Media Studies- Paper 2 Introductions

Text: Crime drama Subgenres- Gangster,Forensic, Procedural Hybrid genres- crime and horror or crime and gangster Technical Codes of a crime drama Lighting- Cold, blueish Characters Antagonist Nemesis detective has personal problems

Production Storyboard

EXAM PAPER 1 SECTION B

What is a media conglomerate? A media conglomerate is media institution that owns numerous smaller companies. For example Disney is a media conglomerate that owns Marvel Studios. How does ownership shape the content of newspaper? Refer to the Times and the Mirror? Ownership shapes the content of a newspaper as most newspapers have a political bias. This is exemplified in the Mirror as it is owned by Reach plc whose political stance is left wing.That is why the article that was published on 13th March 2019 relating to Theresa May's loss in parliament on the Brexit polls was very critical. The main image of May looking serious anchors the headline. As the image was relatively small this suggests the Mirror have little faith in her. Furthermore, the target audience can also shape the content produced through the approval of ownership. For example, the Mirror's target audience is working class individuals which explains the left wing ownership and content. This is why May was teased in their article with light-hearted deragotory language such as "tottering Theresa." Additionally, The Times is owned by News UK and tends to support the Conservative Party. The Mirror's portrayal of May also reflects Van Zoonen's Feminist theory of how women are often presented as weak. What has been the impact of recent technologies on all elements of the newspaper industry? As of recent times, newspapers like The Mirror have maintained their position in the UK market despite falling sales of the Mirror by moving into regional news according to the Power and Media industries theory. Additionally, Reach plc has become a horizontally integrated company with a wide range of titles in order to maximise audiences and minimise risks. They have expanded to many of their newspapers available online which reflects David Hesmondhalgh's cultural industries theory. What is the importance of fandom in media products? Refer to the Assassins Creed franchise to support your points (8marks) Fandom is important in media products as it allows creators to expand the single product as the targeted audience (consumers) are pleased with the product. This reflects the Henry Jenkins Fandom theory as people are so intrigued in the product to the point where they create communities based on it allowing the creators to make a franchise and expand on that single product. This is exemplified in the Assassins Creed franchise. Originally, the third release within the franchise, Assassins Creed III Liberation, was exclusively available to the PS vita but was later released in a modified HD version across a large range of consoles (such as PS3 and Xbox 360) How important is historical context to media products? Refer to your Tide advertising case study. Historical context in Media products is very important as it demonstrates how much the industry has developed over the years as well as how earlier products such as print advertising was made. For example, The Tide print product represented the 1950s consumer boom as people were becoming more consumerist. The advert consists of a central image of a woman in a red headscarfs which reflects the fashion of the time period. The womans smiling facial expressions and hugging the box indicates she loves the washing powder and housework reflecting 1950s stereotypes of women in the home. Furthermore, this links to Stuart hall's representation theory of how women were viewed during the time period. How is the gaming industry regulated/what are the challenges in this particular industry? (8 marks) The gaming industry in the UK is regulated by the Video Standards Council (VSC) applying the Pan European Game information (PEGI) system. The PEGI system attempts to protect young children across Europe which is why certain games are rated for over 18 as the content is too explicit. This is exemplified in Assassins Creed III Liberation which received a rating of 18 plus due to the violent content. Furthermore, it also reflects Bandura's media effects perspective about how people could try to replicate what they have witnessed in films or video games.

Analysis of The Times front cover

The times front page of Wednesday 13th March 2019 features a centre image of the former Prime Minister Theresa May. Her facial expression is 

PAPER 1 SECTION B THE MIRROR Research and Key questions

 1. Who owns Reach Plc? 

The company is owned by Nicholas Prettejohn and Jim Mullen

2. What other newspapers do Reach Plc own?

They also own The Daily Record which is based in Scotland and The Guardian Reach Group 

 3. What ways can audiences access this newspaper? 

These newspapers are often prin

4. Visit the website of some of the newspapers Reach Plc owns and read some of their articles. What political agenda do they hold?

 5. What evidence of this do you have? 

6. Who is the intended readership (audience) for The Daily Mirror. You must consider the demographic profile and the psychographic profile.

