The document provides guidance on exam topics, essay structure, and potential plans for media essays. Key points include: 1) Exam topics cover film stages like production, distribution, and exhibition, as well as digital technology, audiences, and ownership. 2) A basic essay structure is outlined focusing on mainstream, British indie, and a third area like changing industry over three paragraphs. 3) An alternative comparative essay plan is suggested comparing production, distribution, and exhibition across three examples. 4) Potential essay topics are listed around technological convergence, hardware proliferation, synergies, and audiences. Counterarguments should also be included. 5) An example essay plan is begun around the question of cross-

1. AS Sect B Revision
May 13

2. Film stages/exam topics….
FILM STAGES EXAM TOPICS

3. Film stages/exam topics….
FILM STAGES EXAM TOPICS
Production
Distribution
Marketing
Exhibition/exchange
Digital technology
Proliferation of hardware
Technological convergence
Synergies and cross media convergence
Local and global audiences
Ownership

4. Basic essay structure (50 mins minimum)
Intro Mainstream British indie Changing industry
Answer the question or
give a point of view to the
questions
Explain you will be
discussing mainstream,
British indie and 3rd area:
changing industry
Skyfall My brother the devil
Pop up cinema (Luna/Film
4 Somerset house)
Secret cinema (old/new)
Independent Hollywood
(hunger games/Juno)
Amazon fire TV stick
Mum & Dad
Tangerine
3 mins 15-20 mins 10 mins 15-20 mins

5. Alternative essay plan (depends on question)
(ie. Digital technologies)
Production Distribution (inc market) Exchange/Exchange
Compare between all 3 Compare between all 3 Compare between all 3
This essay plan allows you to compare as you go along.
It is harder but would have better comparison.
Only do this if you feel confident!

6. The topics…
TC CMC / S O DT P of H
-convergent media
in P/D/M/E ….makes
easier and more
efficient for both
institutions and
audiences
-media institutions
working
collaboratively
(now = diversifying)
-what institutions
can and cannot do
-what technologies
are there?
-adv/disadv?
-this could lead into
TC
-advancement (or
TC) of hardware
-could lead to TC
-adv/disadv or what
you can/can’t do
with hardware
You will ALWAYS have to write about audience.
However, you might get an audience based question which might specify a specific audience i.e. national audience
Counterarguments – YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! (i.e. audiences abandoning technology to consume film in a different
way)

7. Ownership example
• I’ve started an essay plan off for you…..you fill in the rest in groups
• Before you start…..

8. Issues/debates (in relation to the question)
Question: "Cross media convergence and synergy are vital processes in the successful marketing of media
products to audiences." To what extent do you agree with this statement in relation to your chosen media
area?
P: ‘My Brother the Devil’ does not have notable synergies and has limited cross media convergence within the
marketing stage.
E: For example, there was a small competition online on the website ‘Film Beat’ to win the DVD and the
synergy with a local East London artist Cashtastic for his song ‘My life’ which was featured in the film.
A: Despite the fact there is some range in cross media convergence (internet/music + film), they do not involve
big investment or range in technology. The single competition to win the DVD by answering a simple question
does not seem to compete with Skyfall’s extravagant trips (Visit Britain) or tickets to an exciting premiere etc.
Furthermore, Cashtastic will not attract the audiences that Adele would for Skyfall but he does suit the nature
of the subgenre and attract a niche, local audience.
L: Range of synergies and cross media convergences are an integral part of the marketing of blockbuster
mainstream films because the type of audiences enjoy the hype and buzz created in a range of marketing
strategies but indie films do not need the extensive range as mainstream as the films are more focused on
attracting affluent/niche audiences who are drawn to the film for it’s substance rather than gimmicky
campaigns designed for profit.

9. Let’s try another…
Question: How important is technological convergence for institutions and
audiences within a media area you have studied?
P: The film industry is evolving quickly and changing drastically, technological
convergence is fundamental to new institutions such as _________________
E: For example,
A:
L:
Extra challenge: Can you think of the counterarguments?

10. One more…..
Question: What significance does the continuing development of digital
media technology have for media institutions and audiences?
P:
E: For example,
A:
L:
Extra challenge: Can you think of the counterarguments?

11. Essay plans and revision
Issues/debates
LINK TO QUESTION
Introduction Answer or give point of view to question
Mainstream •
•
•
•
Indie •
•
•
Changing
institutions
•
•
•
•