Roland Barthe's Codes

Barthes describes narrative as a series of codes that are read and interpreted by the audience:
Action Code
Enigma Code
Semic Code
Symbolic Code
Referential Code


Barthes Codes
Action Code: (proairetic code)something the audience knows and doesn't need explaining e.g. someone being wheeled out on a stretcher tells us they are going to hospital
Enigma Code: (hermeneutic code)something hidden from the audience (creates intrigue)
Semic Code:something that the audience recognize through connotations
Symbolic Code:Something that symbolizes a more abstract concept e.g. a darker than usual room of a murder scene could symbolize the depth of darkness and depravity
Cultural Code: (referential code)Something that is read with understanding due to cultural awareness (e.g. youth culture use certain words that are understood by that culture)

Camera Shots, Movements and Angles

Camera Shots, Movements and Angles

Basic Camera Shots

Basic Camera Movements

Basic Camera Angles

The Grand Budapest Hotel Documentary

“Successful media products depend as much upon marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they do upon good production practices”

Dredd (2012) Essay

Past Audience and Institution Questions

January 2010
“Media production is dominated by global institutions, which sell their products and services to national audiences”. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

June 2010
What significance does the continuing development of digital media technology have for media institutions and audiences?

January 2011
Discuss the issues raised by media ownership in the production and exchange of media texts in your chosen media area?

June 2011
“Successful media products depend as much upon marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they do upon good production practices”. To what extent would you agree with this statement, within the media area you have studied?

January 2012
To what extent does digital distribution affect the marketing and consumption of media products in the area of media you have studied?

June 2012
"Cross media convergence and synergy are vital processes in the successful marketing of media products to audiences." To what extent do you agree with this statement in relation to your media area?

January 2013
What impact does media ownership have upon the range of products available to audiences in the media area you have studied?

June 2013
Evaluate the role of digital technologies in the marketing and consumption of products in the media are you have studied.

June 2014
The increase in hardware and content in media industries has been significant in recent years. Discuss the effect this has had on institutions and audiences in the media area you have studied.

Media Convergence and Synergy