Media Coursework- Article (300 words)

 

“They doubted me because they were afraid of what I could achieve.”- Narissa Johansson

Here at the Rising Star we love to review upcoming TV shows, movies, music anything entertainment related really. Within today’s society, the entertainment related really. There’s a new series on Netflix almost every day! It is getting harder to keep up by the hour. Luckily, we are currently with Narissa Johansson who is the lead protagonist of the upcoming crime drama “Anonymous” on Channel 4. In this exclusive interview she details what it was like to work on set alongside her co-stars, self-esteem issues and the unseen pressures of the film industry.  I must say I really enjoyed interviewing her as she has a bubbly personality and is also very intellectual. One thing she said that particularly stood out for me was “They doubted me… because they were of what I could achieve.”

Key Text Paper 1: Section B - Newspapers The Times and The Mirror Ownership and Political Bias

 Tabloid 

Tabloid's are image based and usually have red mastheads, which are in large font at the top of the newspaper. They often feature celebrity gossip columns and use simple language and shorter articles compared to that of a broadsheet. Most of the time the front cover would feature a prominent story while the rest of the paper would be gossip. 

The Mirror- Ownership 

The list includes titles owned by the Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), and those owned by both M.E.N Media and S&B Media, after both companies were purchased by Trinity Mirror as GMG Regional Media from the Guardian Media Group in 2010.

Paper 1 Exam Section B: Practice Exam Questions

 What is meant by a mainstream film? (2 marks)

A mainstream film is often a high budget film which is distributed by global conglomerate companies such as Disney.

Briefly explain what a media conglomerate is? (2 marks)

A media institution that owns multiple mass media enterprises such as TV, Radio etc. For example Disney own Marvel which is a smaller company within the larger conglomerate.

Explain two features of an independent film production. Briefly to I, Daniel Blake to support your points.

One feature of an independent film is that they are not funded by global conglomerate companies such as Paramount but by smaller art councils or local television stations. This is exemplified in I, Daniel Blake as it was produced by the BFI and BBC films. The reason for the low finance of independent films is that they are often targeted towards a smaller, niche audience which means a large budget is unnecessary as it will not be viewed by as many people. Furthermore, compared to that of mainstream films, independent films tend to focus around the social realism genre which reflects Steve Neale's genre theory as the audience of niche films are usually of a more educated demographic and are likely to be middle class so they understand the conventions related to it. Likewise, Ken Loach, the director of I, Daniel Blake, is  a social realist filmmaker who focuses on capturing the hardships of ordinary people.

Another feature of an independent film production is that they are marketed on a small scale. This is evident in I, Daniel Blake as regional marketing officers set up free screenings of the film in UK cities such as Newcastle and Manchester to help spread awareness and the message behind the film. Additionally, the small scale marketing is often a reflection of the films budget.

Explain how economic contexts shape mainstream films. Refer to Black Panther in your answer.

Economic contexts such as funding and distribution greatly shape the marketing of mainstream films as they are often produced by global conglomerate companies such as Paramount and Disney. This usually means that more is invested into the production compared to that of an independent film. This is evident in Black Panther as Marvel, which is owned by Disney, initially had a $200 million dollar budget. Mainstream films are often the highest grossing in terms of box office as they are advertised on worldwide platforms such as YouTube or in the case of Black Panther during the Super bowl advert break the trailer was watched by thirty two million people in the same venue. Black Panther is also one of the highest grossing films of all time, earning over $1 billion in the box office . This proves that the large scale marketing was profitable. 

Additionally, vertical integration also has an impact on economic contexts in the production of mainstream films. For example, Marvel Studios is owned by Disney who also own many other media outlets which has a positive impact on film marketing. Due to Disney's influence and Black Panther being part of a very successful franchise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe this helped to shape the profit gained from the film.

Media Coursework Research

 Which product have you chosen to analyse?

I have chosen to analyse the TV Satellite magazine’s crime drama edition from the 14th July 2018  

What are the codes and conventions?

Their is a close up picture of the two main characters (Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar)  in the centre of the front cover. The background is a cold, blue colour which often has connotations of cold, alienation which reflects the genre of the drama which is crime. Additionally, this also links to Steve Neale's genre theory as the audience is primarily familiar with harsh colours being associated with crime. The main text/ headline of the magazine is a single word in enlarged, bold letters of "Unforgotten". The adjective "unforgotten" means it hasn't been forgotten. In the context of this television drama it infers to whatever happened prior to the next episode will be investigated by the two main actors on the cover. Those who are familiar with the series may have an instant understanding or theory of what will occur next.

