EXAM REVISION - Institutions & Audiences

Hi guys

In your I & A's revision, please make sure you know your case studies back to front. YUou should have statistics, numbers and facts for ALL your case study movies and institutions (Disney and NZFC).

In the practise questions below, use these to craft an essay that ANSWERS THE QUESTION using;

 - a STRONG argument for what you believe about the statement and why

 - LOTS of case study examples that back up your argument 

 - correct TERMINOLOGY that describes elements of audiences and instiutions 
 (e.g NOT 'big businesses' but CONGLOMERATE, NOT 'business' that own another bsuiness' but a SUBSIDIARY etc)


TIP: brainstorm quickly BEFORE starting your essay and write a few bullet points, like we practised in class on the white  board. Write down all the points you will write paragraphs about, ANYTHING that could be relevant to the question to back up your argument. Don't get carried away with one aspect (e.g marketing), write down ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that could be relevant.

Question 1:

Evaluate the impact of media ownership on the media texts you have studied.

Question 2:

Assess the importance of marketing in the media area you have studied

Question 3:

"Technology is always advancing" Evaluate the extent to which this is true in your chosen media area and what impact you have observed.

Question 

"It's all about money". How is this true in the media are you have studied?

EXAM PRACTISE - Representation

Hi guys!

By now I assume in good faith, that your Media Studies revision is in full swing.

Please remember that I am available to check essays and answer questions anytime. Just email/ txt me and we can make a time.

Here is a TV Drama clip that you can use for revision of REPRESENTATION. Remember you will be viewing an unseen clip on Saturday. Your approach should be as follows, as we have discussed in class;

1. Determine what kind of TV Drama you are presented with and explain briefly how you came to that conclusion (eg. if it is set in a hospital, say it is a hospital drama and you know that BECAUSE it is set in a hospital setting, cast are doctors and patients etc).

2. Work out immediately what group of society are represented and what overall meaning is created in the way the clip is put together.

3. Work your way through the 4 MAIN TECHNICAL ELEMENTS describing with CORRECT TERMINOLOGY what camera angles, sound, mise-en-scene and editing techniques are used and WHAT EFFECT that has, what meaning it creates.

If you follow this formula and go in depth in analysing, you will pass well.

Please have a practise with this (aiming for 15 mins of note-taking and 45 minutes of essay writing).

Email me your essays when you're done.

All the best! Praying for you guys!

T-Bianca

Illegal Downloading

Here are some good links for research into illegal downloading

Illegal downloading in NZ

 kiwi's illegally downloading

Thinking about Audience

Let's have a think about audience...

• Read through these articles .

Generational Marketing

Audience Demographics Article

• Consider and make notes on the following and include relevant notes in your CCR / notes on your blog as well as exam prep for any essay on audience and media consumption trends:

1. What are the different audiences that media (films) are marketed to? (names and years of when they're born)

2. What are some noticeable trends for each age group

3. How might marketing strategies change for a film in distribution phase, to reach different audiences?

4. What were the target audiences for your case studies and how did they reach them?

Institutions and Audiences Essay Question for Homework

This week I'd like you to focus on the following question;

Refer to the area of FILM media;

How far does digital distribution affect the consumption of media texts in the film industry?

Things to consider
- what are the changes to distribution in the past 10 years?
- what are the pro's and what are the cons of digital distribution?
- Netflix and the rise of online streaming
- Personal studies on audience
- your own experience of  media consumption
- Audience trends, stats and figures that show how people are consuming digital media
 e.g. - how many people own devices that allow digital formatted media consumption
        - how many illegal downloads occur in your case studies?
        - how was the audience able to view your case study movies? (at the movies? online?)

- how do target audiences influence or be influenced by digital distribution? *(are all generations tech savvy?)

Use the following links to help you research:

Social Media and distribution
https://www.raindance.org/how-social-media-changes-film-distribution/

Film distribution process
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-film-distribution-process.

Changes to film industry in next 5 years
https://www.screendaily.com/news/report-predicts-key-film-industry-changes-over-next-5-years/5126304.article

Distribution needing to keep up with digital rivals
https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2017/09/12/why-movie-marketing-and-distribution-need-change-keep-up-with-digital-rivals

NZ Film Stats, facts and figures
https://www.nzfilm.co.nz/sites/default/files/nielsen-media-trends-report-2016.pdf


Changes in distribution model article
http://www.vulture.com/2014/12/6-ways-the-movie-distribution-model-is-changing.html



Impact of digital distribution - GOOD QUOTES
http://www.keanet.eu/docs/impactondigitaldistribution.pdf

Prelim Exam Prep

Hi guys,

Here are a few essay questions that you can practise answering. Please choose one or two AT LEAST to attempt in your study prep and submit these via email. I am happy to meet with you during our usual Media class to discuss your grading.

