Codes and Conventions

Codes and conventions are tools used in media to create meaning and communicate effectively. Codes are the technical elements like imagery, language, and sound that convey messages, while conventions are the accepted styles, formulas, or norms specific to a genre or medium. For example, in horror films, dark lighting and eerie music are conventions that audiences expect. Together, they help creators tell stories, evoke emotions, and ensure viewers interpret the content as intended. Understanding these helps us analyze and appreciate how media messages are constructed and received.