Media Lesson, 12^th November 2009

Ellie Mannix

Today’s lesson consisted of the introduction of our AS Media studies foundation portfolio, we were introduced to the tasks that we will have to endure over the coming months. The 50% of our AS level is separated into two different media projects.

The preliminary task is one which is not marked, however necessary to be part of the blog. This short film should consist of two people having a conversation in a room. The filming to this should consist of cross cutting, 180 degree rule and a variety of shots to ensure that it complies with the specification.

In addition, the other media film that is needed in order to receive 50% of the grade is to produce a two minute opening sequence for a new fiction film in groups of 4. the fact that each participant will be marked individually, so that everyone will contribute according to how well they want to do in their AS level.

We found that we will be marked on being able to use and portray the conventions of the genre and how well we were able to use and submit the conventions of an opening sequence into our films.

The genre conventions are specific to the genre that is not yet chosen, but the conventions for an opening sequence consist of:

¨ Introducing the genre – using genetic convention

¨ Introducing the main characters

¨ Introducing the plot and the themes that surround the film

¨ An establishing shot which identifies the place

¨ Also, there must be a ‘hook’ or ‘enigma’ which will make the audience want to be involved and continually watching

As a starting block, we will also have to research and to plan our media products to make sure they are specific and of a good standard before wasting time producing a film that does not meet the requirements. We will have to research and identify the target audience and the genre to ensure that the requirements will be met, so the audience will continue to watch it and stay focused. We would also need to provide enough evidence of planning the organisation of actors, locations, costumes and props, scripting and storyboarding. All this planning and research will have to be put onto the blog in order for it to be able to be marked. The type of research that could be presented on the blog is website links, youtube clips, still images from the film, visual references in order to attract audiences instead of boring writing.

Technical skills are expected when we creatively produce our product. The use of camera shots, angles, positions are appropriate and are used of a high standard to avoid a bad quality film. Also the use of mise-en-scne is of upmost importance as it portrays effect and meaning which is effectively the objective in the film.

Pen ultimately, the introduction to the coursework is the evaluation , in which we would type on this blog, containing audience feedback which integrates with research and planning. It will require questions reguarding social groups, media institutions.

To differentiate between successful and poor quality products, as a class we watched the previous year 12 groups performances, we noted down positive and negatives about their final piece. Although the criticisms were mainly positive, as a class we managed to distinguish what our projects should contain instead of those who went wrong and achieved a lower grade from doing the wrong things. From this we are learning from others misfortunes in order to achieve a better film product.

From this realisation, I feel that our group will do really well, think outside the box, enjoy and achieve what is deserved in this task.

Next, in our classrooms and made a blog from scratch, firstly making a googlemail account, then going to blogspot.com and this is why we are now making our first blog.