Extra Research - Theory Darren

Tutor Darren - Theory

This particular area of my task 1 are is for "Darren Theory Lessons". This will consist of extra research that will support my 3D project. I plan to document what goes on in here and evaluate my work throughout.

Semiotics - The Study of Signs - 7/9, 14/9

In a nut shell, Semiotics is the study of signs. All media contains signs, which carry meaning. It is through these meanings that the audience understands our ideas.

Signs can consist of the setting, lighting, sound, camera angle, movement... Anything that can give us some deeper meaning than just face value is a sign. The conclusions of meaning we get from these signs are normally based of the individuals previous experience. You see a advertisement for a burger, it shows an image of a burger. The image of the burger represents the physical burger that we eat. That is a simple example of a sign being used to convey meaning.

Text = Any type of media. E.G. Book, film...

Signs = Items that carry meaning E.G. the object in the film

Items = Can be broken down into smaller pieces

Meaning = What we infer from the Sign. Made from past experiences

Signs = Signifier/Signified

Signifier = The part that exists - E.G. A photos of a Phone Box

Signified = The Deeper Meaning - E.G. Post Box, Red, London...

However this topic isn't so simple. Due to the fact that every person has different experiences, there are many meaning that vary between people. Take the colour red. 2 People with different past experiences may find 2 completely different meanings within the colour. To extension then, there is an infinite number of meanings to each sign.

A combination of signs may alter the overall meaning. A burger, fries and drink have all different, meanings with some overlap (E.G. food). Put them together and you get a meal, a new meaning created out the combination of signs.