Semiotics

semiotics is the use of a sign or signifier in a media presentation, its the way a symbol is used by a director etc to signify something in the production, such as an alley way is used alot in scary films and has now become a signifier as we are used to an alley way leading to danger. when semiotics is applied it is used to raise awareness of the subconsious effects of the image, such as a gun doesnt just signify a gun to americans it signifies manlyness and pride and patriotism, this is because different signs mean different things to different cultures. to have the effect of semiotics in our OTS we are using an alley way in our OTS as it instantly signifies something bad is going to happen and therefore creates tension for out OTS which fits well for our film noir theme.