notes

1. Media RepresentationMedia Representation
Aim: To be able to analyse mediaAim: To be able to analyse media
representations using technical terminologyrepresentations using technical terminology

2. Success Criteria:Success Criteria:
Learners will analyse how camerawork, mise en scène, editing and sound are interdependent
when it comes to creating meaning and will be able to offer a combined analysis (as opposed
to the separate explanation at merit level). Learners will look holistically at a sequence or
whole product and offer accurate examples of how technical elements are creating meaning.
For example, the learner may, when analysing a news programme, say that the sequence is at
a neutral angle and mid-shot to reflect impartiality; that the blue tones of the set and the
presenter’s smart suit convey a conservatism, which is affirmed by his calm and authoritative
voice, whilst the editing uses only straight cuts to, again, establish objectivity.
Learners will analyse how camerawork, mise en scène, editing and sound are interdependent
when it comes to creating meaning and will be able to offer a combined analysis (as opposed
to the separate explanation at merit level). Learners will look holistically at a sequence or
whole product and offer accurate examples of how technical elements are creating meaning.
For example, the learner may, when analysing a news programme, say that the sequence is at
a neutral angle and mid-shot to reflect impartiality; that the blue tones of the set and the
presenter’s smart suit convey a conservatism, which is affirmed by his calm and authoritative
voice, whilst the editing uses only straight cuts to, again, establish objectivity.
D C B A

4. Sho
t
Camera Mise-en-Scene Sound Editing
1 CU of male character
using a shallow focus to
tell the audience he is the
main feature at the
moment. The camera is
angled at a high angle
looking down at the
characters behind him to
show they are
insignificant to him.
Natural lighting is used telling us this is set
during the day, although there is some
artificial lighting coming from the lamps
on the wall. The male is wearing a black
suit which is very naturalistic given the
impression he is important and successful.
There is non-diegetic score
music playing in the
background consisting of
guitars playing a western
beat. This makes the
audiences feel there might
be a show down
approaching.
As the man turns there is a
smooth cut from this shot
to the next one.
2 The next shot is a low
angle shot looking up at
the man at the top of the
stairs. Again this gives the
impression that he is
powerful. The long shot
shows that there are
others considered as
important as him as they
are also positioned up
high.
The majority of the cast on set are wearing
black which could imply they are the
villians. However there is one character
wearing a bright red dress – this could
mean she is the partner of the powerful
man. Red often symbolises passion or
danger. Women are often stereotyped as a
distraction or possession of powerful men.
The setting seems stylised to create a
futuristic sense. The props seem to fit a
nautical style, which could imply they are
on a space ship. This helps the audience
establish a sense of location.
The non-diegetic score
continues with the steady
beat.
Quick cuts are used
between the shots in a fast
pace from a ms of the
males face looking smug, to
a sm of a woman looking
up at him as she walks, to a
medium wide shot of some
people looking worried,
back to the girl and finally
back to the man again. This
quick cutting between clips
helps to build tension as
she looks scared as she

6. Writing up an analysis:Writing up an analysis:
Point State clearly what is being
represented.
•Dominant
•Subordinate
•Negative
•Positive
Example/
Explain
Create a holistic approach
and give technical example
and explain how they have
been used.
•Camera
•Mise-en-scene
•Sound
•Editing
Audience Think about the
interpretations

7. Feed-Forward SymbolsFeed-Forward Symbols
There is something written which I consider very good, or
clearly understood. It is at a high standard/you have made
progress from your previous work.
Your comments should follow:
•I am pleased with this because…….
•You were pleased with this work because I……
•I have included….
•I tried hard to…….
•I listened to my feedback last time and decided to……
•I have made progress since my last piece of work because…..
There is something that needs explaining more fully. The
thinking/working out behind the answer may need explaining.
Your comments should follow:
•I have tried to….
•My intention was…..
•I was experimenting with…..
•I thought I would…
•I wasn’t sure about….
•I was working on my…..
There is something that doesn’t make sense, is a problem or
needs re-writing or re-calculating. There may be something here
that is wrong and needs correcting.
Your comments should follow:
•I didn’t really understand….
•I need to re-think…
•I need to re-calculate….
•It needs re-drafting because….
There is a spelling, punctuation or grammar error and it needs
identifying and fixing.
Your comments should follow:
•The correct spelling is….
•The right terminology is….
•I have missed……
•I forgot to……