Revision booklet

• Click on the image to access the booklet.
• Download the booklet
• Work through the booklet

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World - Battle Scene

The extract is from the film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003 - Peter Weir). We are at sea during the Napoleonic Wars (Britain Vs. France), the French have a powerful ship which could help them win the war. Captain Jack Aubrey has disguised his ship, the Surprise (sailing under the name The Syren), and his crew as a whaling vessel in order to lure the much more powerful French ship, the Acheron, alongside his so he can attack and disable them.

Characters in this extract

The British

Aubrey - Captain (long hair)
Maturin - Doctor (hat and cigar)
Thomas Pullings - Lieutenant (scar)



1. Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. [10]  

2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

• soundtrack 
• camerawork 
• editing 
• mise-en-scène. [20] 

3. Discuss how people are represented in the extract. [20]

You might consider the representation of:

• age
• British and French
• officers
• sailors

Textual analysis and representation - Skyfall

Watch the clip and the answer the following questions. Use the example answer to help with your own response HERE

Q1. Explain two ways in which the narrative (characters and events) in the extract fits the action adventure genre. Use examples from the extract. (8 marks)

Q2. Explain how each of the following elements is used to create effects:

• soundtrack,
• editing
• mise en scene
• camerawork

You should use at least two examples from the extract for each element. (20 marks)

Remember to use the terminology HERE

Q3. Discuss the representations in the extract.
Refer to stereotypes in your answer.
Use examples from the extract.    (20 marks)

You might consider the representation of:

• gender
• race and nationality
• criminals
• heroes

Action adventure films - Question 3

3. Discuss the representations in the extract.
Refer to stereotypes in your answer.
Use examples from the extract.    (20 marks)

You might consider the representation of:

• gender
• race and nationality
• criminals
• heroes

Action adventure films - Question 2

2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

• soundtrack 
• camerawork 
• editing 
• mise-en-scène.

You should use at least two examples from the extract for each element. (20 marks)

Remember to use the terminology HERE

Action Adventure clip - Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Moving image - terminology

Candidates should be able to recognise and describe a range of media language techniques and

explain how they are deliberately used in a text to create connotative effects. Candidates are

expected to know the following terms and how to comment on their use. However, this is not a

definitive list and candidates should be encouraged to be as flexible as possible in adapting to the demands of the specific extract they are to analyse.

Moving image – Camerawork:

• establishing shots
• low angle, high angle, canted angle or aerial shots
• elaborate camera movement such as tracks, steadicam or crane shots
• hand-held camera
• point-of-view shots
• shallow focus and focus pulls.

Moving image – Editing:

• shot/reverse shot
• juxtaposition
• non-continuity editing
• crosscutting
• fast-paced editing
• less common transitions: dissolve, wipe, fade
• post-production effects.

Moving image – Soundtrack:

• music
• synchronous and asynchronous sound
• diegetic/non-diegetic sound
• sound effects
• sound bridge
• voiceover.

Moving image – Mise en scène:

• lighting (especially low-key lighting)
• location/set
• costume and make-up
• props
• casting and performance style
• blocking (the composition of elements within the shot).

What are the codes and conventions of Action Adventure Film?

Narrative

• 12/15 certificate, maximising youth audiences
• Often hybridised with Sci Fi/Adventure/Romance
• Major Hollywood studio produced and distributed
• High production values including CGI FX. Fast paced editing
• Classic Hollywood 3 act narrative structure
• Predictable chain of events – cause and effect
• Single stranded, linear, closed narrative
• Dramatic non-diegetic sound (soundtrack music)
• Clear binary oppositions (good v evil)
• Star Marketing: Audience identification/expectations (Cruise/Pitt/Johnson/Thurman/Jolie/Tatum/Craig/Di Caprio/Damon)
• Generic Typecasting and Secondary Persona apply (stock characters)
• Romantic sub-plot, humorous dialogue
• Relationships with new technology (youth audiences)
• Use of close ups
• Dominant representation of gender: male/female action hero.

• Narrative led films contain tightly woven story arcs, where the dialogue drives the plot rather than builds character.
• An action adventure film is essentially one long quest with a succession of different chase sequences, each one more death defying and seemingly impossible than the one before. The trick for the producers is to ramp up the tension as the film progresses to a storming end sequence. Will our intrepid explorers make it, or will the evil antagonist get there first.
• A strong story ark of a quest for treasure, or an incredibly valuable object, or an item which has occult power.
• Love interest that both hinders and supports the main quest.
• A fast moving narrative with constant set backs that are overcome one by one, leading to fairly complex plots.
• In many respects this genre of films derive their energy from being more exciting, more adult and much more dangerous versions of children’s stories of adventure such as Enid Blyton’s Famous Five or Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.
• Thrilling action where the protagonist saves his fellow travellers through a variety of non realistic but apparently logical escapades.

