Reading an image - media codes

 Reading an image - media codes blog tasks:

1) Analyse this RBK 50 Cent advert using the media codes you learned in the lesson: Technical, Written or verbal, Symbolic or non-verbal, Narrative. Write a paragraph for each one exploring the way meanings are created using those media codes.

 

Technical codes:

There is harsh lighting in the advert, which highlights his hidden eyebrows and it is a close-up shot, which adds intensity to his angry facial expressions. It is a monochrome text and is a collage of two images that are stitched together symbolising past vs present life.

Written/verbal codes:

The anchorage text contains the letter o's, which are filled in white and the colour white connotes gunshot wounds as the man has faced 9 gunshots in his life, presented in the text. The title/slogan show a reflection of his past in the same line, mirroring his present self and mindset. They could also be selling a limited edition product as it is very unclear as to what the advert is promoting and what they are selling.

Symbolic/non-verbal codes:

The man's facial expressions are angry and serious linking to his identity. The logo associates with celebrity culture and could symbolise 80s and 90s fashion culture and identity. There are also fingerprints on one side with could reflect his past actions linking to a crime he may have committed. The dull colour scheme could recognise his bleak history of crime. Lastly, he is holding many props such as a camo hat, suggesting that he is ready to defend himself and his words and also the jewellery he is wearing could represent his current, present success as an idol to fans- "rags to riches"- and it reinforces capitalistic ideology: using  star power (50 Cent) to promote their brand.

Narrative codes:

The enigma codes can be seen from the slogan, fingerprints and people are unaware of the backstory, monochrome and mystery is shown from these aspects of the advert. There are action codes shown due to police involvement, reflecting his identity, "no plan b" and reflects unknown future trajectory events that could happen.

2) Next, analyse a print advert of your choice using the same media codes: Technical, Written or verbal, Symbolic or non-verbal, Narrative. Make sure you add your chosen print advert using the 'Add image' button in blogger (use Google Images to find the advert first and save it to your pictures or downloads).

Technical codes:

There is light shining from above that shines onto the cheese grater to kind of emphasise its power to grate cheese and connote the greatness of cheese as part of the flavour of pringles they are promoting. The shot is an establishing shot which showcases the pringles can placed in the bottom right corner as well as pictures of the product and a lot of cheese. This illustrates the greatly overpowering flavour of cheese in the pringles.

Written/ verbal codes:

The text, which says "cheese with extra cheese and a side order of cheese". The repetition of the word "cheese" in the slogan emphasises how important the single ingredient of cheese is and how it makes the pringles unique from other flavours, which further promotes this product. The brand name is also there, which is very popular as it is commonly bought by many and is well known.

Symbolic/ Non-verbal codes:

The yellow colour scheme connotes positivity, which can mean that the audience will be happier or more positive after consuming their product. Also, the image of the cheese grater symbolises the power of the cheesy flavour and shows that it is the main unique selling point of the product and the Pringles brand itself.

Narrative codes:

There is an enigma code due to the repetition of cheese which may make the audience wonder or question this iconic flavour because of how much it is mentioned in the advert and how well it is promoted as a new flavour of Pringles crisps. The knife represents an action code and suggests more and more cheese is about to be cut to produce more of the product.