Symbolic code Symbolic codes communicate meaning through

Connotation, for example, the dirty basement where “Pat Phelan” keeps his kidnap victim, Andy, reminds us of darker movies like “Silence of the Lambs” without actually showing very violent scenes.

Body Language, such as Phelan’s menacing facial expressions that are meant to remind us that he is desperate and capable of real violence.

Appearance, in Coronation street, the way “Gemma Winter” is presented makes us think of a person who is not very bright and who is not to be trusted. Yet, through her actions we see that she is the one person on whom Rita, who is very worried about here health can really rely. This makes us challlenge our assumptions about people.

Coronation Street, like other soaps contains many of these codes and references that encourage viewers to reflect on many issues in life.

Audio Codes

Diegetic-Non-Diegetic

This (diegetic) is where the actor can hear a noise on set, this can be from a door closing. This gives the director an option to have a reaction shot, depending on the scene.

When someone is editing the episode, they will also use a technique called “Non-Diegetic”, this is where the editor will put in soundtracks into the episode, it also adds the mood of the scene as well. In this part of the task I will talk about scene in a TV show called “Trust Me”, where diegetic, pace and non-diegetic was used.

In BBC’s “Trust Me”, this technique was used during the dramatic scene. When the viewer heard the main character breathing, the editor put a sound effect of someone’s heart beat. This technique was used to tell the viewer that the main character was nervous and it added tension t the scene. This technique was used to tell the viewer that something (dramatic) is going to happen. This scene is very slow as it allows the viewer to get an understanding what is happening on screen. The viewer will notice that the main character is nervous but the other characters (doctors) are calm.

It is not until an ambulance staff member slams the door that pacing starts to get really fast. The editor also put (non-diegetic) music to build the tension as well.

Technical Codes This will involve different camera shots, this will include camera angles, camera movements, and lighting. I have also talked about some of the cameras shots that were used.

Mid-Shot This shot is used to show the character’s facial expression, this shot should only be from the actor’s head and shoulders. In an episode of “Coronation Street “ when the police had told a character called “Norris Cole” that his brother had died; they used a mid-shot to show the viewer that a character is in shock.

Low Angle shot

This shot is where the camera is low to the ground and its facing upwards to the subject. I have also provided a photo where this technique was used. This shot is to indicate to the viewer that the character is determined. They used technique in “Trust Me” to show the viewer that the main character was determined and focussed.

Shoulder Shot This is where the camera is behind the character. In “Trust Me” this shot was used. This shot is always used when two people are talking to each other. This gives the viewer an idea what the character is looking at.

Establishing Shot This shot is used to give the viewer an idea where the next scene is taking place, this shot is also a wide shot. In BBC’s “Trust Me” this technique was used to give the viewer an idea where the main character lives and where the actions is taking place. The location that this show is filmed in Edinburgh, Scotland.

CliffhangersAs Soap-Operas are known as “continuing dramas”, sometimes the writers will use a technique called “Cliff-Hangers”. Before an episode ends, the main character could be in (dramatic) danger as someone pushes them over the edge. The viewer won’t see who pushed them over the edge. This technique is used to get the viewer excited for the next episode. The BBC used this technique in Trust Me. The main character gets a phone call from another character from whom she was trying to get away as he could identify that she was not what she said she was. The viewer will also see the main character’s expression as well. This is the last thing the viewer sees before the end credits roll to ensure that they will want to watch again next week.

Mise en SceneThis word “Mise-en-scene translates to “staged” in English. In Coronation Street, because viewers have been watching over many years, they expect to see certain things within the camera shot. Most people, for example, would be able to give a good description of the Rovers return or of the cobbles of Coronation Street itself and especially the rooftops that one sees in the opening titles. These things have been features of Coronation Street since it was the first broadcast and they are the “Mise en Scene”. Producers know that it is very unwise to make some alterations to these backdrops as it would cause massive confusion to the audience and risk losing them. This technique can also be used to give the viewer few clues what is going to happen in the next episode as well.