This week you're going focus on the following for homework;
(you have until Friday week 6 to complete this)
1. Plan a reccie to get location shots and include these in this blog post. Get some footage and photos of the types of shots you envision getting at these locations. Include in this post how you feel the reccie went and what you feel will work well verses what may be an issue.
(example of reccie footage with practise shots CLICK HERE)
2. Costume
Go op-shopping / organise the costumes and wardrobe for your shoot. Document this process well as the rationale behind your choices
Remember that both the mise-en-scene (props/ costumes/ colours/ symbolism in motifs, setting etc) all create a branding palette of colours and style. Being intentional with the look and feel of your video and what shots you'll get photos of, too, is important at this stage.
This is going to come in useful with your whole project, including the digipak and social media page.
I want you to Create a new blog post called 'Artist and branding research'
A.
Read this article and make notes on 7 MUSICIANS WHO NAILED THEIR BRANDING CAMPAIGNS
Read this Forbes article and make notes on BRANDING POWER of music artists and how this is relevant to your project.
B
- Look up digipaks for previous CD's from your artist. Embed them into your post
- Find other forms of branding (whether it's advertising for shows / articles in magazines or newspapers / instagram pages / facebook - get screen grabs of all of these!)
- What are your observations for how the artist brands themselves? (go in depth here! Not just surface observations. Fonts / colour / is the artist always dominant in images? Are they always in front of a crowd? Are they always power-dressed and in power positions / stances in the photos? Do they try and appeal to a certain group of people with anything they do?)
- How are they represented to their audience?
- What would their target audience be?
- How are you taking this into consideration based on your own representation of this artist's branding in your project?
You're developing a fully realised protagonist including:
Backstory (not shown in film)
Core internal conflict
External conflict
Character arc
Symbolic elements (costume, colour palette, setting)
Representation analysis (how might audiences interpret this character?)
Link to the following theories:
Propp (if applicable)
Levi-Strauss binary oppositions
Claude Lévi-Strauss’s theory of binary opposition posits that narratives are driven by pairs of opposing, contrasting elements (e.g., good/evil, human/monster) that construct meaning and create conflict. These, often stereotypical, character dichotomies—such as hero vs. villain, young vs. old, or male vs. female—help define character roles and deepen the plot.
Key Examples of Character Binary Oppositions:
Good vs. Evil: Hero vs. Villain (e.g., Harry Potter vs. Voldemort, Snow White vs. the Queen).
Human vs. Non-Human/Supernatural: Sarah Connor vs. The Terminator.
Rational vs. Irrational: Logical, calm characters vs. emotional or chaotic ones.
Modern vs. Traditional: Characters representing new ideas vs. old customs.
Active vs. Passive: Dominant/strong characters vs. weak/vulnerable ones (e.g., in film posters).
Gender/Age Stereotypes: Male/female, young/old, or knowledgeable/ignorant.
Function in Narrative:
Conflict Generation: The tension between opposing forces drives the story.
Meaning Creation: Characters are defined by their relationship to their opposite (e.g., "bravery" only holds meaning when contrasted with "cowardice").
Structure: These opposites, often derived from myths and legends, organize the narrative.
While traditionally rigid, modern applications of this theory often show more complex or blended, rather than purely opposing, character roles.
In your exploration of the drama genre and how to pull it off, I'd like you to do some research.
I want you to find 3 drama film and/or short films and analyse the conventions of the genre, just like we did for the Thriller genre last year.
Explore;
- common themes
- codes (narrative and technical)
- conventions commonly used
- examples of successful drama films/ short film and what made them successful from an audience perspective
The closer to your idea, the better. If you are exploring themes of relationships and friendships or betrayal, look for examples similar and how they did that.
Present your findings in a blog tool. You have until Friday to complete this.
This will be due NEXT WEEK FRIDAY so it will be a combination of class-work and homework.
1. By now you have decided on an idea you're going to run with (you've picked a story & a genre)
Now;
2. Do a visual brainstorm with a few inspirational shots of what 'look and feel' you're wanting, ideas you're thinking of etc. Scan this and upload to your blog. This needs to look like a mood-board / vision- board and be very visually informing.
3. Film a PITCH for your music video (either via I-phone / camera). Upload this to your blog. (Pitch your film as though you were seeking investment for your project). (already done :))
4. Audience research - Show your pitch to 10 people and gather initial feedback on the idea. Create a blog post that outlines the main thoughts about the idea from those who watched the pitch.
Questions to ask (along these lines)
- What genre of movie do they watch most?
