AS Media Coursework Outline

G321 - Foundation Portfolio

Practical work is probably the main reason why most students undertake a Media Studies course, because apart from being hugely satisfying and a great deal of fun, it also allows you a chance to demonstrate skills, understanding and creativity.

In the OCR AS Media Studies specifications the purpose of the production module is defined as follows:

The purpose of this unit is firstly to assess candidates’ ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills; secondly to assess candidates’ application of knowledge and understanding in evaluating their own work, showing how meanings and responses are created; and finally to assess candidates’ ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research.

There are three briefs for you to choose from:

• print production
• website production
• audio production

There are usually a series of stages for any project to go through, from the original idea to final production, but the most important factor when planning a project is to remember that production work usually takes far longer than you anticipate.

One significant limiting factor is technical expertise in the use of the equipment, which is why this is assessed as part of the project. This is also why there are preparatory exercises for each of the mediums to allow you to gain competence before you begin the project.

Practise basic competences first so that your creativity will not be hampered.

It is VITAL that you have your own copy of the mark scheme so that you know the criteria you will be marked against.

General advice and production principles

Pre-production planning

Whatever your chosen medium, planning is essential. It will result in a higher standard of finished product and evaluation and will save you time. Planning is the most important part of your practical work. In media industries, no-one gets any money to make a product until they have produced satisfactory evidence of detailed planning.

Choice of brief

You have been given a certain amount of choice in your production work so think carefully what is most appropriate for you. As you will be spending a substantial amount of time on the production, make sure that you choose a topic and subject that will engage and interest you.

Research

Research real media products. Spend time looking at as many products as possible that are similar to, or contain elements of, the product you want to produce. Think about what gives you pleasure as a spectator, viewer or reader and this will help you to identify which elements you want to employ in your own production.

Research audiences. If you are creating a new radio programme or a new magazine, do some basic research to check that your target audience will be interested in your product. Conduct interviews with a representative range of people so that you will have a good basis on which to work once you have analysed their responses.

Equipment

We have a good range of equipment as well as software including Photoshop, In-Design, Illustrator and Dreamweaver but the quality of your ideas and planning is more important than having the most expensive equipment.