Key terms Flashcards
(21 cards)
Anchorage
The text (copy) that fixes (anchors) an image and its meaning.
Antagonist
In a plot, the character whose function is to disrupt the protagonist - often, but not always, a villain.
Archetype
An original on which many copies are based. Often used in relation to characters in fictional works Examples include the rebel, the mother figure and the villain.
Binary opposition
The contrast between two ideas or concepts, such as good/evil, male/female. Usually the contrast causes conflict that drives the narrative.
By-line
The printed line of text in a newspaper/magazine that names the writer of an article.
Camera movement
The way the camera is moved during filming to add depth, interest and variation for the viewer, such as pan and track.
Concentration of ownership
Refers to the number of organisations or individuals who control ownership of the media. Fewer stakeholders hold increasing shares.
Conglomerate
A media conglomerate is a large corporation that owns a large number of media companies, such as television, radio, internet, publishing - giving the conglomerate control in the market.
Convergence
The coming together of technologies and institutions to create a new product or media experience.
Convergence
The coming together of technologies and institutions to create a new product or media experience.
Cross-cut
An editing technique used to establish that action is occurring at the same time.
Diegetic sound
Actual sound from the world of the film, whether on or off screen.
Desensitisation
The idea that continuous exposure to violent or disturbing media content can leave audience members indifferent to real life events.
Enigma
A narrative device in the form of a mystery or puzzle that is not immediately resolved. An enigma is a way of hooking the audience in to the story.
Eyeline match
A film editing technique that makes the audience feel that they are seeing what the character on screen is seeing.
Icon
In semiotics, an icon is a sign that physically resembles the thing it stands for (compare with symbol).
Hegemony
The dominance in the media of a particular social group. For example, in the UK, middle class people dominate the media workforce
Mise-en-scene
All the elements chosen by producers to make up the content of images, including codes such as location, lighting, non-verbal communication (NVC), props, accessories, etc. are often referred to as the mise en scène.
OFCOM (The Office of Communications)
Ofcom regulates TV. radio, video-on-demand, phone and postal services. Ofcom promotes competition, protects the interests of consumers and enforces the rules that apply to different communication sectors
Oligopoly
A market that is dominated by a few companies that control the supply of the products or services.
Protagonist
The main character in the story. The protagonist is actively opposed by another character: the antagonist.