Have a go at answering these questions WITHOUT referring to study notes and see how you go.

Remember, in the exam you will not have any case study material with you.


QUESTION 1:

How important are cross-media convergence and synergy in the media areas you have studied?


QUESTION 2

How do media institutions target national and local audiences in the media you have studied?

QUESTION 3

Evaluate the marketing techniques used in the media area you have studied?

QUESTION 4

"Digital technologies have transformed Media production." Discus with reference to the media area you have studied.


All the best! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with :)

-T.Bianca

Institutions and Audiences Essay Question #3

Hi,

Here is your essay for the week;

"Evaluate the significance of changes in production technologies in the media area you have studied"

REMEMBER
- use examples from ALL of your case studies
- use relevant terminlogy
- bring in your rough draft for checking on Monday

Have fun!
- T-Bianca

Case Studies

Hi guys!


As we gear up for the Pre-lims, here are a few things you should be tracking in your notes.  Make sure to learn these facts as close to "number perfect" as possible.

Your case studies should include NZFC as an institution, at least one local / arthouse film as denoted earlier in the term, and at least one blockbuster film (theoretically a product of one or more of the Big 6) to compare and contrast against.

For both films, you should know-

• Production / Pre / Post
•    Including any impacting plans (i.e. 3D exhibition, etc)
• USP's
• budget and profit, specifically as related to the production phase
• budget and profit, specifically as related to the distribution phase
• budget and profit, specifically as related to and specific campaigns (typically marketing)
• Production company of origin, and its ownership
• Related ownership where applicable
• Distribution (cinemas: local / global, festivals)
• Marketing campaign (strategy, vehicle / rationale, results)
• Media platforms
•    Including ownership & viewing (i.e. personalised digital experience vs cinema, etc)
•    Media fragmentation
• Audience
•    Reception of film / response
•    Ticket sales
•    NZFC stats

And of course, we will be adding to this list!

T-Bianca

Institutions and Audiences Essay #2

Hello everyone,


This one is from the end of 2016.  Enjoy:

“Production decisions are always driven by money.” Evaluate the extent to which this is true in the media area you have studied. 

You can look at the following areas to help you with your essay;

1. What processes are involved in production?
2. What production decisions were made in your case studies and what were the results? 
 - did they shoot on film or digitally?
 - did they hire well known actors for hype and appeal or did they experiment with new talent?
 - did they have a big budget? Were they funded by one of the Big 6 or Indie/arthouse or crowd funded? If they were funded by a spcific company, did this affect HOW they made the movie and the decisions they made?
- what technology has been used in the film and why did they make those decisions? (e.g Avatar - Jungle entirely created virtually with Special FX, never set foot in a jungle. Cost involved in taking a crew to a tropical jungle, camera and gear to survive in hot weather etc. VS. all done virtually by some graphics artist in a studio). Stunt man VS. Special FX?
- did the production process involve teaser trailers that were released? How would that decision be driven by money? 
- What were the outcomes of the production decisions in the finished product? Did the films do well? What was opening weekend gross earnings? What did the critics say? How were the films received and how did that translate into money based on audience reception?


REMEMBER!!!
- use examples from YOUR CASE STUDY FILMS
- Make a point CLEARLY, back it up with examples from case studies CLEARLY linking back how the info is relevant.
- Make a strong conclusion based on all your evidence.
- Aim for 600 words or more.

- T. Bianca

A & I Essay for Assignment Wed 1st August

Hi

Welcome back to school!

Here is your Institutions and Audiences essay question for the week. Please answer with a minimum of 600 words and keep in mind, this is worth 50 marks.

Remember to use examples from specific case studies in at least ONE of EACH of the following;

- NZ film
- Hollywood blockbuster
and 
- Indie/Art house film

Essay Question:

Refer to specific examples from the media area of film and discuss how important cross-media convergence and synergy are.

Have fun.
-T. Bianca

Homework for Week 9

Hi

Here is your homework due on Friday 6th July. Please note the deadline for the draft essay is due Wed 4th July.

REPRESENTATION

This is going to be a large component in your exam, it is vital that you're practising your media analysis skills and staying sharp on this topic.

