This document provides guidance for students on a media research and production course assignment. The assignment requires students to complete both a critical investigation paper of 2000 words and a linked media production piece. For the critical investigation, students must explore a contemporary text, theme, issue or debate and present their research individually in a written report or alternative format. They are encouraged to develop their own interests and expertise in their topic. The linked production piece can be a video, audio, print or digital media piece no longer than 5 minutes that relates to the topic explored in the critical investigation. Students have several weeks to develop initial ideas and can work individually or in small groups. The document provides examples of past student topics and production ideas and tips for choosing a topic

1. MEST 4 Media: Research and Production 50% of the course (80 Marks) Two Sections: Critical Investigation (48 marks) Linked Production Piece (32 Marks).

3. Purpose The unit is intended to enable candidates to explore a text, theme, issue or debate relevant to the contemporary media landscape in depth and use this exploration to inform their production piece. (Contemporary – Within the last 5 years).

4. Group Work Where candidates are working in a group on a production piece they may choose to produce similar research studies or they may wish to focus on different texts, themes, issues or debates relevant to their chosen production piece. Groups could work on a sequence, opening titles or short horror film yet investigates one of the many different issues, themes and debates that arise from the genre.

5. Critical Investigation You will be required to produce an individual investigation which may be presented as a written report of 2000 words. The critical investigation should be word processed (if written) and a detailed bibliography/source list provided citing both the primary texts (i.e. the texts studied) and secondary sources (e.g. textbooks and journals). Candidates should be aware that extensive use of film review websites, for example, is not encouraged as they rarely consider the text critically

6. Investigations can be presented in a non-written format a DVD commentary approximately 10 minutes long – including interview, commentary on key sequences and analysis of existing material a wiki-based investigation of at least four pages with links, analysis, comparison and visual materials

7. Ideas for Critical Investigation Candidates should be ready to develop their own interest and expertise and given the opportunity to research and analyse those area that have captured their interest and or/imagination. Stay clear of representation

8. Key Points Research Essay: Does it allow candidates to explore the 5 Key Concepts? Does it negotiate an issue and/or debate? Is it contemporary? Is there a list of text(s)? Does it go beyond MEST3 topic areas? Is it synoptic? (presents a summary of views). Does it answer the question ‘why’ rather than ‘how’? Does it encourage independent research and critical autonomy? Is it truly individual? Does it avoid the cliché – (women in the media etc) Would it end up just being a list of facts?

9. Linked Production Critical Investigation area Gender representations in soap operas Linked Production The opening sequence for an episode of a new soap Opera Critical Investigation area Viral marketing techniques Linked Production A viral advertisement suitable for distribution by mobile phone Critical Investigation area Japanese anime Linked Production Trailer for a new anime film

10. Linked Production Critical Investigation area Contemporary men’s lifestyle magazines Linked Production Mock-up of the first edition of a new men’s lifestyle Magazine Critical Investigation area Machinima and commercial game trailers Linked Production Machinima film for a new first-person shooter computer game Critical Investigation area Shock jocks and local commercial radio stations Linked Production Opening section of a new late night ‘discussion’ programme for a local radio station

11. Length of Production Pieces Moving Images and audio work is not expected to be longer than 5 minutes. Print or E-Media – At least three pages for an individual candidate – more for a group production.

12. Groupings Video Production – No more than groups of 4 E-media/Print – No more than groups of 2 You can work individually on this work.

13. Making Decisions You need to have some solid ideas by the end of next week. You can come up with ideas for production pieces first – then decide what aspect of the production piece you can write about in your critical investigation.

14. Examiner’s Tip Try not to choose something you’re a fan of unless you’re absolutely sure that you are able to maintain sufficient critical distance from your text. Many of the best studies are chosen with the head not the heart. If you decide to choose a text you really like, think carefully about exploring a second, contrasting, but linked text as part of your secondary research – this will help your reflect on the first text.

15. Case Study: Ross Kemp on Gangs – an investigation as to whether representations of groups of mean in the media are always portrayed as negative

16. Ideas for Research Narrative structural devices in post-modern texts; The superhero genre post-9/11; extreme-sports magazines and their niche marketing. Ugly Betty – What are the problems inherent in portraying a word of fashion, aspired to by many people, in a negative light? Boys don’t cry – how do the contemporary documentaries Ross Kemp on Gangs and Tribe represent masculinity How why do wildlife documentaries such as Water Voles and Life in Cold Blood sustain the interest of BBC audience in the digital age

17. Think Key Concepts/Debates Audience Institution Digital Technology