What is the primary group of  people represented?

The demographic group of the actors on the front cover is likely to be middle aged mainstreamers who live ordinary lives (e.g work a 9-5 job etc). 

Is it a positive or negative representation?

It is a uncertain representation as the caption states that the characters will “investigate” yet it does not specify what may happen . The creator purposely left out what will happen to create an effect of suspense and influence the reader to watch the next episode to find out. 

How is this representation constructed? 

This representation is constructed through the codes and conventions of the magazine such as the close up of the characters .

Statement of Aims

 My magazine is targeted at the age demographic of 18-34 year olds so therefore a lot of my content will be targeted towards that social group. Initially, my magazine will be called “The Rising Lead.”

The word "Lead" reflects the magazines background as it is focused around television and visual entertainment. Furthermore, I intend to use colours such as cream, green or white etc that the chosen socio-economic group are attracted to colours with a shorter wavelength. This also reinforces Hall’s representation theory as stereotyping a people group is a form of representation. It will also feature an exclusive interview with the main protagonist of my chosen TV Drama in which I will be making a trailer for my audio visual.

Additionally, for my audio-visual I have decided to film a trailer for a new Crime television drama which is targeted towards the mainstream audience. I would like to have a close of main character within the establishing shot with background dialogue. My aim is to have two locations. One with slightly dark lighting to create an atmosphere of suspicion, mystery and potentially danger.

My 

Ideas for DVD

Paper 1 B- Film Marketing: Black Panther Exam Question

Explain two features of a mainstream film. Refer to Black Panther in your answer. (6 marks)

One feature of a mainstream film is that they are often produced on a high budget by large worldwide media companies such as Paramount . This is exemplified in Black Panther which had a budget of around $200 million and was produced by the famous Marvel Studios as the seventeenth film instalment to their cinematic universe. Furthermore, Marvel is owned by the global conglomerate Disney. Furthermore as the budget is quite high this means that well known Hollywood actors are more likely to be featured compared to that of an independent film , such as I, Daniel Blake. In Black Panther,  A list stars such as Chadwick Boseman and Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong'o were featured.

Another feature of a mainstream film is the genre that the audience have a preference or liking too. Most of the highest grossing mainstream films have been Sci-Fi such as Avatar and Black Panther (both passing the $1 billion milestone respectively). Neale's genre theory identifies this is partly because surrealist genres such as Sci-Fi captivate people from multiple demographics regardless of how old or young they are. Additionally, Black Panther was released in almost 500 cinemas across the USA which also increases the audience.

Black Panther Historical and Cultural Context

 Historical Context 

From the 15th-20th century, European powers colonised African countries and exploited the continent for its resources and people. During the early 20th century African Americans attempted to establish a new black cultural identity with movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. The Black Panther Party (October 1966-1982) was a political activist group established initially to provide armed monitoring of police behaviour in the US.

Cultural Context

The Sci-Fi and Superhero genres have traditionally been dominated by white, male characters. In the 1990s, Will Smith and Wesley Snipes did break ground playing black characters. Although, superhero films rarely feature African American actors in lead roles. Black cinema has traditionally consisted of issues-based social realism (e.g Spike Lee's films). Blade (1998) is one of the few superhero films to have a black main character. US/European news media tends to portray Africa as under privileged, developing continent focusing on civil wars, famine and wars.  

Afro Futurism and Black Futurism

Afro futurism is a literary and musical movement that explores black literary and musical movement that explores black identity, culture and struggles. Black Panther is directly related to this movement as it reveals a black leaders role in a world largely controlled by white dominated power structures.

Economic and Political Context

Barack Obama (2009-2017), America's first African American president created initiatives that supported minority groups. Worrying statistics about the amount of unarmed people of colour shot by US police lead to the #blacklivesmatter. 

Paper 1 Section B Film Marketing Black Panther

 What made it successful?

Black Panther is the 17th film in the "Marvel Cinematic Universe" the highest grossing franchise in history. The film officially introduced the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the fictional African nation of Wakanda which is also a secret technological and advanced civilisation . It added depth to the superhero that is Black Panther as he fights for his people and country. Another reason why the film was global triumph is because the Sci-Fi genre has been dominated by white male protagonists for decades. When ethnic minorities are portrayed in superhero movies they are often the sidekick and not the main character. This relates to Steve Neale's Genre theory as the audience are familiar with this particular type of structure in the film industry and that is what they enjoy watching. However, Black Panther does not conform to this stereotypical set up with the film having a black antagonist and main character which would intrigue people of all backgrounds who have not witnessed this before. This is exactly what happened as up to 48% of the films grossing came from an international audience.