Characters and locations

• These are not realistic films, although the characters must be believable. They are set in a stereotypical world of the not too distant past e.g the 1930s, or the fictional world of storybook adventures e.g. A high tech, futuristic maze.
• A main protagonist who is a seen as a 'normal' person and who just happens to have amazing powers of endurance in the face of extreme danger, and is also very clever. James Bond is a Secret Service agent. Captain Jack Sparrow is at first an ordinary good for nothing pirate with incredible agility and luck, although he later takes on supernatural powers.
• There are always helpers who are a team of innocent characters who happen to get caught up in the action.
• Humorous dialogue often diffuses taught and sometimes frightening situations.
• The characters take the twist and turns of the plot very seriously as they are often in mortal danger from an assortment of unusual animals, machines and monsters orchestrated by an evil antagonist.
• Exotic locations where the characters have to contend with extremes of climate, as well as evil forces.
• The aim is to please the audience by keeping them on the edge of their seats through a series of mind boggling chases, exotic locations and hair raising adventures in historically inaccurate but somehow elementally possible settings.
• Action Adventure films are designed to create an action-filled, energetic experience for the audience who can live vicariously through the exotic locations, conquests, explorations, struggles and situations that confront the main characters

Task: Having read through this description of the action adventure genre (characters and locations), apply each area to an action film of your choice.

The film must be from the last 5 years.

Explain your points, using examples from the film as evidence to support your ideas.

Edge of Tomorrow - Battle scene

New Year 10 Summer Homework 2016

Gcse Media Studies Summer Homework 2016

Revision Booklet

DOWNLOAD THE BOOKLET HERE AND COMPLETE

GCSE Media Revision Booklet 2016

Revision Notes

Exam techniques

Successful techniques for the exam.
TIMING - SPEND 1 MINUTE PER MARK ON EACH QUESTION.
SO IF IT'S A 10 MARK QUESTION SPEND ONLY 10 MINUTES.

Q1 Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. [10]

THIS QUESTION NEVER CHANGES SO USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE - PRACTICE IT BEFORE THE EXAM...LOTS! The question might seem unclear but what they want you to talk about here is NARRATIVE and how it relates to the A/A genre

So think how the extract you have just seen fits the codes and conventions of action/adventure in general.
You are being asked about how the characters and/or events are conventional:

Technique:
 You cannot make notes during the first viewing so use the viewing to do  the following...
1 = Identify the sub-genre
2 = Observe the generic  conventions seen in the extract
3 = Identify 2 specific examples of each feature (character/event)
4 = Once you are allowed to write, get them down as fast as possible in bullet point.
NB if you're going for the higher grade  you need to relate these examples to how they create action and/or
adventure

REMEMBER – you need to use examples  from the extract to support your point:
Common ones you may use are ...

 - The protagonist is brave in the face of danger and will often  (but not always) easily beat
the antagonists even when outnumbered.
 - The protagonist is resourceful and clever
 - The protagonists are attractive and youthful when compared with the antagonists.
 - The antagonists are violent and intimidating (could be seen through their costumes or props).
 - There is a clear theme of good vs. evil
 - Conflict is resolved through violence.
 - It is possible the extract may NOT be typical in places. This needs to be  mentioned.

Q2 Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:  • soundtrack • camerawork • editing • mise-en-scène. [20]

You are being asked to identify how the connotations of the micro elements creates the THRILL, SPECTACLE, TENSION, and DRAMA that are found in A/A films.

You should respond with an analysis of how the camera, editing, soundtrack and  mise-en-scene are used in the extract to create a particular effect which fits  the action/adventure genre. You will be expected to give direct  examples from the extract and explain the connotative effect your examples have on the audience. You should also link back to action/adventure conventions.

Technique: During viewing #2 it is best to focus on Soundtrack, Camerawork and Editing. Then on viewing 3 focus on Mise and looking for examples for Q3.
1 =Select a range of examples that don't overlap. Best to write about two points for each to maximise mark potential.
2 = Use terminology CORRECTLY, it is better not to use it if you aren't 100% sure, PLEASE don't reference a diegetic sound as non-diegetic, you WILL lose marks.
3 = Analyse the connotations, do NOT simply describe the section
4 = Express ideas clearly, fluently, in short PEET paragraphs with focus on minimal grammar and spelling errors. Poor English will result in a lower mark.
5 = Try to write equally about all four points.
* DO NOT TALK ABOUT GENERIC CONVENTIONS!
* DO NOT LIST OBSERVATIONS WITH NO ANALYSIS
* DO NOT DEFINE KEY TERMS, THE EXAMINER KNOWS WHAT DIEGETIC SOUND IS!

Q3 Discuss how people are represented in the extract. [20]
Your focus here should be positive and negative stereotypes - Hyper-masculinity, stereotypical 'bad guys', weak women-roles.