Watch the embedded clip and answer the following questions on your blog;

1. What are the 7 main areas of representation of society in the media?
2. What groups of society are represented in this clip?
3. Comment on EACH OF THE 4 TECHNICAL AREAS separately and how they contribute to creating meaning in relation to each of the represented groups.
4. Are these messages of meaning being downloaded to us, challenging or conforming to the already existing stereotypes for these groups?

Remember:

- USE EXAMPLES
- USE IN DEPTH EXPLANATIONS (assume I know nothing and explain it all).
- WRITE 500 - 600

words (this essay is out of 50 marks)
- make sure you include EACH technical area

All the best and make sure if you get stuck, do some research and extend your learning and remember you can always ask for help.

T-Bianca

Term 2 Study Break

Hi guys

Well done in making it to the official half way mark, through your Year 12 year! You're doing well! Make sure in amongst the hard work you put in during study break, that you plan in some down time too.

Here's what needs to be done before Term Three begins:


Group blog -

• Should have ALL entries for Preliminary Tasks 1 and 2, including planning (but not CCR's; these ONLY show up on your personal blogs).
• Each person's edit should be included at the top of page for that task.
• This blog should be presented neatly.
• Remember, titles for entries should include names of people who worked on them (i.e., if you wrote the script, the title should be 'Script - Your Name, Co-Writer's Name, Etc'
• Entries should have an appropriate label.  (Research, Preliminary Task, etc)
• There should be a label menu in the sidebar, to make the information on these tasks easily accessible.
• Planning for Foundation Portfolio should also be neatly presented.

Personal blogs -

• Research entries should be 'back-filled' with necessary fixes.
• PT#2 CCR, Question #2: needs to be adjusted to include current awareness of 'Audience'.
• FP CCR's should be developed and complete. (We will further back fill Question #2 later; for now, do in as much detail as you can)

The Survey-
   Conduct a survey, with the goal of ascertaining film consumption patterns

• Survey should involve at least 40 randomly selected people (not your family!)
• Make it easy on yourself!  Construct a chart that allows you to poll a small group simultaneously rather than one individual at a time!
• Taking the survey should take between 2-5mins at most.  Let people know that.

Data for each person polled should include, but are not solely restricted to:

• Age
• Preferred genre
• Estimated number of movies watched per year
• Estimated number of times they watch those films at a cinema
• Names of top three most frequented cinema establishments
• Most recent movie seen

If film-watching normally takes place at home, do they generally:

• Watch film from start to finish, no breaks
• Watch film with short breaks (get water, answer door, etc)
• Watch film with longer breaks (please specify break length and reason)

It could also be a good idea to find out about people's use of LightBox / Netflix / DVD / other forms of home-viewing, including illegal download.

Be blessed, and have fun.  :)


- T. Bianca

Foundation Portfolio Homework

Hi guys,

This week, your homework for Wednesday is all focused on your Foundation Portfolio PLANNING.

You won't have other research essays for this week's homework BUT you will be expected to be putting homework time, outside of class, into producing an impressive, in depth planning Blog entry that covers all of the following sub-headings;

1. Concept
2. Treatment
3. Brainstorm
4. Storyboard
5. Logo & Credits design and rationale
6. List of characters and props (with visuals)
7. Location and setting photos and plans
8. Script
9. Call-sheet/ shooting schedule/ shot list

Remember to upload and present old versions of all your planning. As you make changes, these can be logged and uploaded to show your creative process at a later date.

GROUP BLOG

This planning should ALL be reflected in your group blog with correct labelling and tags.

Please make sure this is all uploaded,  checked and ready for marking on Wednesday for Media class. This will mean we can jump straight into filming on Thursday! Exciting!

Sing out if you need any help!
T-Bianca

Logo Investigation

Time for the next blog task, everyone!

Let's have a look at this peer exemplar!

We need to research film company logos.  Look up images and the history of their creation, and make observations on what seems to be involved in creating a company logo.

Provide example images and a strong paragraph describing your findings.

Apply this information to the design of your company's logo.  Again, provide example images and a strong paragraph. You should have at least 5 and maximum 8 logos investigated on your blog and then additionally, your film production company logo too.

I suggest you start the logo investigation links in the research section of our class blog for some ideas.


Have fun!

T-Bianca

Representation Essay

Hi guys

This week, as well as focusing on your planning for your Foundation Portfolio, you are required to write an essay on representation.

I want you to watch the following extract from a TV Drama series, a few times.

The first time, just watch it. The second time, take some notes. The third time, take some more notes as you actively look for representational codes, stereotypes and messages that are presented to us about any of the 7 core media representations that you can identify or recognise in this clip.

