The Multimodal Annotation of Gender Differences in Contemporary TV Series

Combining theoretical and methodological questions, this chapter describes one approach to the multimodal annotation and analysis of audio-visual artefacts using the ELAN annotation tool. In particular, we focus on the multimodal construction and representation of gender differences in contemporary American TV series by qualitatively and quantitatively analysing the beginnings of TV shows. In doing so, we consider various modes and aspects in order to show how meaning, especially in the construction of the main characters, is created within and across the semiotic modes employed.