Lesson 1 provides you with an introduction to the science fiction genre along with establishing an understanding of how to write in the style of the examination.

1. Unit 1 Examination - Sci-Fi Movies
Introduction to the Sci-Fi Genre
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2. Learning Objectives
LO1 – To understand the layout and
structure of the unit 1 examination.
LO2 – To display a clear understanding
of the different sub-genres within the
science fiction genre
LO3 – To begin to understand how
science fiction movie trailers appeal to
their target audience
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3. Unit 1- The Examination
• The external exam carries 40% of the total marks available for GCSE Media Studies. It takes
the form of a 1hour 30 minutes supervised formal examination and is timetabled.
• The examination takes the form of 4 equally waited questions that are all compulsory. At
least 1 of the questions will be a creative artistic task with the other three questions being
written responses that display your learning about the topic.
• 1 month before the examination you will get some pre-released material that will give you a
better idea about what the examination will be focused on and you will need to prepare for
the exam more closely when this pre-released material is given to you.
• The provisional date and time of the external assessment on Sci-Fi Movies is as follows:
Issue of pre-released material to students: Monday 25 April 2016
Examination: Tuesday 24 May 2016
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4. Working with the pre-release material
• The pre-released material will take the form of a brief
detailing a contextualized scenario. During the period
between its issue and the date of the examination, students
are expected to extend and consolidate their knowledge
and understanding of Sci-Fi Movies by completing
independent research and preparation in response to the
given brief. In the examination students will then be
required to complete four tasks.
A made up scenario which you will have to focus your exam revision
on. E.g – You have been commissioned to create a new sci-fi movie.
You must create a pitch for the storyline of the movie and mock up
the home page for the official promotional website.
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5. Defining the Genre – Science Fiction
• Science fiction is a genre that you will most certainly have
come across within your viewing of Hollywood cinema.
• The most difficult thing about science fiction is actually the
ability to neatly define it as a genre.
Task: Using the images on your handout, explain all the different
sub sections of the umbrella term of ‘science fiction’. Attempt to
explain how you know that this is the sub genre from the
promotional poster.
Example – I Robot deals with ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and this is
shown by the human-looking robots in the background of the
promotional poster.
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6. Science Fiction – Sub Genres
Sub Genre -
Space Travel
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Space suit,
unusual setting,
textual sign of
‘interstellar’.
Sub Genre –
Technological
Advancement
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Main image of
dinosaur skeleton,
Theme of turning
dinosaurs into
attraction
Sub Genre –
Mutation/Catastrop
he
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Main image of pile
of zombies, textual
sign of Z
representing
‘zombie
Sub Genre –
Dystopian Society
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Symbol of fire,
prop of the bow
and arrow, slogan
of ‘everyone will
be watching’
Sub Genre – Alien
Invasion
How can I tell this
from the poster? Key
convention of alien
space shit, bright
threatening shaft of
light, slogan of ‘the
question of whether
we are along…’
Sub Genre – Artificial
Intelligence
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Background of lines
of human looking
robots, title of i
representing
personal technology
advancements.
Sub Genre – Space
Action/Adventure
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Image of Kirk on
motorcycle, Use of
the main image of the
space shit, direct
mode of address from
hero.
Sub Genre – Time
Travel
How can I tell this
from the poster?
Hero positioned
looking at his watch,
title uses the word
‘future’ implying
time travel.
Extension Activity – Define what a science fiction movies is by writing a short paragraph of explanation using the knowledge you
have just gained in this activity.

7. What is Science Fiction Film?
Science Fiction films have entertained audiences for many years. Often set in the future (though not always) plots of Science Fiction
films have specific knowledge/possibilities at their core. In this sense the genre is distinct from the Fantasy Adventure genre. It is of
course, sometimes difficult to precisely define what is or isn’t a Science Fiction film. Many films that have Science Fiction elements
are also action/thrillers at the same time.
Increasingly so, films are hybrids of existing genres. It is the combination of conventions that would lead us to classify a film as a
Science Fiction film. For example, The Hunger Games is of the genre, not just because it is set in the future – it creates a world that
is realistic but has no real connection to our present reality at all. The world created in the film features technological advancement
that we can only imagine and features a frequently used theme of the genre – the dystopian society.
There are several sub genres of Science Fiction films, all of which are appropriate for Unit 1 purposes. These include the following:
alien invasion; nuclear threat or catastrophe; mutations of creatures and space/time travel.
For the purposes of the Unit 1 examination it is important that students study a wide range of examples of Science Fiction films and
it is important that students appreciate why the genre has retained its appeal over such a long period of time.
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Reviewing Task:
Go back to your definition of Science Fiction movies. How accurate was your definition in comparison to the way that AQA define the
genre? Rewrite your definition making sure that you include the following key words/phrases:
THE FUTURE; SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND POSSIBILITIES; HYBRID; DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY; SUB GENRE; ALIEN INVASION;
NUCLEAR THREAT; CATASTROPHE; MUTATIONS OF CREATURES; SPACE/TIME TRAVEL.

