12C: MEST2 Status update

In today's lesson we will be having group tutorials to see how your research and planning is progressing. You need to be working on the following tasks for the rest of the lesson AND homework:

MEST2 Status update - Monday 8 December
You need to post regular status updates to your blog throughout your MEST2 coursework to make sure you're keeping up with the work and documenting tutorial feedback. Your first status update needs to include the following:

1) Your finalised group

2) Your initial plans for your new TV programme that meets the MEST2 brief

3) A link to your research blogpost - the five TV/film opening scenes you have analysed that will help inform your own ideas and production work.

4) A write-up of your tutorial.


Research and planning Task #2: Institution research
Research E4 and BBC3 - two channels that boast a similar target audience to your brief. For EACH channel, research the following:

Channel history
When did it start broadcasting? What was the critical reception? Any controversial moments? What genre of programmes is the channel best known for?

Notable successes
What TV programmes have been most successful for the channel? Why do you think they were so successful? Are any of these programmes similar to your idea for a new TV programme?

Target audience
Look carefully online and you'll find a detailed breakdown of the target audience. For example, E4 has an excellent sales webpage that contains links to incredibly informative Powerpoint documents that outline E4's target audience and key statistics in great detail.

Write up the demographic breakdown of the channel's target audience. Once you have done that, write an analysis of the target audience stating what psychographic groups might watch the channel and also what brands or lifestyle choices viewers would be interested in.


Audience focus group preparation
Prepare a pitch for next week's Audience focus groups. Your group will be pitching your new TV programme concept to a focus group of 10 students and recording the discussion that follows. This will provide you with invaluable feedback on your idea before it goes into production.

You need to be able to sell your idea to the focus group and communicate the genre, style and content clearly and concisely. The only way you will manage this is by KNOWING your idea inside out.

Your pitch needs to include the following:

• A clear explanation of your idea, possibly referencing other programmes/films
• Details from the brief: characters, narrative themes and location
• Why your idea might appeal to the key 15-35 year old audience demographic
• Scheduling details - when it might be broadcast and on which channel

Due: next Monday 15 December