Media Paper 2 PPE - Learner response

Media Paper 2 PPE - Learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you do not need to write mark/grade if you do not wish to).

no feedback given. 

2) Did you succeed in meeting or exceeding your target grade for A Level Media in this paper? If not, how many additional marks do you need to achieve your target grade in Paper 2?

No, I am 17 marks away from my target grade.

These are the grade boundaries we've used, based on last year's A Level exam but raised slightly to account for the fact they will probably move up slightly (out of 84):  

A* = 75; A = 66; B = 54; C = 44; D = 32; E = 20.

Now read through the AQA mark scheme for Paper 2 - you'll already have looked at this in class when marking the exam booklet of other students' responses. The original Paper 2 question paper is here if that is helpful too.

3) Write a question-by-question analysis of your performance. For each question, write how many marks you got from the number available and identify any points that you missed by carefully studying the AQA indicative content in the mark scheme:

Q1 - (9 marks)
Additional points: Include more detailed and accurate semiotic ideas in order to analyse the unseen well. 
Be more descriptive in answering the question and include more subject specific terminology. 
Q2 - (25 marks)
Additional points: Argue both sides of the argument whilst also making clear which side you agree with so that your answer is not biased. 
Have more knowledge on video-games and be able to link appropriate theorists to the answer. 
Give a conclusion which summarises everything you've said and what you think regarding the question. 
Q3 - (25 marks)
Additional points: Focus more on the representations and cultural context which would allow you to show that you understand the CSPs.
Include more astute judgements and conclusions that are consistently well supported by relevant and detailed analysis of specific aspects of the products.
Q4 - (25 marks)

Additional points: I should draw on material from across the framework and media contexts; draw together elements across the course of study.
I should also show that I have accurate understanding of the theoretical framework that is demonstrated by consistently appropriate explanation of attempts to target different audiences. 

Example: Q2: 13/25 marks
Additional points: I didn't mention media effects theories such as cultivation theory; I didn't focus on the question asking 'how valid' are media effects theories; I could have discussed the effect representations of women have on male gamers as suggested by Anita Sarkeesian; I could have discussed the ideological impact of The Sims on young gamers indoctrinated into the American capitalist dream...

4) Look at question 4 - the synoptic question on TV. Write a full, new essay plan for this question using the indicative content in the mark scheme (focus particularly on distribution) and taking care to include at least one paragraph that addresses the synoptic element. You can use bullet points but make sure you offer enough content to meet the criteria for Level 4 (top level). This will be somewhere between 4-6 well-developed paragraphs planned in some detail.

Intro - start off by giving your opinion on the question and then progress onto explaining your opinion and slowly begin to introduce your CSPs to back up your point(s). Talk about representations, media language, industries and audiences.
Paragraph 1 - talk about one of the CSPs in depth and apply to theories to it in order to back your point and show evidence.
Paragraph 2 - talk about the second CSP and link it to theories once again and explain how it backs the point you made in your intro. 
Paragraph 3 - talk about the other side of the argument and why it could make sense; making sure your answer isn't biased and shows detailed understanding and provide evidence for whatever point made to show it's a valid argument e.g. something related to the distribution of one of your CSPs. This ends the argument in a more neutral way although your opinion has been made clear. 
Conclusion - summarise everything said in the essay and conclude by re-emphasising your opinion on the question being asked. 

5) Based on the whole of your Paper 2 learner response, plan FIVE topics / concepts / CSPs / theories that you will prioritise in your Easter Media revision timetable.

- Practice 25 mark essay questions 

- Revise CSPs from year 12 in more detail

- Work on analysing and breaking down unseen questions under timed questions

- Work on linking appropriate theorists to the CSPs

- Stick to the question throughout the essay and don't go off board

Print brief research and planning

Print brief research and planning

1) Research magazine cover key conventions. Look over the magazine cover key conventions notes sheet and write which of these you will use for your magazine cover.

Title of publication, slogan, central image, cover lines, colour scheme, language, direct address & asking questions.  

2) Find at least five culture magazine front covers (either current or former magazines) aimed at a similar target audience to your project (adults interested in popular culture). For each one, pick out one design idea that you could use in your own print work. Some examples you may wish to look at include the Guardian Guide, Sunday Times Culture magazine, Time Out, The Face, the Radio Times, Aesthetica, the move and Paper:

I like the surreal aspect to this front cover which reflects the modernism and effects of growth in technology on the media. The visual effects makes the magazine more visually appealing and makes it different and stand out from other magazines.

They've used lighting as a key element in this magazine front cover which is inspirational to attempt to try using lighting in different ways and experiment with it to make it more effective for my magazine. 



This magazine front cover has incorporated another image on top of the main image which gives me ideas as to how I can add in my two additional images that I need to include in my own front cover.

I like the use of colour in this magazine as they have used strong and bold colours in the magazine which are very eye-catching, however it doesn't look like there's too much going on, on the page and isn't too overwhelming for the audience eyes.  

