This document provides guidance for revising for the AS Media Studies exam. It outlines the format of the exam, which consists of two sections - Section A focuses on analyzing representations in a TV drama extract, and Section B involves questions on institutions and audiences. For Section A, students will analyze how representations of various social groups are constructed through camerawork, editing, sound, and mise-en-scene. Section B may involve topics like production, distribution, marketing, and questions relate to case studies on Disney and Film 4. The document advises spending 45 minutes on each question and provides revision resources on the exam topics.

1. AS Media studies examLesson Objectives: To prepare for the AS Media Studies exam.

2. Format of the Exam

3. Exam FormatThe exam is 2 hours long.There are two sections to the exam:Section A: TV DramaSection B: Institutions and AudiencesYou will be shown the unseen TV Drama extract 4 times.You will then have an hour and a half to answer the two questions.This means you should spend 45 minutes on each question.

4. Section A: TV Drama

5. Section A: TV DramaThe question will specify that you analyse the representation of one of the following social groups:GenderAgeSexualityEthnicitySocial class and statusAbility/disabilityRegional IdentityMake sure you understand what each social group refers to.How can the four technical aspects be used to represent each of these technical areas?

6. Section A: TV DramaYou will be shown the extract 4 times, and can make notes after the first screening.You need to use the screenings to identify a wide range of specific examples of how the specified social group is represented through:CameraworkEditingSoundMise-en-sceneMake sure you know the key terms for each of the technical areas?How can each technical area be used to construct representations?

7. Section A: TV DramaWriting your answer:You don’t need an introduction or conclusion for this section – just get straight onto your analysis.Your essay should consist of detailed analysis of how representations are constructed through each of the technical areas.Remember to have a range of examples from all four technical areas.Use terminology accurately and consistently.Use specific examples.Explain the effect of each example, and relate this to the representation of the specified social group.

8. Section B: Institutions and Audiences

9. Section B: Institutions and ...Both sections of the exam are worth 50 marks each.Remember to leave yourself enough time to complete the Section B question.You should spend around 45 minutes on each question.

10. Section BYou could be asked a question on one or more of the following areas:ProductionDistributionMarketingExchange

11. You may have to draw on your knowledge of:the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange;the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences;the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences;the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international or global institutions;the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour.

12. Key AreasPRODUCTIONDISTRIBUTIONMARKETINGEXCHANGEMEDIA OWNERSHIPTECHNOLOGYPROLIFERATION

13. Answering Section BMake sure your answer is relevant to the specifics of the question.Use specific examples from the case studies.Develop a clear argument about effects/benefits/disadvantages to film studios and film audiences.Relate your answer to your own experience as a consumer.

14. Answering Section BIntroduction – state focus, case studies, and your argument.In the main body of the essay discuss the implications to films studios and audiences of the specified issue – support this with reference to the Disney and Film 4 case studies.Conclusion – sum up your argument. Consider how this relates to your experience as a consumer.

15. ExamAnswer both questions.Give yourself enough time to answer both questions (even if you find Section B deeply distressing).Use specific examples.Use terminology.Make sure you answer the question you are asked.

16. RevisionDon’t forget lots of resources for this exam are on the blog:http://mediastudiesnwcc.blogspot.com/

17. Revision Activity – TV DramaCameraworkEditingSoundMise-en-sceneGenderEthnicitySexualityRegional identitySocial class and statusAbility/disabilityAgeTerminology, effect, what to focus on.How can these social groups be represented through the four technical areas?

18. Revision Activity - InstitutionsPRODUCTIONDISTRIBUTIONMARKETINGEXCHANGEMEDIA OWNERSHIPTECHNOLOGYPROLIFERATIONNote down:Key terms