GCSE Media Studies – Revision Materials

Section A: Action Adventure

Question 1: Explain two ways in which the characters and/or events in the extract fit the

action adventure genre.

Here is a list of the key codes and conventions we would expect when we watch an Action

Adventure film:

Hero/heroine/band of good guys – this person/group of people will often be in danger – being

attacked by a villain or some other dangerous force.

The hero will often be searching for something/be on a quest.

The hero is normally male. He is often a dominant character who has to look after/rescue the

females in his life or more vulnerable characters.

There will be some action – due to the danger faced - often with violence, including guns

(weapons), explosions, chases and escapes.

There may be a feeling of suspense.

The location may be exotic, unusual or spectacular in some way; it may even feel threatening

or trapping.

Look at these images from Action Adventure films. Decide which code(s)/convention(s) is

being shown in terms of the Action Adventure genre and complete the paragraphs.

The characters and events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. One code and/or

convention used is ______________________________________________________ this

shows us____________________________________________________________ and can

be seen when _____________________________________________________________ .

Furthermore another code and/or convention used is ______________________________

this shows the audience _______________________________________________________

and is evident when _________________________________________________________ .

The characters and events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. One code and/or

convention used is ______________________________________________________ this

shows us____________________________________________________________ and can

be seen when _____________________________________________________________ .

Furthermore another code and/or convention used is ______________________________

this shows the audience _______________________________________________________

and is evident when _________________________________________________________ .

The characters and events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. One code and/or

convention used is ______________________________________________________ this

shows us____________________________________________________________ and can

be seen when _____________________________________________________________ .

Furthermore another code and/or convention used is ______________________________

this shows the audience _______________________________________________________

and is evident when _________________________________________________________ .

The characters and events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. One code and/or

convention used is ______________________________________________________ this

shows us____________________________________________________________ and can

be seen when _____________________________________________________________ .

Furthermore another code and/or convention used is ______________________________

this shows the audience _______________________________________________________

and is evident when _________________________________________________________ .

Question 2: Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

– Soundtrack

– Camerawork

– Editing

– Mise-en-scene

Use examples from the text. When writing about camerawork in an extract you need to be able to identify different camera shots and angles and discuss why they help the film fit the Action Adventure genre. Identify each of the camera shots/angles used in the following images and say why you think they have been used.

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Camera angle/shot type: Effect:

Look at these images from Action Adventure films. Decide which camera shot/angles are

being shown and complete the paragraphs.

(The Bourne Identity – character: Jason Bourne)

One way that camerawork is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre is

__________________ . This can be seen when ___________________________________

________________________________. The film-maker does this to _________________

__________________________________________________________________________ .

(Mad Max)

One way that camerawork is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre is

__________________ . This can be seen when ___________________________________

________________________________. The film-maker does this to _________________

__________________________________________________________________________ .

Another way that camerawork is used to create effects is ____________________________ .

This can be seen when _______________________________________________________ .

This is done to _____________________________________________________________ .

(Raiders of the Lost Ark – character: Marion)

One way that camerawork is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre is

__________________ . This can be seen when ___________________________________

________________________________. The film-maker does this to _________________

__________________________________________________________________________ .