AS Media StudiesFeedback Booklet for Section B: Institutions & Audiences

(June 2011 paper)

Question:

“Successful media products depend as much upon marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they do upon good production practices.” To what extent would you agree with this statement, within the media area you have studied?

Assessment Objectives

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates, using terminology appropriately and with accurate and coherent written expression.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding to show how meanings are created when analysing media products and evaluating their own practical work.

AO3: Demonstrate the ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills.

General Feedback:

I thought this question was generally answered more successfully than the previous one; it was pleasing to see how many people had taken the feedback onboard and had clearly added information to their case studies.

There were some issues with the relevance of the information in some of the answers – ensure you’re answering the question and not just listing everything you know (remember, in the examiner’s report we looked at they comment on how they dislike seeing this, as it suggests you’re regurgitating memorised information and not engaging with the question.)

Most of you were very good at setting out a structured argument – it was clear by the end of the piece how you felt about the issue. However, there were a few people who didn’t quite manage this successfully.

There are still some people who are making sweeping generalisations and whose examples are therefore vague… There were a few “Duh!” moments, shall we say. “The Big Six have bigger production budgets…” Obviously, use specific examples to show the difference between TB6 and independent film studios.

Overall, there were more examples used in this answer than last time. However, the appropriateness and detail of examples was very mixed – some people have beautifully embedded examples into their work, whereas others have sporadically stuck them in. Scarlett’s essay is an excellent example of how to seamlessly embed/refer to examples, so you might want to ask her nicely if you can look at hers

Revision Sessions and Contact Details

Remember, I am available for revision drop-in at the following times:

Friday 8th May – P4b and P5 in F218 Mondays over block release P2 in S302

I also suggest following me on Twitter @MissFarrimond (don’t worry, I don’t snoop!) as I will post revision tips over block release.

You can also check the archives on http://vxfmediastudies.blogspot.co.uk as I posted revision advice and information for last year’s Year 12s.

I am, of course, contactable also by email: vfarrimond@stjohns.wilts.sch.uk

Good luck everyone! - VXF

You need to ensure facts are not only accurate but are specific and not

generalised.

Make sure information you use

is relevant to the question – don’t just list everything you

know (the examiners don’t like that, as

we’ve seen in their exam reports.)

You need to develop an argument, which means looking at it

from both sides, but also making a clear conclusion yourself as to whether or not

you agree (you’re allowed to say you’re undecided, as long as

you express your opinion.)

Note that even for EAA you need to

reference your CS material – further highlighting that if

you have weak case studies you’re going

to struggle to answer this Q successfully.

Examples need to be detailed not

generalised, e.g. “The Avengers had a big budget” – find out

how much and detailed examples of

their marketing campaign.

Use this markscheme breakdown to help

you understand what is being required of

you in the exam

Question 2 – Exemplar Response (Examiner Commentary)

There is a range of examples cited from different contexts, offering some good contrast and a knowledgeable approach to the topic. Terminology is used accurately throughout. Understanding of practices of distribution and marketing is developed and exemplified, with many contemporary films cited.

High level 4 for all three categories.