8. Introduction to Audience Appeal
Watch the trailer of the 2014 Hollywood blockbuster ‘Interstellar’.
You must consider the key question:
In what ways do the trailers of Science Fiction films appeal to their target
audiences?
Using the hand-out provided, make detailed notes about the following areas
to make sure you can answer the question:
• Narrative content – What is happening in the trailer?
• Representation of characters – How are different types of characters presented to us?
• Settings – What types of setting can you see and why do you think they’ve been
used?
• Key themes and issues – What key themes appear to be presented?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSWdZVtXT7E

9. Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan
In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a
scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. When humanity is facing
extinction, a mysterious rip in the space-time continuum is discovered, giving
mankind the opportunity to widen its lifespan. A group of explorers must travel
beyond our solar system in search of a planet that can sustain life. The crew of
the Endurance are required to think bigger and go further than any human in
history as they embark on an interstellar voyage into the unknown. Coop, the
pilot of the Endurance, must decide between seeing his children again and the
future of the human race.
Key Characters:
Cooper – Matthew McConaughey
Murph – Jessica Chastaine
Tom – Casey Affleck
Professor Brand – Michael Caine
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10. Narrative Content (What part of the story does the screen shot show? How does this make the audience feel? What key technical features show you this?)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):
Representation of Characters (How is ‘Cooper being represented in the shot? What sort of characteristics is he showing? How do you know this?)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):
In what ways do the trailers of Science Fiction films appeal to their target audiences?

11. Settings (What is significant about the setting presented in the shot? How might audiences react to this setting? Why would audiences be interested in the setting)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):
Key Themes and Issues (What key theme appears to be presented in the image? How does it make an audience feel? Why does an audience feel this way?)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):

12. Sample Paragraph
Dear Mr Lucas, science fiction films have appealed to their target audience for decades
primarily because of their heroic protagonists. Within the trailer for the 2014 Christopher
Nolan blockbuster, ‘Interstellar’, the leading male character of Cooper is represented as
brave in a close up shot as he directs a space shuttle at speed through deep space. The use
of the close up shot on Cooper’s face allows the audience to observe the stock costume of
the space suit that presents how he is clearly a long way from Earth and the normality of
human life. Furthermore, within the shot the audience can observe the assertive facial
expressions which presents the leading male as brave and in control of the fast moving
space shuttle. Both the mise en scene of the costume and the determined facial expressions
encourage the audience to admire Cooper as his heroism is an attempt to save the people of
Earth from extinction. Christopher Nolan’s construction of the protagonist as heroic gratifies
the audience, according to the uses and gratifications theory, as they are educated about
the possible future of our planet and the possible need for heroic character like Cooper
needed to save the day.
Tudor Grange Academy Solihull Media Studies Department

13. Sample Paragraph
Dear Mr Lucas, the trailers of science fiction films have appealed to their target audience for
decades primarily because of their heroic protagonists.
Within the trailer for the 2014 Christopher Nolan blockbuster, ‘Interstellar’, the leading male
character of Cooper is represented as brave in a close up shot as he directs a space shuttle at
speed through deep space.
The use of the close up shot on Cooper’s face allows the audience to observe the stock
costume of the space suit that presents how he is clearly a long way from Earth and the
normality of human life. Furthermore, within the shot the audience can observe the assertive
facial expressions which presents the leading male as brave and in control of the fast moving
space shuttle. Both the mise en scene of the costume and the determined facial expressions
encourage the audience to admire Cooper as his heroism is an attempt to save the people of
Earth from extinction.
Christopher Nolan’s construction of the protagonist as heroic gratifies the audience, according
to the uses and gratifications theory, as they are educated about the possible destructive
future of our planet and the potential need for heroic characters like Cooper to ensure the
continued existence of the human race on earth.
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IN ROLE - You will be
writing to someone in
the exam. Try and
contextualise all
responses.
KEY WORDS - Always try and use the key
words from the question to show the
examiner you have a focused writing style.
POINT – the way that the
heroic protagonist is
presented is appealing
EXAMPLE - Clear
identification of a film
and if relevant a key
character.
TECHNICAL
TERMS/MEDIA
LANGUAGE - You must
try and use technical
terms to support your
evidence
ANALYSIS - Close analysis
of how the technical
features create a brave
and heroic character
IMPACT ON AUDIENCE -
Clear focus on how the
shot/technical feature
impacts the audience
THEORY - Try and apply theory where possible although do not
just bolt it on. Make sure that it is used to further develop your
analysis.

