[A2] The End is Nigh!

So the journey is almost over. Here be some links, videos and tidbits of advice as you finish preparing yourself for your 'critical perspectives' exam...

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Where to begin? This video gives a clear overview of the exam structure, in particular what you need to focus on in Q1a and Q1b:

1a (Looking inwardly)

• The chief examiner on responding to Q1a.
• Here I am responding to Q1a - def. worth a read!

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1b (Applying theory)

• The chief examiner on responding to Q1b.
• Example response to 1a and 1b.
• Revising key theoretical concepts.
• The chief examiner on doing exam answers.

And in response to Josh's tweet, if Media Language comes up focus on that theory: semiotics, mediation, camera, editing, sound, mise-en-scene. Do not get tripped up and discuss post-structuralism or postmodernism. Focus on how you used your knowledge of media language to 'mediate' and 'construct' your media text.

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#POMO or WTF!?

Don't forget that *postmodernism* is a cultural concept and *postmodern media* refers specifically to media texts.

To offer a full, detailed, conceptual response you must show how other areas of theory are directly connected to postmodern media, including: 'structuralism', 'post-structuralism', 'genre theory' and 'audience theories'.

And it is also an era, and a response...

Baudrillard (as if you need this!?)

And the best answers will make cogent links between historical examples like 'The Matrix' and present/future examples like 'Digital Identity'.

Finally, the chief examiner on answering the #POMO question.

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Well done to those of you who emailed me essays or essay plans. Remember, I am here and here, if you need me. And good luck!

A2: More useful stuff for 1a & 1b

These links all come courtesy of Andy Wallis over at Ashfield Media:

• Answering question 1a

• Key concepts revision

• Another A grade exam response (only 1a and 1b are relevant to you).

A2 Easter Homework

Respond to the following #pomo question

• Explain why the idea of ‘postmodern media’ might be considered controversial

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Delve into the resources related to Q1a and Q1b.

Work on your evaluation.

You know where I am if you need me! :-)

A2: G324 Evaluation & G325 1a / 1b

What follows is info and links to support you in writing your coursework evaluation and beginning your preparation for Section A of the exam.

G324: Advanced Portfolio in Media (Evaluation)

Your evaluation requires you to respond to the following questions:

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
2. How effective is the combination of your main and ancillary texts?
3. What have you learned from your audience feedback?
4. How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

This is to be presented electronically in one of the following forms:

• a presentation using slideshow software such as PowerPoint
• a blog or website
• a podcast
• a DVD with 'extras'

You may have noticed that there are less questions compared with your AS evaluation. However, the expected response to each of these questions should demonstrate a far more technical and detailed approach.

Useful Links:

What is evaluation?

An A* student's blog

Another A* student's blog

G325: Critical Perspectives in Media (1a / 1b)

Moreover, this is not your only chance to evaluate your coursework. You will also have a synoptic evaluation of your coursework in your final exam. This will be in essay format responding to two questions. You should spend 30 minutes on each one.

1a - You will be required to describe and evaluate your technical skills over the course of your production work, from Foundation Portfolio to Advanced Portfolio. The focus is for you to reflect on and evaluate the way your skills have developed. You will be required to adapt your response to two of the following production practices:

• Digital Technology
• Creativity
• Research and Planning
• Post-production
• Using conventions from real media texts

1b - You will be required to select one production and evaluate it in relation to a media concept. The list of concepts are as follows:

• Genre
• Narrative
• Representation
• Audience
• Media Language

Useful Links:

Media Theory presentations 1, 2 and 3

Media Language - Huge Resource

More Media Theory

Approaching Question 1a

How to prepare for question 1b

How to do an exam answer

Responding to 1a

A2 Exam Prep - Useful Links

Responding to question 1a

Responding to question 1b

Structuring your response to questions 1a and 1b

Responding to Postmodern Media

Responding to 1a

1a. Explain how far your understanding of the conventions of existing media influenced the way you created your own media products. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how this understanding developed over time.


The key words in the question are….

I have to…

I am going to use the following evidence…

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My knowledge and understanding of existing media texts has had a significant impact on the way I created my own media products. In particular at AS, as my theoretical knowledge was developing I was more reliant on existing media to help formulate ideas. However, the impact of existing media decreased at A2 as I began to formulate more original ideas, due to a better understanding of how ‘the Media’ works, particularly in terms of representation and audience theories.

Beginning the AS course, I found it challenging to produce a media text that demonstrated originality. This was because my knowledge of the Media was limited. It became evident that I would have to rely on existing media, to draw influence from. One text that I analysed in detail was Se7en. The film opens with an engaging yet conventional thriller opening in which the genre and antagonist are introduced to the audience. This model had a more than significant impact on my work; both semantically and syntactically. For example, I chose to animate the font in my opening title sequence – this decision was directly taken from Se7en. I wanted to re-create the eerie shuddering effect that I had observed. I felt that it would help me to set an appropriate tone for the opening of my film. Moreover, I also decided to use intercutting in a similar way to Se7en. This allowed me to develop the visual iconography through font and colour while also establishing a narrative sequence involving the antagonist. In retrospect, while my work was deemed to be successful, I feel that this direct lifting of existent material limited the scope of my ideas. On the other hand it could be argued that my opening works in pastiche of an existent genre. I believe this is a fallacy however, as the process is one of creativity and here I was not particularly creative.

As I began researching my A2 media production, I decided that I needed to take a more informed approach to my work. Having completed the AS course I was more widely versed in media theory including ideas surrounding representation, audience and postmodernism. I aimed to produce a more original response by using my wider knowledge to influence my work – and to be less reliant on existent media…