Product Context

Black Panther is the 17th film in the "Marvel Cinematic Universe," the highest grossing film in the franchise history. It was directed by Ryan Coogler (Creed) and was released February 2018. The film introduces the audience to the fictional African Kingdom of Wakanda which has avoided European colonization and achieved a technological superiority through the use of a mineral called vibranium. It was produced by Marvel Studios a famous comic book brand that is also a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

Historical Context 

From the 15th-20th century, European powers colonised African countries and exploited the continent for its resources and people. During the early 20th century African Americans attempted to establish a new black cultural identity with movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. The Black Panther Party (October 1966-1982) was a political activist group established initially to provide armed monitoring of police behaviour in the US.

Cultural Context

The Sci-Fi and Superhero genres have traditionally been dominated by white, male characters. In the 1990s, Will Smith and Wesley Snipes did break ground playing black characters. Although, superhero films rarely feature African American actors in lead roles. Black cinema has traditionally consisted of issues-based social realism (e.g Spike Lee's films). Blade (1998) is one of the few superhero films to have a black main character. US/European news media tends to portray Africa as under privileged, developing continent focusing on civil wars, famine and wars.  

Afro Futurism and Black Futurism

Afro futurism is a literary and musical movement that explores black literary and musical movement that explores black identity, culture and struggles. Black Panther is directly related to this movement as it reveals a black leaders role in a world largely controlled by white dominated power structures.

Economic and Political Context

Barack Obama (2009-2017), America's first African American president created initiatives that supported minority groups. Worrying statistics about the amount of unarmed people of colour shot by US police lead to the #blacklivesmatter. 

EXAM QUESTION: LNWH

Explain how the radio industry targets audiences. Refer to Late Night Women's Hour to support your points

The radio industry targets its audience in different ways depending on what the key themes of the discussions that take place on the radio. Each radio has a targeted demographic based on the topics they discuss. For example in 1967, BBC Radio 1 launched and its target audience was the younger generation due to its heavy rotation of pop music. Similarly, Late Night Women's Hour's targeted audience is women. 

, Late Night Womens Hour started in the 1940s but the conversations were based around the war and however from the 1960s until now the conversations have shifted to reflect the changing interests and perspectives of their target audience. For example a fairly recent podcast title from 26^th June 2019 was the “Gender Pay Gap” and the hosts were financial journalist Iona Bain, and writer Ambreen Razia. This demonstrates how much conversations have changed over the last seventy years. Aside from conversations the way in which radio is distributed to its target audience has also significantly improved ever since Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) was introduced to the UK in 1995. This meant that radio could be listened to from cars or MP3 therefore making it easier for targeted audiences to access. In the case of Late Night Women’s Hour this meant that women no longer had to listen from the home radio.

One of the main theories that surround audiences and the radio industry is Curran and Seaton’s Power and Media industries theory. They argue that Late Night Women’s Hour challenges the idea that media is controlled by a small number of companies driven by the logic of profit and power. The fact that Late Night Women’s Hour is available on podcast supports Curran and Seaton’s idea that socially diverse patterns of ownership help create conditions for varied and adventurous production.

Even though LNWH is targeted at women different podcasts are aimed at various age groups regarding the topic. For example one of the conversations was titled “Heart attacks/ Taking your child to work” and the presenters were barrister Samantha Davies and scientists Sophie Scott. Initially, the demographic group that is directed towards is working mothers and women with health issues. However, any one who is interested in health or what life is like for a working mother can tune in.

CASE STUDY: Late Night Women's hour

History of LNWH.

Late Night Woman's Hour is a spin-off from the long-running BBC Radio 4 daily magazine programme, Woman's Hour. It began broadcasting in 2015 on a limited basis but was so popular that it began a permanent run as a monthly, then in 2018, a weekly podcast. Woman’s Hour was first broadcast in the 1940s, so it’s worth considering the historical and social shifts that have occurred since the show’s inception. The original show reflects possible tokenism (a show set aside for women might imply all other radio content was oriented towards men). Late Night Woman’s Hour features frank and open discussions and demonstrates societal shifts and increased gender equality although some of the issues raised reflect the fact that society is not yet completely equal.

