Where can I find Digipaks to analyse?

Answer: discogs.com.

Search an artist or album:

In the list presented, search for ‘gat' or ‘dig'.

Hopefully, you will find that the entire packaging has been scanned and added.

Learn Cinematography and Composition by following @comp_cam

To learn more about cinematography and composition, follow Composition Cam on Twitter (@comp_cam) and Instagram.

You don't want to go down this hallway. #TheShining #StanleyKubrick pic.twitter.com/EXltbkP9gx

— Composition Cam (@comp_cam) June 1, 2016

[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!

Learn Adobe Premiere Pro

For those of you embarking on your first video-based editing project and for those of you who need a refresher, Adobe have put together a useful set of video's to help you learn to use Adobe Premiere Pro.

CS5.5 (Old Macs)

CS6 (New Macs)

AS: Group Writing on Editing / Sound

Currently working on analysis and quality of writing, here are the paragraphs that you wrote in small groups... please use them to critique and reflect on your own writing.

Some key points:

• Ensure that you open paragraphs with a clear point, referring back to the area of representation that you have been asked to write about
• Avoid run on sentences - clear grammar and punctuation adds to the clarity of your analysis
• Avoid description; ensure that there is evidence of technical analysis in every sentence
• Use key terms frequently and accurately
• Make sure you know the difference between 'dentotation' and 'connotation'
• Try to make links between the different technical features. This demonstrates a deeper level of understanding.

Further notes on blogging...

First, make sure that you have read this post...

I have seen some excellent work on your blogs so far, but there is always room for improvement, particularly when you are developing new practices.

Here are a few additional bits of advice, based on what I have seen so far.

• Don't copy up (or worse - copy & paste) your notes verbatim on to your blog. There is no point to this. Instead, do one or a combination of the following:
• Summarise what you have learned in to short, precise, manageable chunks;
• Use key terms but also write in your own voice;
• Apply what you have learned to new examples to check/demonstrate your understanding;
• Make links between work with Mr. Ford and I (This is really important as it will help you to develop a more cogent understanding of the key concepts);
• Reflect on what, how and why you learned something? How has it helped you to better understand a particular concept or idea?

• Don't write everything up. If you are set an essay, there is no need to write your notes up. Instead, complete the essay and publish it on your blog.

• With regards to homework... please publish it on your blog. While we will discuss it in class, it allows us to assess your progress individually.

• You need to log into your blog regularly to check for comments. If Mr Ford or I comment and ask you to do something, then please do it. Do not view this as extra work! This is us, doing our job, helping you to improve your skills and understanding.

If you have any further questions about your blog, please come and talk to me or send me a tweet.

A note on blogging...

A brief guide for AS student's who have begun blogging...

1. Check out previous students blogs to develop an understanding of what to include/write about; expectations in terms of post length/quality; and how to use/embed media including video, audio and documents.

The following blogs are a good place to start...

• Serena Moriarty
• Heather Casey
• Lucy Taylor
• Joshua Gray

2. Blog regularly - a minimum of once a week.

3. Your blog is your 'Foundation Portfolio in Media'. It is a record of the stages of your coursework: Research, Planning, (Post)Production, Evaluation. Therefore, it needs to be detailed and well written. Proof read your posts. Your blog will be marked and will be sent for moderation.

4. All of your posts should demonstrate learning and understanding. And where appropriate, given the purpose of the post, include evidence of analysis, reflection and evaluation. This may also include work done with me as there are direct links between the two sides of the course.

5. Evaluation is one of the most important skills at AS Level. See this document for additional guidance on what 'evaluation' is.

6. Finally, post rather than draft. You can edit/add to posts, even if they have been published. Mr Ford and I can only help you if we can see where you are at on your blog. If you keep lots of drafts we can not help you and will likely draw the conclusion that you are behind with your work.

Remember, you can get in touch with us via email or Twitter. And don't forget to ask your A2 peers. Josh, Hannah, Lucy, Danni, Avvy, Alice & Alice will be more than happy to help you.

Happy blogging...

Mr. M.

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

Art of the Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

"A discussion with director David Fincher, title sequence creative director Tim Miller of Blur Studio, and type and poster designer Neil Kellerhouse of Kellerhouse, Inc."

Link: http://www.artofthetitle.com/2012/02/21/the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/

This interview offers a fascinating insight to title design... MUST WATCH!

AS: Continuity Task

Listen up Year 12. The standard has been set, courtesy of Dan, George, Leah and Martin from the Ringwood School!



When you complete your preliminary tasks after half term this is what you must measure up to. You can view more continuity tasks, made by the students at Ringwood here.

A2: Music Video Students

Here is an excellent example (Level 4) of a student made digi-pack and magazine ad for their music promo package:


http://getaheadocrmedia.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-does-digipack-look-like.html


Thanks to Andy Wallis at Ringwood School for the heads up! Check out their Media blog here: http://mediastudiesringwood.blogspot.com/


Mr. M.