14. In what ways do the trailers of Science Fiction films appeal to their target
audiences?
How do I write an analytical paragraph in the unit 1 exam?
• Make a point: What key features of sci-fi film trailers attract their
audience?
• Use some evidence that supports your point: What evidence can you
use to support your argument? Make sure you use as specific an
example to support your point as possible. This might include a key film,
character, scene or even shot.
• Analyse how the evidence supports your point: How does your evidence
support what you are trying to prove?
• Apply some theory to further your analysis: What theories can you apply
to add further complexity to you interpretation and analysis?
• Use some technical terminology/media language: Where possible make
sure you are using technical terminology.
• Write in role/character: The whole exam will be created in a
contextualised scenario. All responses should be somewhat in role.
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1. Make a clear point using the key words from the question
E.g. Heroic protagonist
2. Use some specific evidence that uses at least one
technical term
E.g. Select a film that displays a heroic protagonist and use
a shot to show specific knowledge
3. Analyse how this evidence attracts the target
audience
E.g. What technical features make the character
look heroic? How does it make the audience react?
4. Apply some theory to support your argument
E.g. What gratifications (Uses and Gratifications Theory)
does the heroic character give the audience?

15. Point Evidence Analysis Technical Terms/Theory
Narrative content –
What is happening in
the opening?
Representation of
characters – How
are different types of
characters
presented to us?
Settings – What
types of setting can
you see and why do
you think they’ve
been used?
Key themes and
issues – What key
themes appear to be
presented?

16. Sentence Starters & Structural Advice
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Paragraph
Feature
Point Evidence Analysis Theory/Technical
Terms
Possible
Sentence
Starter
Dear Mr Lucas…
One way that the
trailers of sci-fi
movies have
appealed to their
target audience is
through the use of…
The use of a heroic
main character is shown
in…
The heroic main
character is displayed in
a (insert shot type here)
which shows…
The use of the shot
elicits…
The use of the costume
elicits…
An audience might
feel…
An audience is
encouraged to…
It is possible to apply
Barthes enigma
codes here
because…
By applying Katz and
Blumler’s uses and
gratifications theory
and audience might
be gratified by…

17. Self Assessment - In what ways do the trailers of Science Fiction films appeal to their target audiences?
What Went Well:
1.
2.
3.
EBI:
Top Band Mark Scheme
- Informed evaluation of the ways that
audiences are attracted to the trailers of
sci-fi movies
- Well-chosen examples used convincingly
- Writing is well organised and skilfully tailored
to respond to the set question.
- Clear written expression.
- Confident use of media terminology

18. Conclusion – Sci-Fi Conventions
Throughout the lesson you have
indirectly explored a wide range of
different key conventions for the sci-fi
genre.
Conclusion Task: Using the knowledge you have
gained, sketch 3 different key conventions of the
sci-fi genre and annotate them with how and why
audiences are interested in this convention.
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Example Response - Futuristic appearance of the
space station/space craft displays a vision of the
future to the audience along with allowing them
to be educated about the ways that people may
exist in space in the future.

19. Defining the Genre – Science Fiction

20. Narrative Content (What part of the story does the screen shot show? How does this make the audience feel? What key technical features show you this?)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):
Representation of Characters (How is ‘Cooper being represented in the shot? What sort of characteristics is he showing? How do you know this?)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):
In what ways do the trailers of Science Fiction films appeal to their target audiences?

21. Settings (What is significant about the setting presented in the shot? How might audiences react to this setting? Why would audiences be interested in the setting)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):
Key Themes and Issues (What key theme appears to be presented in the image? How does it make an audience feel? Why does an audience feel this way?)
Technical Terms (Shot type, sound, etc.):

22. Point Evidence Analysis Technical Terms/Theory
Narrative content –
What is happening in
the opening?
Representation of
characters – How
are different types of
characters
presented to us?
Settings – What
types of setting can
you see and why do
you think they’ve
been used?
Key themes and
issues – What key
themes appear to be
presented?

23. Self Assessment - In what ways do the trailers of Science Fiction films appeal to their target audiences?
What Went Well:
1.
2.
3.
EBI:
Top Band Mark Scheme
- Informed evaluation of the ways that
audiences are attracted to the trailers of
sci-fi movies
- Well-chosen examples used convincingly
- Writing is well organised and skilfully tailored
to respond to the set question.
- Clear written expression.
- Confident use of media terminology