Genre- Codes and Conventions
In every genre of film and TV there are codes and conventions that are specific to that genre and which make it unique to others.
Codes
Codes are a system of signs that create a meaning. This can be done via two methods; Technical and Symbolic. Technical codes are set up through the way equipment is used. For example, camera positioning or lighting. Symbolic codes are presented through the script and the actors performance. A character might use certain phrases or actions that let us know how they are feeling. Music fits in both categories and can be just as useful as the other techniques, especially in genres such as horror.
Conventions
Conventions are the accepted ways of doing something within a genre and are the things that make a genre specific. Good examples of this are horror movies where they are often in black, white or dark colours, they are silent or have eerie music and they contain a lot of jump scares.