- What do they expect out of your genre when watching movies or TV series? (what conventions / elements do they expect to be included)?
- Why do they watch short form content (if at all)?
- How often do they watch / consume movies / short films?
- What is their initial thoughts of your pitch and what critique (if any) do they have of your initial idea?
5. Create a CONCEPT and TREATMENT (using template documents provided) for your choice of music video. Upload this to your blog
6. Create a blog post that highlights some ideas for locations. You will want to include the following;
- photos/ stills from music videos whose look and feel is what you're using as inspiration
- a rationale behind your creative choices for location (remember to comment on location as a huge factor of mise-en-scene, perhaps how your location will influence your lighting options (is it set outside in natural light? Are you wanting shadows and artificial light? Are you wanting a bright 'sunny' day?)
- Options for your first, second and third choices of shooting locations. Put up photos, maps and a brief description of each location as well as pros and cons for each one. What may be a foreseeable hindrance (is it a public place with lots of people in the background? Is it subject to rain / weather? Would you need permission for specific buildings?)
7. Read through the Codes and Conventions research from last week. Include these in your concept and treatment, highlight codes and conventions you are choosing to use (or thinking of using) for your music video. Think about codes and conventions of your particular genre and then include some details and pictures for what you're planning on doing for the different technical elements that would all be the codes and conventions of your product.
Please watch the briefing video below and get on with your checklist for the week, it's a busy one! :)
This will be due NEXT WEEK FRIDAY so it will be a combination of class-work and homework.
1. Decide on an idea you're going to run with (pick a song & a genre)
2. Do a visual brainstorm with a few inspirational shots of what 'look and feel' you're wanting, ideas you're thinking of etc. Scan this and upload to your blog. This needs to look like a mood-board / vision- board and be very visually informing.
3. Film a PITCH for your music video (either via I-phone / camera). Upload this to your blog. (Pitch your film as though you were seeking investment for your project).
4. Audience research - Show your pitch to 10 people and gather initial feedback on the idea. Create a blog post that outlines the main thoughts about the idea from those who watched the pitch.
Questions to ask (along these lines)
- What genre do they listen to most?
- What do they expect out of your genre when considering a music video for the music? (what conventions / elements do they expect to be included)?
- Why do they watch music videos (if at all)?
- How often do they watch / consume music video content?
- What is their initial thoughts of your pitch and what critique (if any) do they have of your initial idea?
5. Create a CONCEPT and TREATMENT (using template documents provided) for your choice of music video. Upload this to your blog
6. Create a blog post that highlights some ideas for locations. You will want to include the following;
- photos/ stills from music videos whose look and feel is what you're using as inspiration
- a rationale behind your creative choices for location (remember to comment on location as a huge factor of mise-en-scene, perhaps how your location will influence your lighting options (is it set outside in natural light? Are you wanting shadows and artificial light? Are you wanting a bright 'sunny' day?)
- Options for your first, second and third choices of shooting locations. Put up photos, maps and a brief description of each location as well as pros and cons for each one. What may be a foreseeable hindrance (is it a public place with lots of people in the background? Is it subject to rain / weather? Would you need permission for specific buildings?)
7. Read through the Codes and Conventions research from last week. Include these in your concept and treatment, highlight codes and conventions you are choosing to use (or thinking of using) for your music video. Think about codes and conventions of your particular genre and then include some details and pictures for what you're planning on doing for the different technical elements that would all be the codes and conventions of your product.
- Create a blog post labelled 'Representation Research'
- choose a group in society and analyse how they have been represented in particular music video genres.
- You may choose to look at something broad like 'women in hip-hop music videos ' , something like how a specific ethnic group/ race is portrayed or something more specific like love and romance in pop music videos.
Action Plan
- Find newspaper, blog or journal articles that have been written in response to the portrayal of these groups in the media that will form research for your project.
- Analyse 5 music videos and provide examples that conform to or challenge stereotypes.
- Summarise your findings in a research presentation.
- Include at least one theorist and apply the media theory to your findings, commenting on and describing how it is relevant to your findings.
2. Make notes into a blog post about what the genres are in this video and some characteristics of each
3. Choose 3 different music video genres and at least 2 music videos in each genre , embed clips of them from Youtube into your blog
4. Analyse technical/stylistic elements (filming, editing, mise-en-scene and sound)
5. Present your findings in a presentation blog tool (Canva / SLideshare etc)
6. Explain what your genre preference is for creating a music video and why
PART B of Genre Research
Start looking into those 3 genres you discussed in part A and answering the following questions in a blog post;
Look at
- what record labels tend to produce artists in those particular genres
- who is the target audience for those genres (what demograhic is mostly consuming that genre / downloading / watching on Youtube etc)
- How the brand / Artist represent themselves on album covers
- What cross-media-convergence opportunities have been utilised for those artists/ bands in those genres? (newspaper / magazine articles / front covers / TV interviews with celebrity shows / news media)?
