Reading an image - media codes

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: In this advert, intense lighting from above is used to communicate to us that hes serious about accepting his identity. Furthermore, the close up onto his face further emphasises this intensity and passion he has. The monochrome colour shows authenticity as it reflects the belief how how the world is in black and white which therefore reflects his honest past in true colours. Additionally, the staged shot shows how there is direct address to the audience to be honest about their own past just as he has. The two halves of a picture shows how his past has formed his present identity.

Verbal Codes: Within the anchorage text, the o's are shaded in which connotes gunshot wounds. This communicates that his own speech and language are impacted and influenced by his past. In addition, the title is mainly within the right side of the image which shows how he has reflected on his past and how his past forged his current character and that no one can change that. 

Symbolic Codes: His serious facial expression connotes his own seriousness about his identity. This seriousness is further emphasised through the font used in the text "i am what i am" as this font connotes confidence and strength in what he believes in. The fingerprints on the right side of the image connote crime as well as history and reflection which shows how his past will never fade and is a half of what makes him and his character. Furthermore, the logo being placed within the centre of the right image shows how they are trying to teach the audience to associate the brand to be supportive of realness and authenticity in identity. The actor being 50 Cent effectively brings in their target audience from this star power as he has influence over his fans.

Narrative Codes: Enigma codes are used throughout the advert as seen in the slogan and fingerprints as we are unaware of his past which makes us wonder about his past. Furthermore, the dull colours connote mystery and the unknown. Additionally, action codes are used as well as the finger prints connotes police involvement which makes us question what action was taken during 50 cents past. Moreover, in the anchorage text "no plan b" suggests there is an unknown future and makes us wonder and be intrigued onto what will happen next.

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: The high-key lighting connotes adventure and discovery of something new and shocking. The close up may emphasise how the detail into this car is worth your money. This targets an audience who is interested in exploration and perhaps tourism.

Verbal codes: The slogan "The city is in your hands" connotes that once you have this car you have control over where you go. Even more, this slogan emphasises this by making this power similarly to a God or higher being as it reduces a huge city into something little.

Symbolic codes: The sans serif font connotes that this car promotes a modern and urban life style which effectively targets an audience of young adults who prefer convenience as well as comfort. The keys having a city outline suggests that the car have enough power to travel across a whole city without any breaks.  Furthermore, the use of the blue colour be symbolic of the sky which shows how by having this car you are able to travel as if you where exploring the skies which is something new and unimaginable. The high-key lighting coming out of the car key could connote that one you start driving this car, you will find excitement and joy from the comfort and discovery you find.

Narrative: The city outline is an action code as it promises that with this car you can make adventures and explore where ever you want. Furthermore, the different architecture styles used to outline buildings which could also be an enigma code as we wonder whether there is any limits to where this car could drive.