Product Context/ Themes of LNWH

It is recorded weekly and hosted by Emma Barnett. The podcast also features female guests from a range of backgrounds including science, health and entertainment. Each episode focuses on a particular theme that applies or is relevant to the female audience e.g 'Lost Friends'. The original broadcast was usually at 11pm every Thursday which means explicit and honest conversations.

The podcast reflects the changes in women's position in society as when it was first broadcasted in the 40s many of the topics were based around women in the war however today's conversatons on the podcast are quite empowering for women . For example the title for a recent conversation was "How to make your voice heard" and it included special guests who are young female activists.

RADIO INDUSTRY- Research Task 1

BBC RADIO 1: To entertain and engage a broad range of young listeners with a  distinctive mix of contemporary music and speech.

BBC RADIO 3: To offer a mix of music and cultural programming in order to engage and entertain its audience.

BBC RADIO 4: To be a mixed speech service, offering in-depth news and current affairs and a wide range of other speech output including drama, readings, comedy, factual and magazine programmes.

BBC ASIAN NETWORK: To provide speech and music output appealing to British Asians, with a strong focus on news and current affairs.

EXAM QUESTION: Assassins Creed

How have recent technological changes had an impact on the production, distribution and audience experience of computer games?

Self Reflection of Poster (300 words)

Self Reflection

My poster consisted of a side portrait of a model shot by myself. The editing included adding the title to the top of the poster and release date and review placed at the bottom.

Timeline of Video Games

1972- Magnavox Odyssey
1977- Atari Pong and Home Pong
1978- Magnavox Odyssey 2
1978-Mud Gaming
1980- Pac Man
1982- Commodore 64
1983- Game Crash
1985- Nintendo Entertainment System
1986- Sega Master System
1989- Nintendo Game boy
1990- Windows PC games
1991- Nintendo

PAPER 1 SECTION B-Audience/Industry Video Games Assassins Creed 3 Liberation

Product Context


Assassin's creed III Liberation is part of the very successful games franchise, was developed by Ubisoft and released on 31st October 2012.
The game offers pleasures that the audience and existing fans would be familiar with from the previous games (Assassins vs The Templars) along with new elements to target a wider audience.


Economic and Political context

The release of new gaming technology or games from popular franchises can

EXAM QUESTION: Paper 1 section B (plan)

Explain how economic contexts shape independent films. Refer to I, Daniel Blake to support your points (15)

Point- Funding included the BBC/BFI however the director was a strong force behind this film. Ken Loach an active socialist created this to draw awareness to those who are often neglected by the state as they are out of work. Marketing: Disruptive marketing technique was used to promote the film.

Evidence- Regional marketing officers helped to promote the film in various cities across the uk.

Economic context

Largely filmed on location, relied on acting more than camera shots and special effects (link back to context)

It's funding was different to that of a mainstream film because it was funded by publicly funded, British institutions so therefore they do have a role to put out content

FILM MARKETING 2: Independent Film I, Daniel Blake

Summarise what types of films the director makes


I, Daniel Blake was directed by Ken Loach who is known for his socially critical films that focus particularly on poverty (Poor Cow, 1967), homelessness (Cathy Come Home) and labour rights. Loach is a social campaigner and this is evident from the content of his films. The marketing for this film is specific to its potential audiences. The trailer explores government policies suggesting its target audience would be politically aware and perhaps slightly elderly. The film addresses contemporary issues within British society such as how well the welfare state caters to those who actually need it by using characters who are very much under represented in the media.

The film used a system of disruptive marketing to develop awareness of the film and its message. This includes not using traditional mainstream marketing methods such as having multiple trailers for different types of audiences. An example of this for I, Daniel Blake was recruited regional marketing officers in cities across Northern England such as Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool to organize free screenings and talks in local community centers to help enhance the film's social message. The marketing strategy behind the film also had a political impact as Jeremy Corbyn atteneded the London premiere. Furthermore, I Daniel Blake was projected on to the House of Parliament which is an example of guerilla marketing.

Mind Map: Poster Production

Genre: Crime Drama, suspense, mystery and thriller.

The production brief states that the target demographic is 30-45 year olds