Semiotics terminology

Iconic signs and codes/ symbolic codes

In our storyboard so far we have employed certain codes in order to create the horror genre, for example the use of blood on the hand in the opening which is a typical iconic sign of a horror film as it suggests there has been some kind of violence/ attack or injury and symbolises life/ mortality of a person showing that they can go experience pain or death in their life.

Other technical codes used in our trailer is the low key lighting which creates a dark, mysterious atmosphere, the shot types; over the shoulder shots and fast pace shots starting from the development of the trailer which creates panic, thrill and leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Indexal Signs
In terms of indexal signs we have used a shot of Cameron (protagonist) walking through a puddle in a jump cuit and then using a transition for the next shot to show him walking through the same puddle in a suit- the denotation of this is the fact he is wearing pyjamas, however what is open to interpretation is what he is getting up to in the night and why he is walking around at night, barefoot in pyjamas. This therefore suggests he is up to something. The use of the feet walking through the puddle in pyjamas is also an enigma code as although some viewers may realise it is the protagonist as the next shot is obviously him in his suit, people may wonder who and what the person walking through the puddle is doing.

lm.