This document provides guidance for students completing a 3,000 word theoretical deconstruction of a media text for an A2 Advanced Production unit. It outlines the aims of demonstrating practical skills and theoretical understanding of media concepts. Students must choose from briefs for a film, TV, radio, print, ICT/new media, or cross-media product. Marks will be awarded for planning, construction of the product, and a theoretical deconstruction. Strict deadlines and record keeping of the production process are emphasized. Key concepts around media forms, institutions, audiences and representations must be addressed.

1. Year 13 Advanced Production 3,000 word theoretical deconstruction of text. Aims of unit: 1. Demonstrate practical skills. 2. Demonstrate theoretical understanding of media concepts 40% of A2 level- you must work hard on this!

2. Suggested briefs Film A trailer for a new film A short film (5mins) TV A series of 3 adverts An extract from a documentary (5 mins) An extract from a news programme.

3. Radio An extract from a music programme An extract from a phone in discussion programme An extract from a radio play.

4. Print For individuals- 1st 4 pages of a new tabloid newspaper ( min 4 original images) For groups- front page + 3 pages per member of the group. ICT/New Media First level of a computer game

5. Cross Media A promotion package for the release of an album ( CD cover, music promo video). Video A music promo An animated short ( 1-2 mins).

6. Marks out of 120 30 marks- planning 60 marks construction of product 30 marks theoretical deconstruction

7. Keeping track You must keep a log of what you have done and what you need to get done. You must agree mini deadlines with your teacher and others in your group.

8. Planning 30 marks 1. You must show evidence of well organised use of time and equipment (log). 2. Devise an appropriate ‘brief’ or ‘pitch’ for your product. 3. Research similar media texts, technical skills, generic codes and conventions and potential target audience.

9. 4. Organise actors, settings, props and technical resources effectively. You are working to a strict time line and there is no room for mistakes. 5. You must storyboard/script/ or design before you start and plans and drafts must be included in the appendix.

10. Things to remember The Key concepts: Remember your work will be marked in the light of the 4 key concepts: Media forms and conventions Media Institutions Media Audiences Media Representations. You should therefore ensure that you can explain how your practical uses these models.

11. Construction 60 marks You are expected to use and/or subvert established forms and conventions to make meaning in the production of your own media text. Formal aspects of textual production will need to be demonstrated with attention to detail and finish. You must show that a particular audience has been targeted. If working in a group you must show evidence of your own contribution.

12. Critical Evaluation/Commentary 30 Marks Introduction ( not included in word count) Describe production brief undertaken for AS and show clearly how the A2 brief differs from it.

13. Part 1:1000 words max Records the stages of the production from original brief, through planning to a technical account of decisions and revisions made. This is where your log comes in useful.

14. Part 2: 1000 words An analysis of the finished product - how it communicates meaning: reference to theory ( narrative, representation, intertextuality). Try to make explicit reference to critical theory such as narrative organisation or genre (eg structuralist) and representation ( eg feminist) or intertextuality (eg post-modernist).

15. Part 3: 1000 words How the text compares to real media output: audience feedback: reference to the institutional context.

16. Approach 1. Decide on which brief you think you would like to complete. 2. Research at least 3 examples of similar products using the 4 key concepts of: Forms and conventions, Institution, Representation and Audience as a guide. 3. Look for theory references and read around your product using the media books in the studio and library. Keep a record of all your reading ( including internet URLs) to use in your bibliography.

17. 4. If you research points 2 & 3 effectively it will help you to come up with a more creative brief. 5. Once you have done your research, re- submit a more detailed brief to your teacher. 6. After consultation you can then start more detailed planning, storyboarding, scripting and or design. 7. All the time keep a log and a record of what you are doing and what you have left to do. It will make it so much easier at the end.

18. 8. Keep showing your work to your teacher and if things go wrong let us know, we can help. Don’t give us the run around! Don’t forget we can give you 30 marks for excellent planning, everyone should be able to plan effectively. 9. Keep duplicates of images and back up everything. Put all your pictures onto a CD so you have got easily accessible copies of the originals. 10. If you are working in a group keep your work in a box in the studio, don’t let someone take work home who will then be off sick for a fortnight. 11. Take responsibility for your own work, this is your A level and your future so make it the best you can.