Media language

Media language

“Media language refers to the ways in which media producers make meaning in ways that are specific to the medium in which they are working and how audiences come to be literate in ‘reading’ such meaning within the medium. For example’ ‘the language of film’. These medium specific languages will often be closely connected to other media concepts such as narrative and genre and candidates are at liberty to make such connections to a greater or lesser extent in their answers.”

Media language is the area of theory concerned with how texts communicate with the viewer. The video communicates with the audience through use of the camera, editing and mise en scene, as well as overall narrative structure.

Camera Shots such as long shots, medium shots, establishing shots, extreme close ups etc. Primarily the close up on the singer’s face is the main generic convention for music videos. Jumping directly between long shots, close ups and extreme close ups. Also the extreme close up on the lips for lip synching. Camera Movement like whip pans, fast track shots and fast overhead crane shots to follow the running, walking or dancing of performers. Camera Angles of High angle and low angle. Editing to create the visually de-centred experience of ‘jumping’ from location to person to instrument without any normal narrative continuity. Using things such as rhythm, post-production digital effects, creative effects and continuity. The use of mise en scene such as lighting, costume, location, colour and props.