MIGRAIN: Reading an image

Complete the following from our double lesson on reading an image:

1) Analyse this RBK 50 Cent advert using the key media language you learned today: denotation, connotation, colour, pose, framing, composition, size, type of shot, subject matter, setting, lighting.

2) Next, analyse a print advert of your choice using the same key words.

Remember to put media language in bold or highlight/colour it. Another reminder of the key words:

• Denotation, connotation, colour, pose, framing, composition, size, type of shot, subject matter, setting, lighting.

And always ask the two key questions: Who do you think is the target audience? How does it address/attract that audience?

Due date: confirmed by your MEST1 teacher

Film language: Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene is a critical aspect to our work on film language.

Remember the mnemonic that will help you recall the different aspects of mise-en-scene: CLAMPS.

• Costume
• Lighting
• Actor (placement and movement)
• Make-up
• Props
• Setting

Mise-en-scene blog task

Complete the two tasks for mise-en-scene in the Film Language booklet:

1) Find a distinctive still image and write an analysis of the mise-en-scene. Use each of the aspects you've learned in the lesson.

2) Find three film extracts on YouTube from films of different genres (e.g. horror, sci-fi, costume drama). Embed them in your blogpost and write a comparison of the mise-en-scene in each.

You'll have a certain amount of lesson time for this but will need to complete the rest for homework - deadline set by your teacher (12D - Friday).

Ms Fowler's class - homework

It's been a wonderful start to A Level Media – well done everyone!

Following on from yesterday’s lesson, please answer the below questions in a new post on your blog and publish it before next Monday. Any questions, please ask me in Wednesday’s lesson. 

1) What different forms of Media did you consume over the summer break? Give specific examples.

2) Define Print Media, Broadcast Media and e-Media. When do teenagers come into contact with print media, broadcast media and e-media on a daily basis? Which do they use most and why do you think this is?

3) What audience gratification do teenagers receive from using Apps such as Snapchat and Instagram? Why do you think they are so popular with their target audience? What gratifications do they offer?

4) Regarding the music industry, how has Media production and consumption changed over the last decade? (Think about the movement away from hard copies to streaming.) In your opinion, is this a positive shift? Justify your answer. 

5) Julia Kristeva argues that no text is an isolated entity: ‘Any text is the absorption and transformation of another.’ 

Think of our new Media language:

• Intertextuality- when one media text reference another text. 
• Synergy- when one media text promotes another text.
• Convergence- Different types of Media platforms or technologies coming together.  

Use the below examples and explain HOW each one is an example of the term. 

INTERTEXTUALITY: In Disney’s Aladdin, the Genie character gets a crab caught on his finger. The crab is recognisable as Sebastian, a character from earlier Disney film, The Little Mermaid. Also consider the Scream franchise and the Scary Movie franchise. 

SYNERGY: Also Disney. When Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released last year, the marketing team released Star Wars merchandise in Wal-Mart stores and did a deal with YouTube and Google where the two companies modified their Apps and websites with pictures and colours associated with the film. 

CONVERGENCE: When Beyonce was starring in the films: The Pink Panther, Dreamgirls and Austin Powers, each time she released a music video with music from the film. 

Good luck!

Miss Fowler

Introduction to Film Language

Our first unit preparing for the MEST2 coursework is on Film Language.

This will introduce or revise the key media terminology that is vital across coursework and the exam. Over the next half-term, you'll be watching clips from some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history alongside researching genres and learning the technical language of cinematography, lighting and sound. 

Your first task will involve looking at iconic film posters and considering genre and audience.

Blog task: Complete the 'Film Poster Analysis' from the Film Language PowerPoint:

• Analyse all EIGHT posters in as much detail as possible;
• Try to include media terminology that you might have learnt at GCSE;
• Explain WHY for each of the three questions for each poster;
• Post up all your answers on your new blog;
• Include the actual posters in your blog posting.

Due: next lesson

Welcome to AS Media!

We are delighted you have chosen AS Media Studies and can confidently say that if you attend lessons and meet your deadlines you WILL get a fantastic grade in this subject. 

We have a track record of excellent results in A Level Media and last year Media A Level was judged 'Outstanding' for student progress for the sixth year running. Our A Level results were:

67% A*-B
100% A-E

TWO phenomenal students - Rabia and Kishan - achieved A* grades last year. That's incredible when you consider only 1.6% of all A Level Media students manage to reach A*!

You've got a lot of hard work ahead of you but with commitment, creativity and engagement with the Media you WILL be successful!


AS Media: first tasks

Your first jobs are to get an A4 ring binder folder with dividers (bring it to every lesson) and start your Year 12 Media blogs. You can find step-by-step text instructions to setting up a blog here. Your new blogs will be:

• MEST1 Exam blog
• MEST2 Coursework blog

Once you have your blog URLs, post them as a comment below this post with your name clearly written next to it. For example:

Comment 
Mr Halsey's exam blog: http://mediamacguffinexam.blogspot.co.uk/
Mr Halsey's coursework blog: http://mediamacguffincoursework.blogspot.co.uk/ 

IMPORTANT: It is absolutely essential you remember your log-in details for blogger.com - it is where your Media work will be posted for the next two years. Make sure you do the following:

• Add your mobile phone number so you can get a code by text if you forget your password
• Email your log-in details to yourself using your SCHOOL email address

First blog task

Once you've set up your new blogs, create a new blog post on your MEST1 Exam blog and answer the following questions:

1) Why did you choose AS Media Studies?

2) Did you take GCSE Media Studies (either here at Greenford or a different school)?

3) If you answered yes to Q2, what grade did you achieve in GCSE Media? What coursework tasks did you complete? What would you say your strengths and weaknesses were in GCSE Media?

4) What grade do you hope to achieve in A Level Media?

5) What are your current thoughts about your next steps after A Levels - university, apprenticeship, work?

6) What do you think the biggest media story of 2016 has been and why?

7) What media sources do you use to find out about news and current affairs?

8) What was the last film you watched?

9) What is your favourite ever TV series?

10) How many hours do you spend online in an average day? Is this too little, too much or about right? Why?


If you don't get the questions finished in the lesson, complete for homework - due next lesson.

University of West London - trip briefing sheet

Our radio workshop at the University of West London is on Wednesday 29 June at 10am.

Full details of the meeting place can be found on our trip briefing sheet here.

Remember, we need a reply slip from a parent/guardian in order to allow you on the trip.

See you there!

Welcome to Year 13

Well done on completing a tough and fast-paced Year 12 in Media Studies! The MEST1 exam seemed to go well and we're confident there will be a lot of happy people on results day in August.

The next five weeks will contain critical preparation for Year 13. A2 Media Studies is a significant step up as well as being a far more academic course. We have a huge amount to get through and it is absolutely essential you attend every lesson this half-term to ensure you are ready for the demands of Year 13 in September.

If you don't attend lessons this half-term, we will assume you do not plan to continue Media in Year 13.

The first thing you need to do is move over to our Year 13 blog. You'll be creating TWO new blogs (one for exam, one for coursework) in the next week and we'll be putting up work on the Year 13 blog from now on.

The Year 13 blog is here - let's get started!