Main Exercise

Main Exercise:

The titles and openings of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of 2 minutes.

Convention:
Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something, and in media terms, they are generally accepted patterns of code that communicate a particular message. There are general conventions in any medium, such as the use of quotes in a print article, but conventions are also genre specific. For example, in Westerns fights scenes are generally shot from a low angle, the setting is usually dusty and desolate, and even the sounds used within the scene are conventional, such as castanets, or some sort of whistle. 



Codes:
There are 3 main categories of codes, that are used to convey meanings in media messages:

• Technical Codes, which include camera techniques, framing, depth of field, Mise en scene, editing,  lighting and sound. For example, 'Saving Private Ryan'. The picture of the film stars are edited in so they look as if they are coming out of the clouds, showing their size of power and presence.

• Symbolic Codes, which refer to objects, setting, body language, clothing and colour.

• Written Codes, in the form of headlines, captions, speech bubbles and language style.

Film Openings: the purpose and conventions.

•The purpose: The purpose of a film opening is to show action and begin the viewers interest so they get immediately hooked into the film. The film opening will also clearly state the genre of the film, you will also most likely see either the protagonist or antagonist.

•Timing conventions: Most film openings are around 2 minutes long. However major blockbusters may be up to 5 minutes.

•Set the scene (year of setting, location etc.)

•Introduce the key characters: Protagonist, Antagonist, sidekick etc.

•Introduce pre plot or beginning of the narrative. Establishes platform/ scene.

•Key credits such as production company, logos and director.

•Usually starts with equilibrium. A key event will occur.