Keep the following questions in mind;

1. What groups are being represented to us?
2. Are the messages challenging or conforming to what the media usually portrays in relation to this specific group?
3. How are the 4 technical elements used to send a message about the characters and who they represent in society?

This needs to reflect not just surface observations but a deeper analysis of the way different societal groups are represented and how that impacts the viewer and ultimately society on a broader scale.

All the best and I'm looking forward to seeing your rough draft for marking on Friday.

T-Bianca

Opening Sequences analyses - Part 2!

Hello everyone,

Next blog task for you to think about and work on during your study break...

Opening Sequences, pt2-
Find the opening sequences to THREE Thriller movies. (You may use the films that we have viewed in class)  Analyse them to answer the following question for each:

How is the sequence engaging and how does it conform to traditional Thriller codes and conventions?
Embed relevant screenshots or sequences into your post as evidence.

Remember to keep in mind that editing, after effects,amended planning and CCR's need to be ready on your blogs for marking by Wednesday week 1 of Term 2, so plan in now when you will get these done.

T-Bianca

PT#2 Planning and Brief

Hi

We are straight into Prelim Task 2 - exciting!

 

1. We're being more intentional about the creation of suspense / tension through use of specific filming techniques and conventions.

2. It's a good idea to get them to choose a specific thriller sub-genre you want to try to reproduce. You can reference your recent blog assignments on that to decide which conventions you want to use.  PT#2's mark will also take into account how good a job you did at making an accurate representation of this sub-genre.

3. We're switching up roles! Whatever job you had for PT #1

Second filming task brief-

• Two characters
• Both walk to a meeting place (together or separately is fine)
• An object is given to or taken from one of the characters
• Short chase sequence - resolved one way or the other!
• Two lines of dialogue
• A "discovery" or "revelation" moment
• 1 - 2 mins maximum length

Technical elements required:

• Use at least one extreme-wide / establishing shot, one close-up (CU) andone extreme close-up (ECU).
• Use 180-degree rule
• Use shot-reverse-shot
• Use match on action
• Use Thriller conventions

• Consider the Critical Reflection questions as you prepare for the main task!
• After Effects! Explore this technology to decide what you will add into your version of the edit..

All the best! Remember to plan thoroughly, record all your decisions and changes. Work with the end in mind. Lastly, get creative!

T-Bianca

Representation - Codes & Conventions

Hello,


Your new blog assignment!  

This will need to be completed on your blogs by WEDNESDAY 4th APRIL.


Representation codes & conventions-
List the seven core Representation topics.  Give examples of how the TECHNICAL ELEMENTS (not storyline / plot!) communicate these social groups / issues in a meaningful way.  The easiest way to do this is:

• Choose a Representation topic
• Find a screenshot / clip of a TV drama that best exemplifies what you're discussing (embed it into the blog entry)
• Observe the effects of the combined technical elements being used
• Reflect on the message that these effects ultimately send to the wider viewing public
• Rinse and repeat - these should each be very short paragraphs.

Remember - the conventions can either support or subvert generally accepted interpretations of a given area of representation.  Think about how shows you have watched (in your own time or, for example, Vertigo) have conformed to some representation codes and undermined / swapped others.  What were the messages available for viewer decoding?

Any questions, ask away!


- T. Bianca

CCR - homework

Hi guys

Your focus for this week is very much the Preliminary Task #1 which should have a COMPLETED rough edit as soon as possible.  I'm projecting that this will be late this week or early next week. You will have some time to edit this week in class and that MAY be enough to get a basic sequence in place.  Again, editing can be done in breaks and study periods, but prioritise homework or studying for tests.

We will begin designing our responses to the CCR questions during the wrap-up phase of editing, but RIGHT NOW you should write down things that went wrong or you had to change or things you've already noticed or learned.  Keep a notepad next to you while you edit; you'll keep noticing and changing things!  Log it all.  It's fantastic for your CCR's.

Have fun.

T-Bianca

Bourne Identity: Representation Essay Homework assignment

Hi guya, here is your next challenge:

Embedded below is an extract from The Bourne Identity.  You should watch it at least four times.  During the first screening, you should not make notes; during the second, third and fourth screenings you should make notes, as well as making additional notes between these subsequent viewings.  You should also compare and develop these notes using your class notes from our recent class screening, and compile them to answer the question below.

