Television
- TV genres include drama, soap opera, sitcom, reality TV and documentary. Each has codes and conventions, such as a soap's multiple storylines and cliffhangers.
- Opening sequences establish genre, setting and characters, and hook the audience with enigma codes.
- Scheduling and streaming shape how audiences watch: binge-watching whole series has become common.
Film
- Film marketing includes trailers, posters and social media campaigns.
- Trailers use genre conventions, stars, quick editing, music, voiceover and taglines to attract audiences without giving away the ending.
- Posters use images, the title, the tagline, star names, release dates and review quotes.
Radio and music videos
- Radio reaches large audiences, with presenters, music, news, phone-ins and podcasts. Codes include voice, music, sound effects and silence.
- Music videos promote artists and songs. They can be performance-based, narrative, or concept-based, and they build the artist's image.
Key terms
- Opening sequence
- The start of a programme that establishes genre, setting and characters.
- Cliffhanger
- An ending that leaves the audience in suspense.
- Trailer
- A short advert for a film or programme.
- Tagline
- A short phrase on a film poster or trailer.
- Music video
- A short film that promotes a song and artist.
- Binge-watching
- Watching many episodes in one go.
Practise Television, film, radio and music videos: 10 questions