3) Find at least three contents pages from culture, lifestyle or music magazines on Google images. How are contents pages designed? How do they use a combination of text and images to create an effective design?

 

This contents page has a very simple design and is easy on the eyes. The use of texts and images makes it more visually appealing to audiences and the layout also makes it a lot easier for audience to understand and navigate around the magazine. 

This contents page has been well structured because they've used images and texts and made the main text stand out more by enlarging it. There is also a colour scheme going on so that there isn't too much going on and the screen doesn't look too 'busy'. They have also provided both text and numbers of pages to make it easier for the reader to find out what they're looking for.

This contents page has been well structured with a neat layout and has balanced out the use of visual and the use of text very well. They've also made the title of the pages and the page numbers bold to make the important information stand out which makes it easier for the reader whilst also providing a summary of what's featured on each page so readers know what to expect before flicking through pages.  

4) Find at least three double-page spread features from culture, lifestyle or music magazines on Google images. How are they designed? How are text and images displayed? What design tricks can you borrow from your examples?

5) Read at least three example features from newspapers and magazine to learn the format, writing style and content for a culture magazine. You may wish to use the following to help you:

Guardian review of The Morning Show - new Apple TV drama (500 words)

Time Out - The 10 Best TV shows of the week (1,500 words)

Benedict Cumberbatch hints at female future (250 words)

Planning, sketching and writing

1) Plan a title and slogan for your new, original culture magazine. Sketch out possible designs for the masthead - font, style, colour etc.

Title: Trendinn' (bold text in a bold colour; black)

Slogan: 

2) Plan the content for your magazine front cover. Your double-page spread will be the main story but what other cover lines, images and more will you include on the cover?

3) Write a list of the all the features, regular sections and more that will appear on your contents page. If you've chosen to produce a different internal page, plan that here instead.

4) Create a spider diagram or bullet point list of all the issues or topics your TV drama addresses. How can you use this information to create a main feature for your culture magazine about your TV drama that will appeal to your target audience?

5) Write the text for your double-page spread feature. This needs to be a minimum of 400 words and be completely original and feature an aspect of your TV drama. Make sure you include a headline, subheading and any pullout quotes or sidebar contents. 

Writers from Trendinn’ meet the cast of ‘save yourself’ to give you all the insights of the series and behind the scenes tea! We start off by talking to Rathu about how she managed to pull off such a realistic character and stole the hearts of so many young people by being able to voice the issues that several of them would face in real life. ‘I loved doing this character actually. I like to think very positively and although this characters life started off at a downfall, being able to show change in her life and being an inspiration to people; especially fellow youngsters who actually go through problems like this in real life is a true blessing.’ I think it’s fair to say we were all on an emotional rollercoaster along with you throughout your journey Rathu.

Let’s talk more about the cast! How was the experience of working amongst fellow upcoming talents and how did you all get along with one another on set behind cameras? ****: ‘well, I wouldn’t say it was completely off  camera cause there was just constant messing about on snapchat, making triller videos and having a whole lot of fun without a worry in the world. Even though you saw a lot tears in the series, it was nothing but fun and laughter behind the scenes and we all honestly became like a family. This is my second family.’

‘Shit would get real crazy when all of us were behind schedule cause we’d be dancing around and taking our sweet time to get ready until the director starts screaming at all of us lol’; Rathu added.

6) Produce an A4 sketch of your front cover including the key conventions and design tricks you have studied in existing magazines and then planned in planning task 1 above.

7) Produce an A4 sketch of your contents page. This can be a single page of A4 or alternatively a double-page spread (A3).

8) Produce an A4 landscape sketch of your double page spread design now you have chosen the subject matter.

