to immerse them in the world of the character. Sometimes it gives us clues as to where the story is going to go. |