*** remember to reference blogs from last year for ideas on how to complete tasks. Please don't use any of the same content! It's just good for a guide.
Today you guys are going to create a PITCH for your short film.
A pitch is a short, persuasive presentation that sells a film idea to producers by proving:
The idea is clear
The story is engaging
The audience is defined
The film is achievable
For A2 Media, it must show:
Narrative understanding
Genre conventions
Audience targeting
Industry awareness
Practical production thinking
Activity: DUE WED
Create a Pitch using the 8 step pitch structure below. Create a slideshow that will be presented as though you were pitching to potential investors, filmed and uploaded to your blog as a Youtube video.
This can be a shared task but should have equal input for marking purposes, both in the planning and the presentation.
You'll be marked on the following areas;
1. Content
- the actual idea
- clarity (clear, structured ideas)
- researched
- creative rationale for choices
- feasibility (realistic)
- audience awareness is specific and justified
2. presentation
- clarity in communication of idea (articulate and concise)
- professionalism
- persuasive and confidence in communicating the idea
- technological tools used in a sophisticated way
- articulate
The 8-Step Pitch Structure
Use this framework:
1. Title & Logline (Hook)
1–2 sentence summary
It must include:
Protagonist
Goal
Obstacle
Stakes
Example:
When a shy teen accidentally livestreams her private diary, she must track down the hacker before her secrets destroy her reputation.
2. Genre & Style
You should answer:
What genre?
Hybrid genre?
Tone? (dark, comedic, surreal, realist?)
Visual style?
Use references:
“Inspired by Black Mirror…”
“Shot in handheld realism like This Is England…”
This shows media literacy which is essential for A2.
3. Target Audience
You must define:
Age range
Gender skew (if relevant)
Psychographics (values, interests)
Where it would be distributed (festival? YouTube? streaming?)
Go beyond: “Teenagers” Rather “16–21 urban audiences interested in social realism and mental health narratives”
4. Narrative Outline (Beginning–Middle–End)
Not the full script, just:
Setup
Conflict
Climax
Resolution
Keep it under 1 minute when spoken.
5. Characters
Brief description of:
Protagonist
Antagonist (or central conflict)
Key supporting role
Focus on:
Motivation
Internal conflict
Representation
6. Themes & Messages
What issues are explored?
Why does this matter now?
How does it reflect contemporary society?
This is where theory can be integrated ( Todorov, Hall, etc.)
7. Visual & Technical Approach
Students should mention:
Cinematography style
Colour palette
Sound design
Editing pace
Locations
Budget awareness
This proves production understanding.
8. Why This Film? (The Sell)
End with:
Why it’s original
Why audiences will care
Why it’s relevant today
This is the persuasive close.
Common Mistakes
Idea too big for a short film
No clear conflict
No target audience
Confusing genre
Overcomplicated plot
No clear ending
Reminder;
A short film is about one moment of change — not a whole life story.
Use the links below to do some research on conventions (specifically but not exclusively, narrative conventions - essentially HOW a story is told).
Create a slide-show (or any blog tool for presentation) that summarises and presents your findings.
You should have a minimum of 10 conventions that you've found AND include relevant examples from movies or TV series that demonstrate or use these effectively.
(this task will lead into what we will do tomorrow)
To make a good short film you have to be a good storyteller.
Knowing what you know already of narrative conventions for a short film, pick a theme from the list below;
1. Guilt
2. Identity
3. Isolation
4. Redemption
You must pitch a 1–2 minute story with:
Beginning / middle / end
One main character
One turning point
No dialogue allowed ('Show don't tell')
Present your story pitch as a voice over, with a creative background video (this is fairly easy to create w/ AI)
You must use the conventions available to you to plan to convey your story.
This will be out of 10 marks and will be assessed based on your ability to understand narrative conventions and construct a short film story, effectively.
You are being employed to write an article for the local newspaper. As a journalist you are going to base your piece on research.
You are going to
1. Choose one of the core areas of society that we studied last year
2. Find at least 2 films or TV series where we can examine this representation
3. Do a short study on how those characters are represented
4. Use your knowledge on Stuart Hall's reception theory to write a research piece on representation of this particular group in modern film or television