Pre-production

Shot list

Shot No.	Shot		Filmed?
1	Tracking shot going diagonal from the wall of the bedroom to the daughter.
2	Daughter crying. Going from low angle shot to high angle (alternative; close-up)
3	Extreme close-up of the tears running down her face.
4	Panning shot going through across the wall of the house with the sound of parents fighting in the background.
5	Transition to the son. Medium shot or close up
6	Long shot of the son grabbing his bags and leaving the house; parents are still fighting in the background.
7	Shot of the divorce paper being chucked on the table; close-up
8	Tear drop falls on divorce paper as it gets signed; extreme close-up.
9	Long shot of the dad getting up from the sofa and leaving the living room.
10	Close-up of the mothers face crying filled with emotions.
11	Wide shot of London; the area they live in with the boy standing alone.
12	Smooth transition to next scene (white screen in between the changes).
13	The girl putting her uniform on and going to school with eye bags and dull face; medium to close up, tracing shot.
14	Extreme close-up of her tying her tie to go to school.
15	A shot of the girl walking after school not being herself.
16	Close-up of her face to focus on her emotions (upset face).
17	Fast change of shot as she gets approached by someone; over the shoulder shot.
18	Blank screen for 0.1 seconds; tensions start to build up music starts to get more tense.
19	A shot going around the daughter as she’s stressing out and feeling lonely.
20	A shot going around the son seeing his facial expressions and showing isolation.
21	The mood changes with a shot of flowers and high-key lighting.
22	Medium shot of the daughter with her new boyfriend
23	Shot of the daughter and her boyfriend out together. Shot from the back of them two walking together holding hands.
24	Mood changes and more happy shots as she begins to feel better about the situation at home.
25	Close-up of daughters face with her smiling.
26	Shot of daughter in her bed Face Timing her boyfriend. medium shot (montage editing)
27	*blank screen* before change in shot.
28	Then changes straight away as the son is doing drugs.
29	A hand held camera shot going around the son and his friends whilst they stand in a circle
30	Shot of son and his friends running. Long shot
31	They get approached by another group of boys.
32	Over the shoulder shot of them having a conversation amongst each other. (confrontation)
33	Son then grabs one of them by the neck and throws a punch.
34	Intense scene with the son getting beaten up (without showing the violence).
35	Shot of him on the floor after getting beaten up.
36		Close-up of the sons face with bruises and marks; not a lot of blood to stay under restrictions. *police siren wailing in the background*
37		Son comes home with bruises on his face (close-up of him at the door)
38		Mum opens the door. (match-on-action)
39		Gasps at the state of her son (close-up)
40		Parents coming to realise their kids are starting to fall under different distractions; the impact they’re having on kids.
41		Close-up of mothers face.
42		Close-up of fathers face.
43		Whole family sitting together; long-shot
44		Come together as a family; long shot.
45		Happier faces; close-ups or medium shots. Happy music in the background (tracing shot of both parents)
46		Happier faces; close-ups or medium shots. Happy music in the background (tracing shot of both children)
47		Sun shines on the house (outside long shot of the house); connotes happiness and positivity.
48		Blank screen to show the end.
49		Picture of family with the name of drama, date and time it’s going to be aired, director’s name and institution’s name.

Script

Daughter: *crying* sits by herself in her room in dark lighting. Mourning noises in the background with the sound of parents arguing.

*camera goes around the family house; parents argument in the background* 

Son: *gets frustrated from the things happening at home* *sigh* gets ready to leave the house. Grabs his things and leaves. *slams door*

Both parents: signing the divorce paper *in tears*

*Shot of London* (to show where they live/the area it's set in) voiceover saying ''and welcome to London'' 

Daughter: *leaving for school* not being herself with dull expressions

Daughter: *leaving school* not being herself *takes deep breath* and continues walking

Daughter: gets approached by a new person to the story during her way home (shot transition)

*blank screen* quiet/no sound

Daughter and son: camera going around them, focusing on their facial expressions. 

*bright lighting and change of mood* music building up to raise tension (non-diegetic sound)

Daughter: shot of her out with her new boyfriend (introducing new character) conversation between them with soft non-diegetic music over it. 

(High-key lighting to connote happier scenes) 

A change of scenes as it starts to get darker and more serious 

Son: shot of him doing drugs (his friends chatter in the background)

Shot showing son with his friends *chatter amongst them*

(Scenes get more intense and we see the son getting more and more influenced and a bit of violence).

‘‘RUN RUN! We need to get outta’ here’’

Sound in pain and punches being thrown, violent sounds and intense non-diegetic sound in the background. 

Son: Left with bruises sound of him crying in pain. Flat and intense non-diegetic sound over the sound effects done in the scene. 

Both parents: Come to realise the impact their problems are having on the kids *sigh in stress and pain* 

Whole family: talking together amongst each other 

*laughter and chatter*

(Non-diegetic music in the background throughout the trailer and the music get more upbeat as the scenes get more intense).  

Mise-en-scene

Cast- 
- The mother
- The father
- The daughter 
- The son
- The boyfriend 
- The group of friends
Costume - 
- School uniform or ID card to represent school kid
- Fashionable/branded clothing to represent their age and era set in
- Puffer jackets, hoods, tracksuits, balaclava's to represent gang members. 
- Formal wear to represent going to work, older generation; more mature
- Asian clothing to represent culture and diversity
- Dark clothes to show sadness and set dull mood. 
Makeup - 
- Simple natural makeup for the mother
- Normal 'going out' makeup for the girl (when with her boyfriend)
- Use makeup to create a sad and dull face/look e.g. dark circles
- Use makeup to show bruises and scars (potentially a bit of blood)
Props - 
- Fake drugs used around the gang
- Divorce papers
- Phone for the girl to talk to her boyfriend
- School bag/books to represent they're school kids
Lighting - 
- Low-key lighting to set a dull mood and show sorrow; light only to focus on characters facial expressions
- High-key lighting to make the scene bright and connote happiness. 
- Back-light when introducing the son
- Short light to focus on daughters tears
Settings - 
- In school (Greenford high)
- At home
- The streets around the area they live in; west London