tv drama 2 codes, conventions and debates about representation-1

TV Drama

REPRESENTATION

Literally a RE – PRESENTATION

ALL media texts have been carefully selected and constructed in order to create meaning

What we need to explore is exactly how a media text has been selected and constructed.

In order to do this successfully, you need to be familiar with the correct media language

Codes

Technical codesNarrative codesAudio codesSymbolic codesEnigmaAction codes

Conventions

The generally accepted way of doing things

Codes and conventions must be considered at the same time

It is not enough to simply discuss codes. You also have to be able to identify a code and analyse how it is conventionally used in the genre.

Technical codes

Camera shots/anglesFramingCompositionEditing

Audio codes

DiegeticNon-diegeticScore Sound effects

Narrative codes

LinearNon-linearOpen and closed narrativesMulti- stranded

Narrative theories:ProppLevi-StraussTodorov

Symbolic codes

Delves beneath the surface of what we seeDenotationConnotation

e.g. A woman wearing a red dress

Action codes

How a character or an event is portrayed through action

e.g. Body language, facial expression, gestures

Enigma

Questions that are raised within the narrative. These questions are not always answered.

This keeps the audience guessing.

Careful...

Some of these things may overlap

e.g. Music can be both an audio code (non-diegetic sound) and a symbolic code (to portray the feelings and emotions of the characters)

Although you need to concentrate on representation, you will also be marked for your use of correct media language.

There is a lot to remember!!

Your analysis will be centred around how codes and conventions are used to create meaning.

You will need to consider the question:

Does what is being represented reinforce

or challenge stereotypical or commonly assumed notions?

Representation

In order to understand what is being represented and how it is being represented, we must first question the context of the TV drama.

You will only see a short sequence (about 4 minutes). But there will be a wider context to consider. Key themes, settings and narratives will help us understand representation.

Also, it is vital to consider the target audience. Why do you think this is?

Key questions

Does society influence the media?

Or

Does the media influence society?