Codes and Conventions (major task: film)

 In the pre-production phase of my short film, Phone Away, I have focused on identifying and applying specific codes and conventions relevant to the short film form. My goal is to ensure that the final product possesses realism while effectively communicating my narrative within a limited five-minute timeframe.

1. Application of Narrative Conventions

Short films require a condensed narrative structure. Following Todorov’s theory, I have planned a rapid transition from the Equilibrium to the Disruption.

  • The "Hook": To engage the audience immediately, I am utilizing Barthes’ Enigma Codes. By opening with a [mention a specific shot, e.g., extreme close-up of an unopened letter], I create an immediate mystery that compels the viewer to continue watching.

  • Character Economy: I have limited the cast to 1 main character. This follows the convention of short-form storytelling, allowing for deeper character development through visual cues rather than lengthy, unnecessary exposition.

2. Genre and Mise-en-Scène

My film falls within the Psychological Drama genre. To signify this to the audience, my pre-production planning includes:

  • Visual Iconography: I have selected a color palette of colourful and as the film progresses, the colour palette shifts to grey tones (to evoke a feeling of isolation) and then back to colourful (normal) tones which signifies growth.

  • Setting: The film takes place in the character’s house which serves as a symbolic code, representing the protagonist's internal conflict (how staying on their phone and the same environment affects their mental health).

3. Technical Intent (Camerawork and Sound)

During the storyboarding process, I have prioritized cinematic shorthand.

  • Shot Selection: I will rely heavily on Close-ups and Point-of-View (POV) shots. These are standard conventions in short films used to build an intimate connection between the audience and the protagonist quickly.

  • Soundscapes: My planning includes a mix of diegetic environmental sounds and a minimalist non-diegetic score. I intend to use a "leitmotif" for the main character, which will also be featured in the audio-visual elements of my social media marketing to ensure brand synergy.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction

  Welcome to Media studies A-level advanced portfolio- my name is Mariya and I chose to create a short film as the main component of my cross-media production. The brief required me to produce a short film lasting approximately five minutes, accompanied by a supporting website to promote the film and engage a defined target audience. This project represents the culmination of the skills, theoretical knowledge, and creative development I have built over the course of my media studies. The short film is an original narrative concept that explores Mobile addiction which leads to anxiety and isolation, aimed at a [teenagers and young adults target audience, e.g., 16–25-year-old] audience with an interest in social realism. My goal was to construct a compelling and emotionally resonant story using appropriate codes and conventions of short film narrative structure, animation, editing, and sound design.
Read more

Research task: Genre

Image
Last year, my team and I created a thriller short film opening that featured no violence and used limited props. This year, I decided to take a different approach by focusing on a more realistic topic. I wanted something that addresses a real-life issue and feels relatable to people my age. Initially, I planned to explore psychological problems like depression or anxiety. However, while drafting a brief plan, I realized the storyline felt predictable and too similar to many projects that had already been done. I then decided to stay within psychology but shift my focus to a different issue: social media and phone addiction. I also wanted to show how this addiction can connect to or even cause other psychological challenges. I found this topic especially engaging because it lets me address multiple psychological issues through a single, relatable problem. As I am planning to do an animated film, this short film found on YouTube did give me an idea of the different types of ways ...
Read more