Which three broad types of media code are used in media products?
Technical, symbolic and written
Which type of media code relies on meanings that are shared within a culture, such as gold rings suggesting marriage?
Symbolic
The cover of a thriller novel uses dark blues and blacks. What is this symbolic use of colour intended to do?
Create a feeling of suspense
A workbook for young children uses a large, simple sans-serif font. What is the main reason for this choice?
It makes the text easy for young children to read
Which transition is created by removing frames so that the action appears to skip ahead?
Jump cut
A film needs the sound of footsteps crunching in snow. How is this sound effect usually created?
A Foley artist records everyday materials to recreate the sound
In a film, the music and sound stop just before an important moment. What does this use of silence do?
It draws the audience in and adds suspense
A website shows an animated graphic while a page is loading. Why is this more effective than the plain word Loading?
It shows users that something is happening in an engaging way
Many websites include interactive features such as clickable buttons and rollover graphics. Why are these included?
To engage users with the content and create impact
What does the term mise-en-scene refer to in a media product?
Everything the camera sees within a scene
In a film scene a chef works in a cramped kitchen surrounded by cluttered props, wearing a stained apron. What is this combination of elements intended to do?
Create a feeling that the character is struggling
A composer writes an eerie, slow piece of music for the opening scene of a horror film. What is the main reason for this choice?
The music fits the genre and supports the mood of the scene
In a radio advert an actor's voice speeds up and rises in pitch when they describe a special offer. What is this vocal intonation intended to do?
Make the offer sound exciting to listeners
A chase scene in a film is edited as a series of very quick cuts. Why is this editing used?
It adds pace and energy to the scene
On a website, all hypertext links are shown in blue and underlined. Why?
It shows users which words can be clicked to open another page
A science documentary uses animation to show how a volcano erupts. Why is animation used for this?
It explains a complex process in a way that is easy to follow
An action film trailer uses fast cuts, a loud drum soundtrack and bright colours on screen. What is the effect of combining these codes?
They work together to create an exciting, energetic feel
Which term describes the techniques and conventions specific to a media type, such as sound and transitions in film and television?
Technical codes
What is meant by typography?
The way text is created to make it appealing, engaging or more legible
Which transition gradually replaces one shot with another, so the two are briefly mixed together as the change happens?
Cross-fade
What is meant by a J cut?
The audio of the next scene starts before the current scene ends
What is meant by written codes in a media product?
Codes that apply to written text or the dialogue in a script
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