AQA Checklist

http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2570-W-TRB-U04CHECK.PDF

Research Essay:
Does it allow candidates to explore the 5 Key Concepts? (rep, audience, narrative, media language, (ideology, technical codes) institution)
Does it negotiate an issue and/or debate?
Is it contemporary? (within 5 years from 2009)
Is there a list of text(s)? (bibliography)
Does it go beyond MEST3 topic areas? (Reps and New Media)
Is it synoptic?
Does it answer the question ‘why’ rather than ‘how’?
Does it encourage independent research and critical autonomy?
Is it truly individual?
Does it avoid the cliché – (women in the media etc)
Would it end up just being a list of facts?

Practical Production:
What are the links between the essay and the practical?
Will the practical exemplify issues raised in the essay?
Does it go beyond the MEST2 artefacts?
Is it independent of the MEST2 artefact?
Have we even been given info about the practical?
Is it substantial enough for an A2 exercise?
Does it seem to be more than just an ‘add-on’?

CI Draft 2,128 words

CI Draft - 2,128 words

LP

Props/Equipment : Make-up with LOGO! , backpack, mirror, niqaab(veil costume), camera, tripod, lighting.

Sound: Natural diegetic sounds, non diegetic music, spoken slogan, voice-over?

Advert Conventions : 20-35 seconds long, catchy slogan, close up of make-up and logo, mentioning the brand.

Avatar - Secondary Research

http://gimpified.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/avatar-portrayal-disability/
(blog)

http://www.suite101.com/content/avatar-disability-a184109

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/messageboards/F2322277?thread=6976858

Saaema PResenetation

Exam Questions

1. How do the two media products represent women in the music industry?

From her appearance (make-up heels jewellery), costume (short black dress) at the mobo's - women are represented as sexy, feminine and successful, this is reinforced on the website from the extreme close-up image of her one eye - suggesting sexy and mysterious. Also the girly colour combo on her website - purple white and black.

- At the awards, verbal language - "It took me a while to get here" - connoting it is not easy for a female in the music industry as it is dominated by men... this ties in with the given quote about the 'glass ceiling' - Marxist theory

2. How and why do programmes such as the MOBO awards appeal to a niche audience?

Because it is an award ceremony dedicated to music of black origin it focuses on a more select audience, (HOW)it is broadcasted on BBC3 - free view channel which enables a larger and diverse audience.

(WHY) because they are giving opportunities to a specific origin it attracts people of that origin to watch the live entertainment...unlike MTV awards which has a more wider audience demographic

(not too sure about the question)

3.What are the advantages and disadvantages for performers of using the internet as a marking tool?

New Media/ Web 2.0

Advantages:

It has become a common universal access so the information reaches a vast audience. - from the facebook phenomenon, it has become evident that most people are religious internet users. Cloverfield was very successful at viral marketing.

It is affordable and simple and artists can express themselves through personal choice.

They can engage and communicate with audiences which is important for their success as the audiences are the buyers.

They can learn and get direct feedback from fans to progress.

Disadvantages:

Music may be stolen which is a threat to profits.

Pictures or videos can be leaked to exploit performers.

Reps of Disability - Basic 500 words

Stereotypes are commonly used in the media to help identify a specific type of character. Although disabilities are a sensitive topic the media has also lurched onto stereotyping this representation. Based on the audio-visuals I have explored, I have come to realise how most characters with disabilities often do fit a stereotype of its kind. For example, in ‘My Left Foot’ Christy who had Cerebral Palsy fit many stereotypes like ‘Super Cripple’ as he was very clever and intelligent. We saw examples of this when he came up with a successful plan to get some coal when his family where suffering in the cold and also when he wrote ‘mother’ with his left foot. He also fits other stereotypes like ‘Pitiable and Pathetic’(PP) when he got rejected by a girl he liked. Another film like ‘I Am Sam’ also fits the PP stereotype as seen in the narrative through the trailer he is a loving father that loses custody over his beloved girl. Conventional slurred speech and a facial expression with a constant open-mouth is used to recognise the character, another present stereotype is the laughable one where we see Sam tripping and also when he asks for a balloon in the shoe store. However although his character is one of a person with a disability he is also shown to do normal father-like roles such as cheering in his daughters football match and reading bedtime stories. These deviate from the stereotype. The movie ‘Special People’ exemplifies a movie that contradicts the stereotype, in comparison to I Am Sam and My left Foot, the cast is much younger and also include females. They show average teens that get up to menace and behave in normal teen-like behaviour and also include a romantic couple. This romance between a couple with disabilities is uncommon in the film industry however this film responds to this. Furthermore i have noticed how stereotypes are in fact inevitable in the media. However we see a strive to show positive and various representations, these are shown through the innovative and diverse narratives in films that are based on or include characters with a disability as this is a sensitive topic that needs to be explored and not ignored.