HA3-Task 2 Codes and Conventions

Describe, explain and illustrate what codes and conventions are and choose a specific product or service using relevant TV adverts to describe and explain how codes and conventions are used within TV advertising. Consider all of the analysis you have carried out to date into the form and style of TV adverts and camera angle, shot, iconography, editing, lighting, sound, music, computer graphics and special effects (SFX) etc. Most importantly, consider the characteristics of the product or service in question. Remember that you are trying to comprehensively explain structures and techniques of television advertisements with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly.

Codes

Codes are systems of signs, which create meaning. Codes can be divided into two categories – technical and symbolic.

Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in an advert, for example the camera work in a film. Technical codes include camera angle, shot, iconography, editing, lighting, sound, music, computer graphics and special effects (SFX)

Symbolic codes include the language, dress, and actions of characters. Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, a character's actions show you how the character is feeling.

Iconography is an important aspect of genre. It refers to the traditional or conventional images or symbols associated with a subject.
Some codes fit both categories – music for example, is both technical and symbolic

Conventions

Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something.

There are general conventions in any medium, such as the use of interviewee quotes in a print article, but conventions are also genre specific. TV adverts are almost all the same length and end with the brand’s logo being featured.







Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Mascara featuring Cara Delevigne




Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara featuring Drew Barrymore



L'Oréal Paris Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara featuring Barbra Palvin 




Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara featuring Georgia-Mae Jagger