Not sure what to watch over the Xmas break?

Well, don't worry because Andy Wallis (Head of Media Studies @ The Ringwood School) has got you covered. Check out his list of films to watch over the holidays!

From the list the following three films are absolute musts, IMO.

• The Magnificent Seven
• Amelie
• Alien

Enjoy and to all of you, have a very merry Christmas!

Mr. M and the rest of the Media Studies team.

We Didn't Start The Fire

A2: Deadlines post-Xmas break!

To be completed and evidenced on blog:

• All research for video-based production - complete; no gaps
• All planning for video-based production - complete; no gaps with feedback and your reflection written up
• All research and planning for ancillary texts - complete; no gaps

• Either - a rough cut of your production or one complete ancillary text

Your progress will be reviewed with Mr. M. during the first 2/3 lessons after the Christmas break.

Have a great Christmas one and all!
Mr. M.

AS: Homework: Media Ownership: Convergence and Expansion

Read the following article: Media Ownership: Convergence and Expansion - located on the VLE.

Make notes and bring them to the first lesson back with Mr. M.

Weekly Challenge - 5

Weekly Challenge 5: Camera/Mise-en-scene - Colour has become a key tool in film and TV to: create meaning; establish mood; establish character or emotions; or set an aesthetic tone. 


Find and discuss in detail the use of colour in one Film or TV show. If possible provide a clip or screen grab to illustrate your discussion.


As this is a more in depth challenge please submit your response by Friday 7th January 2011.

A2: WikiLeaks discussion is heating up!

The forum discussion about WikiLeaks is heating up. Make sure you join in!

A2: BBC's Panorama gets it completely wrong!

Article from the Guardian about this evening's Panorama: Panorama discovers games addiction: did we really need to be told this?

Watch the episode here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wlmj0/Panorama_Addicted_to_Games/

Weekly Challenge - 4

Weekly Challenge 4: Camera: What is 'Selective Focus'? As always: can you find an example to illustrate your answer?

Good luck!

Mr. M.

A2: Forum Discussion: WikiLeaks: A Modern Media Controversy

I have set up a discussion forum for you all to gather your thoughts, debate the issues and have a resource to return to in preparation for your exam.

Enter here!

GCSE Media Studies Homework

Great to see the effort some students put into their homework in the run up to exams:

Introductory Post

To all!

I'm sorry it's so long before I posted here. I have a busy schedule that I'm trying to keep too.

For a small intro, Mr. Michie has already mentioned that I am a third year animation student studying in Bristol and planning to extend my stay here for my professional practice due to Bristol's amazing networking opportunities.

On how I can help with your work, I can suggest websites and material that may be of some help to inspiring film makers, whether it be animation or film related.

The first of these I give you here:
http://makingof.com/

The link is pretty straight forward. It has good content about films coming out have already been released with behind the scenes from all sorts of members of the film industry from directors, actors and those in the special effects department.

I hope this is some use and all the best for your projects.

Until next time!