Technique: You need to make sure you leave time in viewing 4 to do this 20 mark question justice. Do NOT get hung up on trying to find all of Propp's character types. ONLY identify and explain groups that are present in the clip, and refer to them in the context of how they are represented using micro-elements INCLUDING DIALOGUE!
IF YOU DON'T MENTION THE WORD STEREOTYPE IT IS UNLIKELY YOU WILL GET HIGHER THAN ' C' GRADE. Make it clear when you talk about women being 'weak' that you refer to 'stereotypical women in A/A films' so you don't offend the examiner!!

If you need further guidance then consider how the following are represented.        
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Sexuality
- Age
- Disability
- War
- Authority...

In your answer you should:

- identify your examples
- describe the representations of the named area (e.g. ethnicity)
- describe the messages and values in these representations
- Show your wider understanding of issues of representation in Action/Adventure films

Year 10WMS1 Schedule (29th February- 23rd March)

Over the next six lessons you need to complete the following:

• Finish the research tasks (here & here)
• Decide on the sort of action adventure film you will be making the poster for
• Choose a suitable title for your film
• Decide on a tagline for your title
• Write a brief plot outline for your film
• Decide on the stars who will appear in your film
• Create hand drawn mock ups of the teaser and full posters
• Create A3 Photoshop documents
• Create layouts
• Add a suitable background image
• Add all text including credits
• Decide on the images that you want to use on your posters
• Complete the audience profiles
• Make moodboards for your target audiences

Make sure you use the mock up to help with your layout.

Use the posters you researched to help with further ideas.

This is also your homework and is posted on Show My Homework.

Textual Analysis (Action Adventure) Questions - Hancock

Q 1. Explain two ways the characters and/ or events fit the action adventure genre. 

Use examples from the extract. [10 marks]

Layout as follows:
Explanation 1...
Explanation 2...

Q2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects:

• soundtrack
• editing
• mise en scene
• camerawork

Use examples from the extract. [20 marks]

Q 3. Discuss the ways in which people are represented in the extract. 

Refer to stereotypes in your answer.
Use examples from the extract. [20 marks]

Remember to use the appropriate terminology.

Hancock Fight Scene

11WMS1 The Hurt Locker Task

Lesson 1 (Wednesday)

Watch the clip in the post below.
Make notes for all the questions.
Use the terminology where appropriate.

Lesson 2 (Thursday)

Answer the questions.
Use the terminology where appropriate.

The Hurt Locker - Suicide Bomber

Film Poster Research (10WMS1)

Today you will be researching ideas for the next piece of work-the creation of a poster for an action/adventure film aimed at a teenage audience.

Your task is to find at least twenty different examples of movie posters for action adventure films. Save the images in a folder and add them to a PowerPoint. Make sure they are all clear and of the same size on your page. 

Categorise the posters in two ways:

• posters promoting films for a teenage audience
• posters promoting films for an adult audience

Extension task:

You will notice that some movies have multiple posters. Choose a recent action/ adventure film and find as many posters for that film as you can.

Analysing Movie Posters

Task:
Select a poster of your choice from the action genre and answer all the questions below.

Posters occupy a space between art and advertising. They have a clear commercial purpose - to promote an event or product - but they also have artistic value. People buy them and hang them on their walls. Museums have whole galleries devoted to poster art. When analysing a poster it is important that you evaluate both how well it fulfils its purpose (i.e. promotion) as well as its aesthetic value.

First steps

• When analysing a poster, you should consider the following broad questions before you start to focus on the details:
• What are the main colours used in the poster? What do they connote?
• What symbols are used in the poster? Do you need audience foreknowledge to decode the symbols?
• What are the main figures/objects/background of the poster? Are they represented photographically, graphically, or illustratively?
• Are the messages in the poster primarily visual, verbal, or both?
• Who do you think is the intended audience for the poster?

Given that all movie posters have the same purpose - to get audiences to go see a movie -

• What persuasive techniques are used by the poster?
• Which genre conventions are referred to?
• Is a star used as a USP (Unique Selling Point)?
• Are "expert witnesses" (i.e. critics) quoted?
• What pleasures (gratifications) are promised by the poster?
• How is attention gained (humour, shock, surprise familiar face of a star)?
• How does the tagline work? (humour, pun, alliteration etc?)
• Who are the institutions involved in production?

The poster can also give you important information about the production context of the movie:

• How much does the poster tell you about the institutional context of the movie's production?
• How important is this information on the poster (think about information hierarchies)?
• How important a part of the whole marketing campaign is the poster? Where is the poster placed?
• How expensive was this poster to produce?

Critical Evaluation

Finally, you have to pass judgement on the poster.

• Is it a good poster?
• Does it communicate effectively with the audience?
• Are there any alternative readings which might harm the message of the marketing campaign?
• Is the poster offensive in any way? e.g. representation of people or places