1. TV Drama

2. REPRESENTATION
Literally a RE – PRESENTATION
ALL media texts have been carefully selected and
constructed in order to create meaning

3. What we need to explore is exactly how a media text
has been selected and constructed.
In order to do this successfully, you need to be familiar
with the correct media language

4. Codes
 Technical codes
 Narrative codes
 Audio codes
 Symbolic codes
 Enigma
 Action codes

5. Conventions
 The generally accepted way of doing things
 Codes and conventions must be considered at the
same time
 It is not enough to simply discuss codes. You also
have to be able to identify a code and analyse how it
is conventionally used in the genre.

6. Technical codes
 Camera shots/angles
 Framing
 Composition
 Editing

7. Audio codes
 Diegetic
 Non-diegetic
 Score
 Sound effects

8. Narrative codes
Linear
Non-linear
Open and closed narratives
Multi- stranded
Narrative theories:
Propp
Levi-Strauss
Todorov

9. Symbolic codes
 Delves beneath the surface of what we see
 Denotation
 Connotation
e.g. A woman wearing a red dress

10. Action codes
 How a character or an event is portrayed through
action
e.g. Body language, facial expression, gestures

11. Enigma
 Questions that are raised within the narrative. These
questions are not always answered.
This keeps the audience guessing.

12. Careful...
 Some of these things may overlap
e.g. Music can be both an audio code (non-diegetic
sound) and a symbolic code (to portray the feelings
and emotions of the characters)

13. Although you need to concentrate on representation,
you will also be marked for your use of correct media
language.

14. There is a lot to remember!!
Your analysis will be centred around how codes and
conventions are used to create meaning.
You will need to consider the question:
Does what is being represented reinforce or
challenge stereotypical or commonly assumed
notions?

15. Representation
 In order to understand what is being represented
and how it is being represented, we must first
question the context of the TV drama.
 You will only see a short sequence (about 4 minutes).
But there will be a wider context to consider. Key
themes, settings and narratives will help us
understand representation.
 Also, it is vital to consider the target audience. Why
do you think this is?

16. Key questions
 Does society influence the media?
Or
 Does the media influence society?