Major Project: Research on Technical Codes

In this post, I would like to talk about learning technical codes in moving image. This knowledge of technical codes will help me on my film script project.

During Media class, we learned about technical codes in moving image. One of the tasks given to us that day is to make a mind map with our partners. As such, me and Alan have made this mind map, with me writing in blue and him in red.

Through learning technical codes in moving image and making this mind map, I have understood more about what technical codes I could put in the script. This is so that I can add more details to the character, story, or world within the story. 

After learning about technical codes, I will describe more codes in the scenes, such as:

• The camera's angle, shots, and movements. 
• The setting and location of the scene.
• The sound (audio), diegetic or non-diegetic.
• Describing transitions between scenes.

Camera angle, shots, and movements

This use of technical code involves manipulating camera settings, location, and using other tools to create a certain shot or effect. Different use of camera angles could result in different looks that supports the aim of the scene. For example, low angle shots and high angle shots are used to portray someone or something as being significantly powerful/big or weak/small.

Setting and location

Setting and location are manipulations and descriptions of time and space. There are many ways to use time and space to different effects, such as using the rain or putting the location on a cemetery to make the scene feel somber. Also, the writing itself could manipulate both time and space further through time travel, flashbacks, and others to create an effect.

Sound, diegetic or non-diegetic

Sound, both diegetic or non-diegetic helps in creating the nature of the scene or film. Diegetic sounds are sounds that are heard within the world of the film, such as dialogue, sound effects, or ambient sounds. Non-diegetic sounds are sounds that are not heard within the film's world, but the audience can hear, such as voice over or music. There are a lot of ways to express feelings and support the aim of the scene using dialogue, music, sound effects, etc.

Scene transitions

The use of scene transitions help in creating an effect in films such as to change the film's pace, change location, advance time, create a mood, and change a character's viewpoint. For example, cuts are most of the time used for scenes, which results in direct and fast transition. Another example is dissolves, which are used often to portray the passing of time. 

Through these codes and using audience positioning on them, which is to manipulate combinations of technical codes, I hope to create a message or emotion for the audience. This is because all of these codes can be used in harmony in writing to create and describe the emotions and feelings of characters, and many other things in the films world, making it immersive.

References:

• Bell, C. (2012) WJEC AS Media Studies. Cheltenham: Illuminate Publishing. 

• Benyahia, S.C., Gaffney, F. and White, J. (2009) As film studies: The essential introduction. 2nd edn. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis.