Media Studies Induction

The study of semiotics Shortest definition of semiotics: The study of signs Saussure offered different versions of what a sign is composed of. These are the ‘signifier’ and the ‘signified’. The signifier is the form which the sign takes and the signified is the concept it represents. The relationship between these two is called signification. Therefore, the signified doesn’t have a correct answer but comes down to individual interpretation. Saussure found both the signifier and signified psychological and therefore a matter of opinion. This concept doesn’t just apply to words but sounds, pictures, art etc. I n the end, the word ‘sign’ is abstract in itself and can be defined in many ways. He also thought that n o sign makes sense on its own but only in relation to other signs.  

                                              MEDIA BRIDGEWORK SUMMER 2017 CAMERA SHOTS Establishing shot: A shot that introduces an environment that a character may live in permanently or temporarily. Example: The Hobbit  Long Shot  Example: The Taj Mahal  Mid shot  Example Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince low-key lighting  Close up  Example: The Hunger Games Extreme close up Example: Planet of the Apes.  CAMERA ANGLES & SHOTS Low Angle -  The angle may make charcaters seem superior or bigger Example:    Life of Pi  High Angle - Most high angles contain characters that are looking up at something that is bigger than them often allowing the audience to see them as weaker or inferior Example: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince-  Crane Shot  Example: Ariel Shot  Example: Canted Angle/Dutch Angle/Dutch Ti

My Pictures   Mise-en-scene Through my images, I wanted to capture the feeling of vulnerability. Vulnerability is a dark feeling that the majority of people succumb to at some point of life. As my candidates hands are held together, it employs an image of shyness and timidness. Her facial expressions also add to these feelings. The direct mode of address is, to some extent, intimidating as viewers may feel an obligation to give sympathy. My image depicts the idea that most people feel vulnerable and scared in every day life. My candidate is wearing formal business attire hinting the idea that she is constantly surrounded by people. Although this is the case, the mid shot portrays the idea that not all people are comfortable and confident when with others.  Other Images 

Summer Bridging Work 2017; Berger's statement Berger’s opinion stating that women need to continuously “watch” themselves holds a deep and valid truth. As Berger mentioned in his statement, most girls are brought up with the notion that they need to control themselves and inherit an oppressive behaviour. This reinforces his idea on women constantly surveying themselves. Firstly, a woman is most likely to be regarded as successful due to her faultless reputation. This reputation is likely to be gained through being inferior and respectful to her male superior. She must not state her own opinion or make influential decisions. In other words, a woman must teach herself to be oppressed.   A woman who contradicts the rules is likely to be seen as a nuisance. In today’s society, women are beginning to achieve freedom as stereotypes are being challenged. However, the media’s representation of women is often offensive and degrading. Image 1: Vanish advert