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs meaning through the following:

• camera shots, angles, movement and composition
• editing
• sound
• mise-en-scene

Your answer should be approximately 3 sides in length (no less than 2 1/2 sides, leaning towards 3 to 3 1/2).  Cover as many of the bulletpoints as you can, and refer also to representational theory.

Remember the Key Topic areas of Representation, and remember that these are KEY areas but not the ONLY areas.  Still, most observations on social groups and social issues will eventually circle back to one of those seven topics.

This is due Wednesday 14th March.


- T. Bianca

Thriller sub genres homework

Hi everyone-


Now that the planning is done, after the filming we'll mostly be into editing during class time.  That being the case, you need something to do at home.  Perfect timing, really, considering what's coming.

Your next blog assignment:


Thriller sub-genres-

• Research 6-10 thriller sub-genres.
• You will define the core content, themes, techniques and conventions that are characteristic to each sub-genre.
• You will also give examples of common methods used to achieve the desired effects.
• List 1-5 appropriate movies that land in the category of the sub-genre you are discussing.

This is due Wednesday 8th March.  Learn this, because after this we'll be doing an essay on an extract from The Bourne Identity.

Enjoy!

T-Bianca

Preliminary Task 1 Prep & Planning Blog entry

Hi boys!


 BLOG ASSIGNMENT:
As we discussed in class, the next blog assignment will be the Preliminary Task #1 planning.  Besides the task requirements on p33 of your coursebooks, that planning will need to include:

• Brainstorm
• Storyboard
• Script
• Props & Costumes - list and examples, plus rationale for your choices
• Conventions you intend to employ, and rationale

TASK PLANNING:
For now you should have completed the following and have a list of these incorporated into your planning entry on your blog , if not yet then soon!

• Brainstorm
• Storyboard
• Script
• Location
• Props & Costumes - list them, source them, bring them in
• Possible Talent - choose and approach for willingness and availability on the day
• Filming day options - finalise and CONFIRM WITH TALENT
• Callsheet for talent - make it simple for them so they know what they need to bring
• Shot list for yourselves - this helps you plan out how you will manage your time
• Group roles - who will do what on the day?  Who will act as timekeeper?  Director?  Cam-op?
• Equipment list - plan NOW what you'll need; don't be scrambling on the day

All of this will feed your Creative Critical Reflection, which we will discuss more fully at a later time.  For now, get your planning ready and get filming!  :)

Have fun and please ask questions as you go.


- T. Bianca

Week 3 homework: Opening Sequences

Hi everyone,


So here's the task, to remind you:

•On your blog, explain the following: (create a post titled 'Opening Sequences')

–What is the purpose of Opening Sequences?

–What is the difference between Opening Credits and a Title Sequence?

–What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

–Research a modern Thriller and a Hitchcock film of your choice to use as examples.

–Demonstrate how both films achieve the purpose of the Opening Sequence, and contrast their techniques.

Here is an updated version of the powerpoint we saw in class.  It has a few more leading questions to assist you in the assignment.

Let me know if you have any further questions!


- T. Bianca

Bourne Identity Codes and Conventions Blog Post

http://georgiapalmer.weebly.com/g321--thriller-blog/how-does-the-bourne-identity-follow-or-challenge-the-codes-and-conventions-of-a-thriller-film

Welcome to 2018!

Hi 2018 AS Media Students!

Welcome to what will be an awesome year.

We're kicking off with an analysis project, as follows below.

You may use the Sherlock clip in this post for our task.

Watch the extract several times and assess how the sequence manages the bridge between 'heavy' and 'light' moods.  (Focus particularly on finding the main / initial shift in tone)

By now we've produced a storyboard of the precise transition section - the last shot of the first sequence and the first shot of the second.  If we haven't already done so, finish your written notes on how the mood is set up in each case by the following micro elements:

• Camera: shots, angles, movement, composition.
• Editing: within each section and crucially, between them, to make the 'bridge'.
• Sound: dialogue, music, effects, atmospheric establishing sound, diegetic v non-diegetic contrasts.
• Mise-en-Scene: how is this different for the two contrasting storylines; how is mood and atmosphere created in each case through lighting, colour, performance and other aspects?

Remember that your notes need not be exhaustive; for example, you would only record types of camera shots and their resulting effects, rather than the number of times each shot type is used and their corresponding timecodes in the extract.

Finally, use your notes to write a short response about how the technical elements combine to construct mood and tone.  Responses should be one full side in length, so you will very likely not be able to cram in everything you've observed.  Select your best material for the task.

Let me know if you have any questions and have fun :)

- T Bianca