Unit 3- D1

How meaning is created in 'The Space Guard':

In 'The Space Guard', meaning is created through the use of visual and special effects, mise-en-scene, and the use of a cliffhanger. 

In 'The Space Guard' visual and special effects create meaning through its use of verifying the verisimilitude of the programme. One of the visual effects that create meaning in 'The Space Guard' is the use of the compositing various different stock images together to make the control desk in the opening minute of the teaser. Especially the use of the images of the blue translucent and holographic images that appear on the 'screen' in front of the characters of the clock and the graph. These images helps build the verisimilitude of the programme as the holographs give the impression that the space station is in the future. This creates meaning as the audience now understand how the programme set in the future. 

Meaning is also created through the use of special effects such as the head wound on Captain Crain. This creates meaning as the wound shows that the dangers that the characters are going through are real to them and pose a threat. This also creates meaning as it shows that there are consequences to the character's actions. The bloody wound shows the audience that anything could happen to the characters. It also helps to show Captain Crain's personality as she seams unfazed by the large head wound to her temple which shows us that she is no stranger to injury. This creates meaning as the audience learn about the characters and what type of dangers they may face in the upcoming episodes.

Meaning is also created through the use of mise-en-scene. In 'The space Guard, lighting created meaning as it shows the audience that something bad has just happened. At the beginning of the teaser, the lighting is quite neutral, white walls with some blue light which create a peaceful atmosphere, however, after the explosion, the lighting is red which the audience will relate to danger. This creates meaning as the use of lighting shows us that the characters were in danger. The use of sound also shows how the characters are in danger. In 'The Space Guard', after the explosion, an alarm can be heard till the end of the teaser scene. This alarm creates meaning as alarms (sirens) usually signify that something bad has happened, for example a fire alarm or a burglar alarm. Here, meaning is created through the audiences prior knowledge of the signals of danger.

Meaning is also created through the use of a cliffhanger. In fictional media products, cliffhangers create meaning through the way they encourage the audience to continue watching. In 'The Space Guard' meaning is created through the way that the audience want to know what is coming up next and the assumption of whether or not the characters will survive or manage whatever predicament that they are in.